Senior Consultant Digital Transformation PSIDS

INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION  

 

 

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems. ITU also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.

 

Senior Consultant Digital Transformation PSIDS 

 

 Vacancy notice no: 1842 
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Multiple duty stations
Duty station: Multiple duty stations

 

 Position number: [[positionNumber]] 
Grade: [[PositionGrade]] 
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 11 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 5 December 2024

 

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

 

The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:

• Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
• Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS) 
• Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE) 
• Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)

The regional offices provide assistance to the ITU Member States of the Region, ensuring a close relationship and collaboration. To implement the agreed programs and projects, in accordance with the ITU Strategy Plan and the BDT Action Plan, with the active support of all Departments, providing timely information about their development. To provide proper line management and support, the Regional Directors report to the Director of the BDT.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) face significant challenges due to their unique geographical isolation, remote and scattered islands, small populations, and limited telecommunications infrastructure. These factors make it challenging and costly to develop robust communication networks and benefit from economies of scale. Additionally, the socio-economic vulnerabilities of PSIDS make them prone to global economic fluctuations, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change.
The existing digital divide in the region necessitates customised support to address the critical telecommunications and ICT needs of PSIDS. Moreover, capacity constraints within PSIDS governments underscore the pressing need for sustained assistance to enable the region to meet its telecommunications and ICT development goals as well as the SDGs.
Recognizing these challenges, member states have proposed the establishment of an ITU regional presence in the Pacific to cater to the specific requirements of PSIDS and foster closer collaboration with local and international partners to expedite digital transformation in the area. The ITU Council 2020 and the Kigali Action Plan from WTDC-22 have both emphasised the importance of increased ITU engagement in the Pacific region and the implementation of the ITU Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, highlighting the need for collaboration with various stakeholders.
Furthermore, the Pacific ICT Ministerial Declaration 2023 (the Lagatoi Declaration) has identified digital transformation as the theme and has also called for strengthened ITU involvement in