Consultant for AI Feasibility Study for SIDS, LLDCs and LDCs in Asia and the Pacific

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.

 

Consultant for AI Feasibility Study for SIDS, LLDCs and LDCs in Asia and the Pacific 

 

 Vacancy notice no: 1839 
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based

 

 Position number: [[positionNumber]] 
Grade: [[PositionGrade]] 
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 45 working days
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 21 November 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 International Telecommunication Union’s Area Office for South Asia and Innovation Centre was inaugurated at the highest levels on 22 March 2023. The ITU Innovation Centre brings together government, industry, academia and others in an entrepreneurial environment so that digital technology advancements in sectors such as agriculture, health, and education can reach the communities that need them most. The Area Office covers seven countries in the region including: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Iran, whereas the Innovation Centre is global in nature and scope.

Area Office and Innovation Centre, Delhi, Strategic Priorities and Goals:
- Addressing special needs of least developed countries, small island developing states, including Pacific Island countries, and landlocked developing countries.
-  Harnessing information and communication technologies to support the digital economy and inclusive digital societies.
- Fostering development of infrastructure to enhance digital connectivity and connecting the unconnected.
- Enabling policy and regulatory environments to accelerate digital transformation.
- Contributing to a secure and resilient ICT.
The purpose of the consultancy is to lead and conduct an assessment on how feasible it is to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) in developing countries with a foucs on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Asia and the Pacific. 
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI