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.
Resource Mobilization Guidebook Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 1977
Sector: BDT
Department: PPS
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 80 Days from April 2025 to October 2025
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 31 March 2025
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)
To be successful, BDT must create clear and simple mechanisms to develop partnerships with donors, foundations, and the private sector, and coordinate the delivery of these resources to meet the needs of Member States. The Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skill Department (PPS) provides a forum for Member States to collaborate in our Study Groups. To create the necessary synergy, resource mobilization and project design are combined in this department. The Department is responsible for the strategic planning that will properly position the BDT to accomplish its organizational goals and objectives, fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources. As well, it provides expertise in the areas ICT capacity and digital skills development, essential activity to help to close the Digital Divide. It also undertakes initiatives and activities in the framework of the WTDC Plan of Action and strengthen relations with the ITU-D membership.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The importance of mobilizing extra-budgetary resources to foster the implementation of the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) projects and initiatives, including the Regional Initiatives, is widely recognized.
At BDT, resource mobilization is considered as a shared and common responsibility across all BDT staff, both at Headquarters and in the regions, as a team effort where everyone has a role to play.
This emphasizes the importance of equipping and empowering BDT staff from both HQ and the regions to effectively engage in resource mobilization.
To enhance the skills and capacity of BDT staff (at HQ and in the regions) and empower them in successful resource mobilization efforts for the development and implementation of BDT projects, programs and initiatives in the framework of the Kigali Action Plan (and future ones), it is proposed to develop a comprehensive resource mobilization Guidebook.
The Guidebook will provide structured advice and practical tools to help BDT staff identify and target the right audiences, craft compelling messages, and effectively manage the resource mobilization process. It will focus on the prerequisites for a strategic and targeted approach, offering clear, actionable steps for BDT staff to follow (identification, engagement, negotiation, relationship-building, and more) to ensure that fundraising efforts are organized, efficient, and impactful. Additionally, the Guidebook will outline principles for longstanding engagement with funding partners, visibility, and communication, while defining roles of key actors and providing insights into various fundraising methods and opportunities.
It will integrate existing tools and materials that have already been developed to support BDT’s efforts in resource mobilization (e.g., resource mobilization strategies, templates and training material, databases/systems and Project management Guidelines).
Ultimately, the Guidebook will serve as a one-stop resource, equipping BDT staff with the necessary tools to effectively fundraise while fostering a shared vision for resource mobilization across BDT. It will establish a common language for key phases of the resource mobilization lifecycle—ranging from project design and identifying potential funding partners to relationship management and acknowledgement. The Guidebook will offer techniques, templates, and practical resources that streamline the resource mobilization process, ensuring BDT staff are well-prepared and supported.
This comprehensive Guidebook will serve as reference for all BDT staff, helping them navigate the complexities of fundraising and supporting their resource mobilization efforts for projects, initiatives, and activities at national, regional, and global levels.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the direction of the Head of Partnership and Resource Mobilization service with the Projects, Partnerships and Digital Skills Department of the BDT, the consultant will support the development of a comprehensive resource mobilization Guidebook tailored to BDT needs that provide BDT staff with a practical approach to support their resource mobilization efforts for the development and implementation of projects, initiatives, programs, and activities at national, regional and global levels.
More specifically, the consultant will:
- Develop a comprehensive, practical, and informative resource mobilization Guidebook tailored to BDT specific needs that would include an overall framework, a clear definition of resource mobilization, its principles, practices, methodologies, techniques, and approaches (including steps to be followed). It will also highlight funding opportunities and supporting tools to assist BDT staff in mobilizing funds for the development and implementation of projects, programs, initiatives, and activities.
- Conduct a situation analysis by performing an in-depth assessment of BDT current resource mobilization efforts. This includes reviewing existing strategic documents, tools, fundraising strides, partner relationships, funding opportunities and amounts. The analysis will identify ITU/BDT strengths and challenges in competitive spheres of digital technologies and development.
- Define the concept of resource mobilization with its principles and practices.
- Provide detailed processes/steps, methods, types of funding, partners guiding principles, best practices for effective engagement, organizational structure/roles and responsibilities within BDT at HQ and in the regions.
- Develop guidance for supplementary actions related to resource mobilization, such as communication, visibility, tools/systems, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, governance, capacity-building and other relevant areas.
- Explore and provide a list of potential funding sources (e.g., partners, funds, etc. beyond BDT’s current financial partners portfolio) and mechanisms (e.g., Calls for proposals) and recommend those most suitable for BDT taking into account ITU/BDT past efforts, ITU rules and regulations, and key trends and emerging opportunities in the fundraising landscape.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- An inception report outlining the objective, scope, proposed structure (chapter’s skeleton), methodology and timeline.
- An interim version of the Guidebook on resource mobilization with preliminary content for feedback.
- A comprehensive final Guidebook on resource mobilization which will provide a clear step-by-step approach of the resource mobilization process, practicable and actionable steps with supporting template/material/tools, and recommendations on supplementary actions and other knowledge resources (e.g., a list of potential fit-for-purpose funding sources), that includes feedback.
- A summary of the Guidebook content (chapter by chapter).
- A presentation of the final Guidebook to BDT.
COMPETENCIES
- Strong communication skills in report writing and editing content, preferably with an emphasis on development.
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking and planning skills.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in economics, political or social science, communications, business development, or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above.
Experience:
At least ten (10) years of relevant professional work experience in developing and implementing resource mobilization strategies at international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience. Previous experience working with the United Nations or a similar international organization is an asset.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Lumpsum of 24,000. - CHF for the work assigned paid 10,000. - CHF on reception of the interim version of the Guidebook and 14,000.- CHF (final payment) on the reception of the final Guidebook (following review and provided all comments have been addressed).
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU career website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
