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.
Roster - Consultants for capacity and digital skills development
Vacancy notice no: 2138
Sector: BDT
Department: PPS
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: Various assignments
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 10 September 2026
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 purpose of the consultancy is to establish a roster of consultants to provide expertise on capacity and digital skills related activities.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Depending on the area of expertise, the consultant will:
- Carry out research (desktop and interviews) and detailed analysis on topics relating to capacity development, programmes, initiatives and digital skills strategies.
- Contribute to the development and update of training materials for instructor-led and self-paced training courses on digital technology related topics including but not limited to: syllabus cards, presentations including slides with notes, questions for quiz with answers/explanations, guidelines, manuals, training session plans, custom training assets such as videos, audio snippets, interactive PDFs or other learning objects.
- Deliver training courses online or in person in accordance with the ITU Academy quality assurance guidelines.
- Provide conceptual and strategic input to ITU’s digital skills approaches, frameworks and strategies.
- As required by the framework of the projects, liaise with both internal and partner stakeholders to support setup and roll-out of capacity development initiatives at global, regional and national levels.
- Contribute to the development of methodological approaches to strengthen ITU’s work and impact in this area.
- Contribute to and assist in conducting digital capacity needs analysis as required.
- Conduct and support monitoring and evaluation actions for capacity development projects, including impact assessment and impact stories.
- Generate reports on activities related to: digital skills needs analysis, learning impact evaluation, market research on emerging trends in capacity development for digital skills.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
Specific deliverables will be defined according to the Terms of Reference to be established for each specific requirement and may vary depending on the context and priorities of the division.
COMPETENCIES
- Very good knowledge of the telecom/ICT environment and digital ecosystems.
- Ability to establish priorities and efficient work plans.
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of national digital skills strategies and policies, digital skills frameworks and methodologies, and proven track record of publications in the field of digital skills or digital transformation.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, as well as good presentation skills.
- Knowledge of e-learning platforms and contemporary instructional theory and practice.
- Ability to initiate and maintain good working relations with other colleagues.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in telecommunication/Information and Communication Technology, digital technology, management, education, law, economics, public affairs and international relations, international development, management, engineering, political or social sciences 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of the Special Service Agreement (SSA).
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level.
Knowledge of another official language of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Salary to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant as following:
Between 230-360 USD per working day for 5 to 6 years of experience; and
Between 280-430 USD per working day for above 7 years of experience.
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.
