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.
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.
Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2277
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: ASAP until 30 June 2025
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 7 April 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)
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 customized 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 Sustainable Development Goals (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 emphasized 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 the Pacific, advocating for enhanced partnerships to achieve shared objectives. The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States also emphasized the need for digitalization in the Pacific.
Recognizing the telecommunications/ICT unique needs of PSIDS, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) Australia, in collaboration with ITU developed a two-year project to formulate recommendations for increased engagement in the region that can better address the unique needs of PSIDS. The project will conduct a situational analysis and needs assessment, focusing on identifying specific telecommunications/information and communication technology (ICT) needs common to the Pacific region, which will be followed by a feasibility study that will outline and evaluate several options to formulate recommendations to serve as a basis for further discussions on potential models for strengthening ITU's presence in the PSIDS.
Project Objectives:
(i) Undertake a situational analysis, needs assessment, and subsequent feasibility study on addressing the special telecommunications/ICT needs of the beneficiary PSIDS; and
(ii) Assist beneficiary PSIDS in accelerating digital transformation in the Pacific.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Regional Director of the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RO-ASP) region and the Senior Project Manager, the consultant will:
- Conduct targeted research and analysis to identify relevant funding opportunities aligned with ITU's Regional Initiatives and ecosystem priorities, including both traditional and innovative financing mechanisms.
- Support the development and execution of resource mobilization strategies focusing on the unique needs of the Pacific, contributing to the co-design of actionable and fundable project concepts.
- Engage with stakeholders in the Pacific, across public, private, and development sectors, including the UN ecosystem, to map potential partners, understand funding landscapes relevant to the region, and catalyse interest in supporting regional initiative implementation.
- As a part of ITU's Pacific Regional Presence team, coordinate closely with the ITU Regional Office (RO-ASP) to co-develop partnership proposals, concept notes, donor outreach plans, and other resource mobilization materials, ensuring alignment with ITU formats and quality standards.
- Facilitate regional dialogues both virtually or in-person aimed at convening potential partners and funders to support the implementation of ITU Pacific regional presence project.
- Engage regularly with the ITU teams to provide updates, incorporate feedback, and ensure output remains relevant to evolving strategic priorities, national and regional needs of the Pacific, and stakeholder interests.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Submission of monthly reports detailing progress on deliverables, and key milestones achieved.
- Concept paper on Pacific resource mobilization strategy and a short-medium-long term execution plan.
- Delivery of a comprehensive Resource Mobilization Tracker, covering Pacific’s resource mobilization landscape, funding opportunity tracker, donor profiles, and financing mechanism options.
- Provision of drafted and submitted funding proposals, and/or concept notes tailored to identify resource mobilization opportunities.
- Submission of a final report to the ITU Regional Director and the Senior Project Manager.
COMPETENCIES
- Ability to research, analyse, and synthesize data on national, regional, and global funding trends, donor priorities, and financing mechanisms relevant to digital transformation and innovation ecosystems.
- Proven ability to identify, engage, and sustain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including public institutions, development agencies, private sector actors, and philanthropic organizations, with a special focus on the Pacific.
- Strong capacity to develop high-quality funding proposals, partnership briefs, and investment concept notes tailored to the interests and requirements of potential donors and partners.
- Ability to align resource mobilization strategies and funding proposals with national priorities, ITU Regional Initiatives, and broader development frameworks such as the SDGs.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, pitch ideas, and build consensus around shared goals and investment opportunities.
- Ability to develop and maintain tracking tools such as implementation validation trackers, partner engagement logs, and fundraising progress dashboards.
- Proficiency in using digital collaboration tools, including MS Office Suite, to co-create documents and engage stakeholders across geographies.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in engineering, economics, social sciences, law, education, management, business administration, telecommunications/ICT or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma equivalent to a university degree in in one of the fields above. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least seven (7) years of experience in leading or contributing to project management, resource mobilisation, partnership management, research studies or related initiatives. A doctorate in a related field may be considered as a substitute for three years of professional experience. Work experience in the Pacific and knowledge of the country in the field of ICTs would be an advantage. Past resource mobilization experience and knowledge of the UN system would be an advantage.
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
USD 230 per working day.
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.
