BDT Digital Ecosystem Consultant Roster

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.

BDT Digital Ecosystem Consultant Roster

Vacancy notice no: 1280
Sector: BDT
Department: DNE
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based

Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Roster
Duration of contract: To be determined
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 31 July 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) of the Union which deals mainly with ICT-focused development policies, strategies and programmes, as well as technical cooperation activities, to promote digital inclusion and drive digital transformation at community, country and regional levels. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of ITU members, BDT is organized into four functional areas:

• Office of the Deputy to the Director and Field Operations Coordination Department
• Partnerships for Digital Development Department
• Digital Networks & Society Department
• Digital Knowledge Hub Department

The Digital Networks & Society Department is responsible for BDT activities in the areas of spectrum management, network development, cybersecurity and emergency telecommunications. This department is also responsible for supporting ITU Member States in their transition to digital societies by providing tools and guidelines to address environmental challenges (in particular, climate change and e-waste), and for promoting innovation, ICT applications/services, digital inclusion and ecosystems, with the ultimate goal to 'leave no one behind'.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

As part of the BDT implementation strategy, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development offers a new approach to bridge the Digital Innovation Divide and empower ITU-D membership to overcome challenges on their path through digital transformation – unlock their digital potential, build local capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship, and accelerate their ecosystems’ impact on cross-cutting sectors for an inclusive and sustainable society. The Alliance will enable transformational projects fostering digital innovation and entrepreneurship for national, regional and global impact.

The Alliance will fast-track five strategic objectives to accelerate countries’ journey towards an innovation-driven digital economy, namely:

• Trends research and readiness
• Open technology innovation
• Entrepreneurship and SMEs growth
• Policy experimentation
• Ecosystem initiatives acceleration

The current generic vacancy aims to build on the ITU roster capacity of consultants with relevant experience in the area of the five strategic objectives to support the work of the Alliance.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

As part of the work on the five strategic objectives of the Alliance, BDT will lead the development of an array of products and services, including:

• Research and analysis
• Human and institutional capacity development materials
• Programmes and initiatives at the national, regional and international level
• Partnerships and cooperation mechanisms
• Stakeholders forums and engagement events

Consultants with strong competencies in the area of the five strategic objectives and with prior experience in developing products and services as outlined may be selected to fulfill one or more specific assignments.

Detailed Terms of Reference and additional guidance will be provided for each specific assignment and may vary depending on the specificities of the assignment.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

Concrete deliverables may include (the list below is non-exhaustive):

• General or specific trends research and analysis in the area of technology, policy or digital development
• Thematic playbooks
• Readiness assessment and gap analysis
• Country case studies
• Policy briefs, guidelines, and recommendations
• Strategies and roadmaps
• Concept and inception reports
• Blueprints for programmes, initiatives
• Analytical frameworks and tools

It's important to note that the specific deliverables may vary depending on the context and priorities of the Alliance. The above examples serve as a starting point and can be adapted to suit the needs of the work, BDT and ITU-D membership.

Detailed deliverables will be defined according to the Terms of Reference to be established for each specific assignment.

COMPETENCIES

1. Professionalism: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of digital innovation trends, technologies, and their potential for socio-economic development. Ability to provide strategic advice and technical expertise in digital transformation initiatives. Show pride in work and in achievements, demonstrate professional competence, conscientiousness and efficiency in meeting commitments.
2. Innovation and ecosystems thinking: Ability to think creatively and propose innovative approaches to address complex problems. Demonstrate resourcefulness in finding alternative solutions and embrace new technologies to enhance work outcomes. Ability to think in terms of systems and relationships of systems to the real environment. These include competencies in system thinking, sense-making and human-centric design.
3. Research: Strong research skills, including the ability to design and conduct comprehensive studies and draw relevant conclusions. Proficiency in gathering information from diverse sources, synthesizing findings, and generating actionable recommendations to inform stakeholders processes, policy and decision-making.
4. Data and Analysis: Proficient in data analysis and interpretation to leverage evidence for sense-making and decision-making. Experience in leveraging data to identify patterns, trends, and insights related to digital innovation, entrepreneurship, policy, technology development and ecosystem building. Ability to develop performance indicators, assess outcomes, and produce data-driven reports.
5. Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively articulate concepts and ideas. Listens actively to others and openly share information and knowledge.
6. Collaboration: Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicit input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise, and be willing to learn from others.

Additional competences related to the specific assignment will be defined in line with the Terms of Reference.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education: University degree or education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma equivalent to a university degree in one of the field of activities of the BDT. Additional requirements may apply depending on the specific assignment. An advanced degree will be an advantage.

Experience: At least one (1) year of professional experience relevant to the work areas stated above in the Terms of Reference.

Languages: One of the six official languages of the ITU at advanced level (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish). The knowledge of a second official language can be an advantage, depending on the specific assignment.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

To be determined according to the expertise and experience required for the Special Service Agreement.

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 Careers 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.