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.
Consultant on Digital Investment and Financing, Micronesia
Vacancy notice no: 1798
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 to 24 December 2024
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 23 October 2024
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The General Secretariat directs all the administrative and financial aspects of the Union's activities, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication matters for operational and other purposes, the provision of legal advice to the Bureaux of the Union and the departments of the General Secretariat, logistic support to the Union's activities including conferences, the coordination of the work of the Union with other international organizations, the dissemination of information to the Member States and Sector Members, press, corporate and individual users of telecommunications and the general public. The General Secretariat is also responsible for the organization of world telecommunication exhibitions and forums.
Within the General Secretariat and as part of the Office of the Secretary-General, the Legal Affairs Unit (JUR) conducts studies and provides legal advice and opinions on various types of documents, including treaties, agreements, contracts etc., to enable the Secretary-General to act as legal representative of the Union in its relations with the Member States and other international or multinational organisations; carries out the legal functions associated with the Secretary-General's role as depository of the treaties and other agreements concluded by, or under the auspices of, the Union; studies, and deals with, general legal matters of all kinds and specific questions submitted to it by the Bureaux and Departments of the Union in connection with the Union's structure, functions and activities; advises on the interpretation of legal instruments (Constitution and Convention and Administrative Regulations of the Union, as well as other treaties and agreements, regulations, resolutions etc.); prepares draft amendments to the Constitution and Convention of the Union, its internal rules and regulations and other legal texts; at conferences and meetings, provides legal opinions and performs secretariat functions, as necessary; represents the Union, in particular regarding legal matters, at conferences and meetings with other organisations; carries out any other tasks associated with the Union's activities and entrusted to it by the Secretary-General.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The collaboration among UN agencies (FAO, ILO, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNOPS and UNODC) and the recipient country through the joint programme funded by the Joint SDG Fund aims to drive the adoption of digital transformation initiatives in Micronesia promoting the use of technology to address sustainable development goals while enhancing community resilience. By implementing the 'smart islands' approach in remote areas, the initiative seeks to establish a blueprint that integrates policies, legislation, and digital service delivery. With the support of various UN agencies and partners, including the ITU, efforts are being made to leverage digital solutions to empower different sectors and promote effective service delivery across the region.
The Fourth International Conference on SIDS in 2024 highlighted the urgent need for action to mitigate the impact of climate change on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and support their sustainable development goals. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by SIDS, including limited resources, geographical isolation, and vulnerability to extreme weather events, the conference called for increased international cooperation and financial support to help build resilience and ensure the prosperity of SIDS in the face of the global climate crisis. Furthermore, the conference emphasised the importance of partnerships between SIDS and the international community to achieve sustainable development goals and ensure the well-being of SIDS populations.
In Micronesia specifically, challenges related to digital connectivity, access to global markets, and economic instability highlight the need for strategic efforts to leverage digital tools to bridge the digital gap, enhance government services, and promote social and economic transformations. Addressing barriers to ICT/digital transformation financing and investment in Micronesia, such as limited access to financial resources, lack of awareness, high technology costs, and an uncertain regulatory environment, requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to increase awareness, advance financing, adjust regulations, and stimulate economic growth in the region. A dedicated study examining the objectives, barriers, and opportunities for financing and investing in digital transformation in Micronesia could provide the evidence-based insights needed to accelerate and strengthen these efforts.
The programme aims to:
- Accelerate the implementation of digital transformation-enabling policies, legislation and strategies in various sectors (such as education, agriculture, health, employment, trade, and information and communication technology) by promoting a comprehensive whole-of-government approach to digital transformation at both the institutional and individual levels.
- Pilot the Smart Islands concept in at least five remote islands and villages within the Micronesian countries.
- Pave the way for subsequent follow through actions towards replication and or scaling up the pilot to the broader context of digital transformation in Micronesia.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the overall guidance of the Regional Director of the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and the direction of the Project Manager, the consultant will use quantitative and qualitative research methods to produce a comprehensive report outlining the findings of the study on digital investment and financing and the relevant recommendations for action in the following tasks:
- Data collection: review policies, regulations, studies and other literatures on current financing options and investment opportunities and collect relevant data related to ICT and digital transformation in the Micronesia sub-region (covering Palau, FSM, RMI, Nauru and Kiribati), .
- Consultation: engage with key stakeholders throughout the data collection and analysis process to ensure that their perspectives and insights are taken into account. This includes conducting interviews, focus groups and workshops to gather feedback and validate findings.
- Validation: validate the findings and recommendations of the study through peer review and expert consultation. This will help to ensure that the proposed actions to improve funding and investment opportunities for digital transformation are both feasible and impactful.
- Analysis: analyse the data collected to identify key stakeholders, assess the current financing landscape, and recommend actions to improve financing and investment opportunities for digital transformation.
- Report writing: produce a comprehensive report summarising the findings of the study in accordance with ITU format and standards, outlining key recommendations and providing a roadmap for improving financing and investment opportunities for digital transformation in the Micronesia sub-region.
- Presentation: present the findings of the study to relevant stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers and industry representatives, to garner support for the implementation of the recommendations.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
At the end of the assignment, the consultant will submit the following deliverables for approval by the project manager and the ITU Regional Director:
- Information on current funding options, investment opportunities for digital transformation in Micronesia, and a summary of relevant policies and regulations related to ICT.
- Stakeholder Engagement Report: A report summarising the insights, feedback and perspectives gathered from key stakeholders through interviews, focus groups and workshops. This report will include a list of participants, topics discussed, and how this input was integrated into the analysis.
- Peer Review Summary: A document detailing the feedback received and any adjustments made to the findings and recommendations based on this feedback, ensuring alignment with best practice and feasibility.
- Funding Landscape Assessment Report: A comprehensive analysis highlighting the key stakeholders identified, a detailed assessment of the current landscape and recommendations to improve financing and investment opportunities for digital transformation.
- Project Report: A report summarising the study findings, key recommendations, and a clearly defined roadmap for enhancing financing and investment opportunities for digital transformation in Micronesia, complete with supporting data and analysis.
- Stakeholder Presentation Deck: A focused presentation (e.g. PowerPoint) articulating the key findings and recommendations of the study, designed for an audience of government officials, policymakers, and industry representatives to secure support for implementation.
COMPETENCIES
Demonstrated ability in analysing digital transformation projects, financing and broader digital investment in Micronesia, based on a comprehensive knowledge of the Pacific's unique characteristics, digital transformation strategies and sustainable development principles, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria, and familiarity with the green energy and technology innovation sectors.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in social sciences, communication, economics, humanities/arts, law, management, business, telecommunications/ICTs, engineering, or related field, OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an university degree in one of the fields above. An advanced university degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least three years of experience in finance and investment, including research fellowship experience in the Micronesia sub-region.
A strong background in project management and operations within the United Nations context is desirable, along with expertise in data analysis and complex project management, demonstrating the ability to effectively coordinate with diverse stakeholders. Experience as a research assistant and in project management related to impact investment and advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to present impactful findings and recommendations derived from research and project initiatives, which will be considered an advantage.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Daily working salary between USD 250 to 360 to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.
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.
