BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The ITU is currently supporting countries in Asia-Pacific on Smart Villages and Smart Islands under various projects and programmes (https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/ICT-Applications/Pages/Initiatives/ASP/Smart-Islands/Smart-Islands-Initiative.aspx). The programme adopts an innovative approach to deliver connectivity and digital services to disadvantaged island communities in a scalable and sustainable manner. It aims to transform rural and coastal communities, improving their livelihood and well-being by connecting them to a range of digitally enabled services.
In this context, ITU is looking for consultants to conduct needs assessment, develop and update workplans, coordinate with national stakeholders and partners, conduct planning of identified smart islands and facilitate its implementation, identify and develop partnerships, conduct community awareness, enhance digital skills and undertake impact studies. These would be guided by ITU needs assessment methodology and experiences in other countries. In doing so, the consultant will consider services from various sectors (commerce, education, health, finance, disaster management, governance etc.) that could be delivered over the digital connectivity.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the direction of the Regional Director and officials of the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the consultant(s) will:
Support the design, planning and implementation of identified Smart Villages and Smart Islands (SVSI) in Asia and the Pacific.
- Design, develop and update the Smart Villages and Smart Islands assessments and plans (including needs assessment, infrastructure assessment, linkage with national plan, partnerships, governance, work plan, sustainability) for identified villages and smart islands (one island but can include more villages) taking into account the digital connectivity, priority digital services, financing, revenues, digital safety, sustainability, digital inclusion and capacity building. The development of the plan will consider the relevant policies and plans of the country, ITU needs assessment methodology, as well as the approach adopted in the ITU Smart Villages and Smart Islands programmes.
- Carry out research and undertake stakeholders (government, community, partners) consultations on smart villages and smart islands planning (individual and meetings) and gather inputs for identified smart island of the country.
- Support regional and national SVSI programme and project implementation including coordination, relevant project reports, project steering committee meetings, advise on procurements.
- Provide informed advice and hold stakeholders consultations and community awareness and conduct training sessions as identified by needs assessment and community requirement.
- Identify specific requirements of vulnerable population (e.g. women, youth, persons with disabilities) and develop a digital skills work plan including skills needed, target audience and potential partners.
- Provide recommendations to the government, community and ITU on the four pillars of Smart Islands including (i) improving broadband connectivity (ii) making broadband affordable (iii) enhancing digital skills and (iv) providing digital services, to impact people's lives based on their local priorities.
- Conduct and support evidence-based village-level studies and reports including impact assessment, and impact stories.
- Develop and implement communication plan for Smart Village and Smart Islands at regional and national level.
- Develop concept notes and project / programme documents for new projects.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
The ITU will retain the copyright over all the presentations, plans and reports.
- Project / programme coordination, communication and reporting.
- Design and update SVSI needs assessment and impact reports.
- SVSI concept notes and project / programme development.
- Community awareness sessions and trainings.
- Research and impact studies.
COMPETENCIES
- Analysis, drafting and report presentation capacities.
- Programme/ project management skills.
- Verbal and written communications skills.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.
- Comprehensive background and understanding of the subjects related to digital services, community networks, community engagement, digital skills, enabling environment for digital service.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education: University degree in economics, social sciences, law, education, management, business administration, telecommunications/ICTs, OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the above listed areas. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience: At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunication / ICTs.
An advanced degree in a related field can be considered as a substitute for one year of working experience.
A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience. Work experience in the Asia-Pacific in ICTs networks and services.
Demonstrated experience in managing international activities.
Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 185 and USD 360 per working day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Shortlisted applicants will be on the roster for up to one (1) year.
Contract: work at home / multiple locations (to be specified).