BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), through the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) and the Regional Office for the Arab States, is supporting digital transformation and innovation ecosystem development across the Arab region. As part of this work, the ITU is implementing the Digital Innovation Profiles (DIP) initiative to assess national digital innovation ecosystems and identify opportunities to strengthen entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and digital economy growth.
The purpose of this consultancy is to support the ITU Arab Regional Office in conducting research, stakeholder mapping, interviews, ecosystem analysis, and drafting activities related to the development of Digital Innovation Profiles in selected Arab countries. The consultant will provide technical expertise to support evidence-based assessments and stakeholder engagement processes across the innovation ecosystem.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the direction of the Programme Coordinator in the ITU Arab Regional Office, the consultant will perform the following activities:
- Conduct comprehensive research to support the development of the Digital Innovation Profile of the chosen country.
- Identify key stakeholders active in the field of digital innovation in the country, across six groups: public sector, private sector, academia, finance, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurial support network.
- Conduct interviews with key strategic stakeholders in the national ecosystem.
- Regularly update on project progress and forthcoming steps through virtual meetings, emails, and/or status reports.
- Maintain regular meetings with Country Focal Points, Digital Innovation Profile Coordinator, and the Arab Regional Office.
- Produce an initial draft of the innovation profile and then conduct a review, considering feedback received from the ITU and the government focal points.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
The ITU will retain the copyright over all the presentations and reports.
- Conduct secondary research to draft the “Background and Context” and "Current Landscape" chapters and identify key stakeholders in the specified country.
- Conduct interviews across the six stakeholder groups.
- Produce a complete Digital Innovation Profile report for an Arab country, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and ITU.
- Present the draft to national stakeholders for their evaluation.
- Deliver a final draft of the innovation ecosystem profiles.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent analysis, drafting and report presentation capacities.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Ability to take initiative and work independently.
- Comprehensive background and understanding of the subjects related to a digital innovation ecosystem.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in telecommunications, computer science, information technology, or engineering, 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 progressive experience in fields relevant to the Special Service Agreement (SSA).
Proficiency in ITU's ICT-centric innovation ecosystem methodology would be an advantage.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of Arabic or French would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 280 and USD 650 per working day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant and the complexity of the assignment.