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.
Disaster Connectivity Maps Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 1161
Sector: BDT
Department: DNS
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 10 working days within the period of 20 May to 30 June 2023
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 25 May 2023
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
Disasters have devastating effects on people’s lives and livelihoods, and in terms of economic losses. The least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and natural hazards.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play an important role in increasing resilience of countries facilitating the flow of vital information in a timely manner before, during and after disasters strike. Information is critical for decision-making processes, as well as for rapid response during emergencies. The incredible growth in ICT networks and services, including radio, satellite, and mobile services, means that the opportunity is there for more people to be reached in a timely manner. However, resilience in these systems need also be considered to ensure such systems survive catastrophic events. Under this context, Disaster Connectivity Maps has been launched to help governments, telecom operators and first responders better understand the status of communication networks during times of disaster.
The DCM provides reliable and near real-time information on the status, coverage, and performance of communication networks during times of disaster, by leveraging multiple data sources. The data from the DCM is publicly available and accessible via a dedicated web portal, mobile phones, and specialist GIS software to first responders, including the UN Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), network operators, national regulators and administrations, and the public in affected disaster zones.
The information included in the DCM will enable targeted intervention and restoration of mobile networks, which is essential when coordinating disaster response activities and helping reduce loss of lives and economic damages. The speedy recovery of communication networks will contribute to the countries’ climate adaptation effort and support countries in a faster and better recovery.
ITU is seeking an international consultant to support work on partnership and outreaching of the DCM project. The consultant will be responsible to develop a pitch deck to communicate the key features and case studies of the DCM with partners and users, in order to increase the visibility of the DCM, as well as improve the reliability of the real-time data by cooperating with partners on data layers.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The consultant will work under the direction of the Head of Environment and Emergency Telecommunications Division (EET), within the Digital Network Society Department of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, and in close coordination with the Disaster Connectivity Maps (DCM) working group.
The consultant will:
1. Design and develop a DCM pitch deck in slides format which will be used to communicate key features and benefits of the DCM to partners, donors, and users. The pitch deck should include the introduction of the DCM concept, current data sources, past activations and responses, as well as a couple of case studies from those activations to illustrate the value of DCM for humanitarian response efforts. The development process will involve close collaboration between the DCM working group. The consultant will present the pitch deck to the DCM working group, integrate comments and finalize the pitch deck.
2. Join and support the coordination of regular meeting of the DCM working group and provide high-quality, substantive advice and inputs.
3. Support the outreach and promotion of DCM.
4. Engage and follow up with potential partners to identify new data sources for DCM.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
Develop a DCM pitch desk to be used for communication with partners, donors, and users.
COMPETENCIES
In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on national emergency telecommunications, mobile-based early warning system and technology on cell-broadcast, emergency communication, disaster recovery, emergency response, and crisis management.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education: University degree in telecommunication, computer science, information technology or other related field. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the field relevant to the Special Service Agreement.
Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level is required.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Daily rates salary to be defined according to the minimum requirements and the work experience of the consultant in the field of expertise.
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.
