Head, Least Developed Countries Division

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. ITU also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.

VACANCY NOTICE Nº  2P-2016/BDT-PKM/EXTERNAL/P5

Date of Issue: 12 January 2016 Currently accepting applications Applications from women are encouraged Functions: Head, Least Developed Countries Division Post Number: TD43/P5/585 Deadline for Applications (23.59 Geneva CH) : 14 March 2016 (16 day(s) until closing deadline)  Duration of Contract:  2 years with possibility of renewal for 2 additional years   Type of Appointment: Fixed-term Appointment Duty Station:  Geneva, Switzerland Grade: P5

Organ: The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union (the Union has three functional sectors: Standardization, Radiocommunication and Development) which deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, as well as technical cooperation activities (expert missions, training programmes, field projects, seminars, etc.).

Organization Unit: Within the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the ITU and in close collaboration with the Deputy to the Director and the ITU Regional Offices, the Project Support and Knowledge Management Department (PKM) is responsible for assisting ITU Member States and ITU-D Sector Members strengthen the institutional and organizational capability to adapt to the rapidly changing telecommunication/ICT environment through capacity building. The Department also provides administrative and technical support in the formulation of project proposals and implementation of projects, project monitoring and evaluation; produces and disseminates timely statistical and analytical data on the Telecommunication/ICT Sector and the Information Society; and supports the work of ITU-D Study Groups. The Department is also responsible for providing concentrated assistance to least developed countries, small island developing states and landlocked developed countries. In addition, PKM implements activities and projects in the domain of emergency telecommunications, and climate change. The Department is also responsible for making contribution to and following-up the work of ITU-D Study Groups for issues related to the responsibilities of the Department.

Duties / Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Chief of Project Support and Knowledge Management, BDT, the incumbent is responsible for four distinct activities, namely: Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Countries in Special Need, Emergency Telecommunications, and Liaison with the ITU External Affairs and Corporate Communication Division on related matters. In this respect, he/she: Studies and reviews general telecommunication/information and communication technology (ICT) needs of the LDCs, SIDS, and LLDCs in accordance with relevant Resolutions 30 adopted by the ITU Plenipotentiary Conferences and prepares proposals with a view to responding to their specific needs.  Prepares programmes of assistance specifically tailored for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS in close collaboration with the field offices, supports the field offices in implementing these programmes and monitors their impact.  Acts as Focal Point and evaluates/reviews the inputs for BDT Study Groups on study questions of particular concern for LDCs and SIDS. Organizes on a biennial basis a multi-stakeholder Global Forum on LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. Acts as focal point in the BDT for studies and activities related to telecommunication needs of the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS.  Prepares related reports, in particular for consideration by development conferences and Council.  Support the field offices in the preparation and implementation of projects and activities for Countries in Special Need as defined by relevant World Telecommunication Development and Plenipotentiary Conferences. Relations with International Organizations: Is responsible for liaison with UN and other international organizations concerning telecommunication/ICT development issues of the least developed countries and Small Island Developing States.  Participates in meetings and formulates policy recommendations based on study and analysis of reports, documentation and correspondence from the organizations assigned to him/her.  Drafts policy statements and papers for conferences and meetings on LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS in which ITU is formally represented.  Is responsible for bringing to the attention of other Departments or Bureaux of the ITU any issue of intent to them or which may need their specific contribution.  Monitors and reports on the implementation of the UNGA resolutions on operational activities involving the ITU.  Assures the ITU follow-up to the Rio UNCED on Agenda 21 regarding sustainable development.  Periodically negotiates and concludes agreements or memorandums of understanding between the ITU and other organizations.  Ensures the mainstreaming and implementation of UNGA adopted Programme of Actions including the Brussels Programme of Action for the decade 2001-2010 and the Istanbul Programme of Action for the decade 2011-2020 including the preparation of reports on the attainment of ITU's deliverables.  Implements and reports on the Samoa Pathway for the Implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the sustainable development of SIDS. Emergency Telecommunications, E-Waste and Climate Change Adaptation: Makes proposals for special telecommunication needs and appropriate technologies and systems for environmental protection, climate mitigation and adaptation, disaster prediction, monitoring, early warning response for effective management of natural disasters in accordance with the role assigned to the specialized agencies concerned by the United Nations General Assembly, International Conference on Climate Change (COP) and the Tampere Convention.  Participates in the work of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) concerning telecommunication matters.  Takes part in meetings and other work of the Inter-Agency Working Group and the Steering Committee of the IDNDR as necessary.  Prepares reports periodically for ITU contribution to the Director of IDNDR and to ECOSOC on the implementation of the IDNDR as far as telecommunication is concerned.  Participates and contributes to the work of the United Nations Working Group on Emergency Telecommunications (WGET).  Acts as Focal Point and contribute to the work of relavant WSIS Lines and SDGs, related to developing countries, LDCs and small economies.  Provides assistance to Member States in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of telecommunication infrastructure in the post-disaster phase.  Coordinates work of the three ITU Sectors in Emergency Telecommunications working closely with the two designated Sector Focal Points. Other duties: Acts as a link between the BDT and the ITU External Affairs and Corporate Communication Division (EACCD) on matters related to least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing states, climate change and disaster communications.  Provides information to EACCD on telecommunication development activities of the UN system and other international organizations related to least developed countries, Small Island Developing States and disaster communications.  Drafts publications on best practices, Case Studies and tools related to telecommunications/ICT in LDCs, SIDS, Emergency Telecommunications, and Climate Change. Deals with official correspondence with international organizations.  Keeps himself/herself abreast with the latest state-of-the-art in telecommunication development and information technology, and ITU policies and strategies thereto.  Performs other duties as may be assigned to him/her.

Qualifications required

Education: Advanced university degree in telecommunications, or a related field OR education in 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. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with fifteen years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.

Experience: At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in the fields of activity of the post, including extensive knowledge of new technology, and its application for development acquired in a Telecommunication Administration, private operating agency or international telecommunications organization including at least five at the international level. A doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.

Languages: Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration.)

Competencies: Proven ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with officials at all levels in a multi-cultural environment. Ability to take initiatives, aptitude for setting strategic orientations and priorities, planning, and coaching a team to maximize production and achieve set objectives. Ability to communicate orally and in writing with the decisions makers on complex/sensitive issues; ability to draft precise and complete analytical reports, project proposals, documents, projects evaluation. Knowledge of, and ability to use, personal computers. Experience of working in, or in association with, ITU and particularly ITU telecommunication development activities would be an advantage.

Remuneration

Annual Salary: (Net of Tax) 150,254.- USD - 182,352.- USD without dependants 161,736.- USD - 198,226.- USD with dependants

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for written test. Interviews may be used as a form of screening.

For further information concerning the Conditions of Employment please click the following link

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration