Disaster Preparedness Consultant - National Emergency Telecom Plans and Mobile Early Warning

Job Posting Organization:
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies. Established to connect the world, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level. The organization works to improve communication infrastructure in developing countries and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems. ITU is dedicated to promoting digital inclusion and driving digital transformation across communities, countries, and regions, with a focus on ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Job Overview:
The Disaster Preparedness Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the ITU's efforts to enhance national emergency telecommunications and mobile early warning systems. This position involves working closely with various stakeholders to develop National Emergency Telecommunication Plans (NETPs) and assess existing early warning systems. The consultant will be responsible for organizing national consultation meetings, conducting situational assessments, and providing technical assistance to countries in implementing mobile-based early warning systems. The role requires a deep understanding of the intersection between telecommunications and disaster management, as well as the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments to facilitate effective communication during emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing and organizing national consultation meetings with stakeholders involved in disaster management and emergency response.
• Identifying existing plans from other organizations and their linkages to telecommunications sector emergency plans.
• Designing and developing NETPs based on ITU guidelines, including a regulatory framework for implementation.
• Conducting situational assessments of early warning systems, mapping current infrastructure, and identifying community needs.
• Supporting countries in implementing mobile Early Warning Systems (EWS) through technical advice on specifications for bidding documents.
• Conducting legal analyses of policies and regulations related to mobile EWS implementation, focusing on cooperation with mobile operators.
• Delivering concrete outputs such as national consultation meeting reports, assessments of existing regulations, drafts of early warning system assessments, and final NETPs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in national emergency telecommunications, mobile-based early warning systems, and emergency communication technologies. A strong background in disaster recovery, emergency response, and crisis management is essential. The consultant should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and possess excellent communication skills to facilitate discussions and gather necessary information for developing NETPs.

Educational Background:
A university degree in telecommunications, computer science, information technology, or a related field is required. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline would be considered an advantage, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in telecommunications and disaster management.

Experience:
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in fields relevant to the Special Service Agreement is required. This experience should include work in emergency telecommunications, disaster management, and the development of early warning systems, showcasing the candidate's ability to handle complex projects and deliver results effectively.

Languages:
Depending on the country the consultant will be supporting, proficiency in English, French, or any other UN language at an advanced level may be required. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of projects across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, with a contract duration that varies from 15 to 80 working days. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and the daily salary rates will be determined based on the consultant's qualifications and experience. ITU emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization prioritizes achieving gender balance and actively seeks to include persons with disabilities in its recruitment efforts.