Country Project Coordination Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is a key organizational unit within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), responsible for coordinating the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector. Established to promote the development of telecommunications and ICTs globally, BDT focuses on creating policies, strategies, and projects that ensure universal access to affordable and high-quality telecommunications services. The Bureau operates in various countries, providing technical cooperation and fostering inclusive use of ICTs to empower societies for sustainable development. BDT is structured into four main departments: Operations Coordination, Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills, Digital Networks & Environment, and Digital Knowledge Society, each playing a vital role in supporting member states and implementing development initiatives effectively.

Job Overview:
The Country Project Coordination Consultant will play a crucial role in the Africa National Broadband Mapping Systems (Africa-BB-Maps) Project, which is being implemented across eleven beneficiary countries. This position involves coordinating project activities at the national level, ensuring effective communication among stakeholders, monitoring progress, and facilitating the timely delivery of project outputs. The consultant will serve as the primary point of contact for national institutions and contractors, ensuring that project activities align with the approved workplans and implementation schedules. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, all while maintaining a focus on achieving project objectives and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day implementation of project activities within the assigned beneficiary country. This includes serving as the primary national focal point for liaising with beneficiary institutions, local contractors, government entities, and other stakeholders. The consultant will work closely with the Regional Project Coordinator to ensure effective coordination and timely reporting across beneficiary countries. Key responsibilities include monitoring implementation progress against agreed milestones, identifying risks and issues, coordinating national project meetings and workshops, preparing and submitting implementation updates and progress reports, and supporting the beneficiary institution in completing necessary administrative and regulatory arrangements for project implementation. The consultant will also be tasked with ensuring effective communication among all project stakeholders and facilitating stakeholder consultations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in telecommunications, ICT, GIS, computer science, engineering, project management, business administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a diploma from a reputed college of advanced education equivalent to a university degree in one of the specified fields is acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in project coordination, implementation, or management, particularly involving government institutions and regulatory authorities. Experience in monitoring project implementation and preparing progress reports is essential, while experience in telecommunications, digital infrastructure, GIS, or ICT sectors is desirable. Previous experience working with the United Nations or other international organizations is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as telecommunications, information and communication technology (ICT), geographic information systems (GIS), computer science, engineering, project management, or business administration. Candidates with a diploma from a recognized institution that is equivalent to a university degree in these areas will also be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the technical and managerial aspects of the projects the consultant will be involved in.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in project coordination, implementation, or management. This experience should ideally involve working with government institutions, regulatory authorities, development partners, or the private sector. Candidates should have a proven track record in monitoring project implementation and preparing detailed progress reports. Experience in sectors related to telecommunications, digital infrastructure, GIS, or ICT is highly desirable, as is previous work experience with the United Nations or other international organizations, which would provide valuable insights into the operational context of such projects.

Languages:
For English-speaking beneficiary countries, candidates must have advanced knowledge of English. This includes countries such as Botswana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. For French-speaking beneficiary countries, which include Benin, Burundi, and Côte d’Ivoire, candidates are required to have advanced knowledge of French and at least intermediate knowledge of English. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the respective countries.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of six months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and project needs. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and the position is available in multiple duty stations across the specified beneficiary countries. Candidates must be nationals of, or legal residents with a valid work permit in the country for which they apply, and they must reside in that country throughout the duration of the assignment. The remuneration for this consultancy role ranges from USD 230 to USD 420 per working day, depending on the consultant's work experience. The objective of this roster is to establish a pool of qualified consultants who may be engaged as needed to support project activities.