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.
Senior Programme Manager
Vacancy notice no: 1188 Sector: BDT Department: DDR Country of contract: Thailand Duty station: Bangkok
Position number: Grade: P5 Type of contract: Short-term Duration of contract: Until 31 December 2023 Recruitment open to: External Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 2 August 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 office of the Deputy to the Director and Field Operations Coordination Department is responsible for advising and supporting the Director on the direction and management of the Bureau. It is also responsible for leading all matters related to personnel, strategic, financial and operational planning and reporting processes. The department oversees the work of the Regional Offices, ensuring proper delegation of authority and accountability of the Regional Offices. This department coordinates the holding of BDT conferences and events, monitors the implementation of decisions emanating from the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC), the Telecommunication Development Advisory Group (TDAG) or Council, and cooperates closely with the other Sectors of the Union and the General Secretariat on matters of relevance to BDT and the overall work of the Union. BDT Regional Directors report to this department.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Some 2.7 billion people in the world do not have access to the Internet. This lack of connectivity means exclusion, marked by the lack of access to the wealth of information available online, fewer resources to learn and to grow, and limited opportunities for the most vulnerable children and youth to fulfill their potential. Closing the digital divide requires global cooperation, leadership, and innovation in finance and technology.
The importance of digital technology and connectivity has become widely recognized due to the negative impact of the COVID pandemic and the associated lockdowns. Some countries which had invested in the technology and infrastructure could shift to digital platforms and services to continue economic and social functions and activities, while the others were not equipped or prepared to do the same. This digital divide manifested also within countries. The children from the vulnerable groups were unable to use e-learning support and services, and the health information did not reach those who needed it in a timely manner, particularly in migrant communities.
In recognition of the critical role digital technology and connectivity play in accelerating the achievement of sustainable development and COVID response and recovery, the Secretary-General issued the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation in July 2020 with the aim to facilitate the development of partnerships and cooperation around the identified 8 pillars of the Roadmap.
Against this background, ITU has been supporting the member countries as well as UN country teams in Asia and the Pacific to expand digital connectivity, accelerate the development of digital applications and facilitate the integration of digital technology in various socioeconomic initiatives at the national, sub-regional, and regional levels. Such support includes the active participation in the UNCT meetings, development of CCA/UNSDCF documents, providing socioeconomic analysis and evidence-based studies, development of projects and activities and building partnerships and collaboration with UN agencies and potential partners under the leadership of UNRCs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the guidance of the Regional Director of the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific region, the Senior Programme Manager will perform the following duties:
- Lead ITU participation in and coordination with UNCTs, including the development of CCA and Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Document in the region.
- Oversee the development of capacity among team members in engaging UN agencies and UNCTs at national and regional levels, formulating CCA and UNSDCF.
- Produce data-driven and evidence-based analysis, presentations and reports related to ITU’s work and respective countries in support of ITU’s UNCT engagement and coordination and cooperation work.
- Develop plans, proposals, and RBM-based project documents, defining clear goals, deliverables, KPIs and timelines and identify priority activities and appropriate resources.
- Lead the development of team expertise in incorporating RBM in project proposals and documents and implementation of Regional Initiatives.
- Oversee the development and implementation of Regional Strategic Document, including monitoring of the implementation with pre-defined KPIs and timelines.
- Lead the planning and implementation of the Regional Development Forum (RDF), guide the junior colleagues, and negotiate with key partners.
- Guide the monitoring and assessment of RO-ASP OP and project implementation and identify any gaps for remedial actions.
- Develop project and risk management frameworks in accordance with the ITU project manuals and guidelines.
- Develop, expand, and maintain partnerships with UN agencies including UNU, UNEP, UNODC, UNCTAD, UNICEF and UNESCO at the national, regional, and global levels to advance ITU’s approach and initiatives.
- Substantively contribute to the implementation of ITU’s global and regional initiatives which are implemented with UN and other partners.
- Initiate, establish, and coordinate partnerships and joint resource mobilization efforts to promote engagement and participation by private and public sector stakeholders in ITU activities.
- Carry out any other related duties in his/her specialty as may be assigned to him or her.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making
Client and Service Orientation
Innovation and Facilitating Change
Leadership
Networking and Building Partnerships
Planning and Organising
Successful Management
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Research background and understanding in subjects related to ICT and social and economic development.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in social sciences, economics, humanities/arts, law, management, business, telecommunications/ICTs, engineering, or related field, 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. 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 telecommunications/ICTs for social and economic development, 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. Proven records in developing and implementing project and programme documents. Experience in UN engagement and development of CCA/SDCF document.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level and knowledge of a second official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) 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).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This temporary opportunity is available to individuals residing locally.
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.
