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. 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.
Roster - Broadband Mapping System Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 1972
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 45 working days
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 31 December 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
- Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
- Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
- Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE)
- Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)
The regional offices provide assistance to the ITU Member States of the Region, ensuring a close relationship and collaboration. To implement the agreed programs and projects, in accordance with the ITU Strategy Plan and the BDT Action Plan, with the active support of all Departments, providing timely information about their development. To provide proper line management and support, the Regional Directors report to the Director of the BDT.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Africa-BB-Maps is an ITU-led initiative supported by the European Commission, designed to accelerate digital transformation across Africa. The project focuses on establishing national broadband mapping systems to provide data-driven insights, guide investment strategies, and identify connectivity gaps. By integrating broadband mapping into national policies. The initiative aims to enhance digital infrastructure, foster equitable access to connectivity, and drive socio-economic development.
The project will benefit 11 Sub-Saharan African countries, including Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These countries will utilize broadband mapping to address challenges in internet coverage, quality, and affordability, enabling evidence-based policymaking and strategic investments.
Africa-BB-Maps also creates a platform for collaboration between EU NRAs and their African counterparts, facilitating knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices. It represents a key milestone in leveraging European expertise to support Africa’s digital transformation goals while fostering mutual benefits for all stakeholders involved.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Project Manager of the Africa-BB-Maps and in close coordination with the Project Officer, the Consultant will address the needs of at least one of the objectives below:
- Objective 1: Strengthen policy and regulatory ecosystems
- Conduct assessments of existing broadband infrastructure and connectivity gaps in assigned countries to create the baseline assessment to evaluate the current maturity of NRAs or countries in their capacity to implement broadband mapping systems, focusing on infrastructure, technical capabilities and data management strategies.
- Develop a maturity matrix to classify NRAs into low, medium and high maturity levels, supporting tailored strategies for advancing broadband mapping capabilities.
- Provide targeted recommendations to address gaps in technical capacity and ecosystem readiness for broadband mapping system deployment.
- Design the plan for developing and implementing national broadband mapping systems, leveraging ITU Guidelines on strengthening and establishing broadband mapping systems and international best practices.
- Provide capacity building to NRAs and other stakeholders on broadband mapping methodologies and tools.
- Facilitate regional efforts to harmonize technical practices and advocate for the adoption of broadband mapping through workshops and training sessions.
- Objective 2: Promote open data practices and standards related to broadband mapping systems
- Support the adoption of open-source solutions and open data practices to improve broadband mapping systems, ensuring alignment with international best practices.
- Deliver training sessions to promote open data principles and the use of standardized data formats for broadband mapping.
- Develop and distribute guidelines for creating and managing national broadband databases, focusing on technical aspects of data collection, processing and sharing.
- Support visualization of mapping data on interactive platforms to enhance accessibility and usability for decision-making.
- Objective 3: Enhance technical and operational capacities
- Provide technical training in GIS software, data analysis and IT project management to equip NRAs with the skills required for broadband mapping system deployment and maintenance.
- Develop technical specifications for broadband mapping systems, ensuring compatibility with regional harmonization efforts.
- Assist in the preparation of tendering and procurement processes for broadband mapping systems and related technologies.
- Support to the post-procurement installation of hardware and software for broadband mapping systems, ensure functionality and sustainability.
- Offer post-deployment technical support, including troubleshooting, operational guidance and the preparation of sustainability plans and user manuals.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
Specific deliverables will be defined according to the Terms of Reference to be established for each specific requirement and may vary depending on the context and priorities of the project and program.
COMPETENCIES
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex technical tasks.
- Demonstrated expertise in broadband mapping tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and data visualization.
- Strong knowledge of European and international broadband mapping standards and best practices.
- Familiarity with ITU standards and ITU and EU guidelines would be an advantage.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in international relations, public policy, business administration, economics, law, social sciences, engineering, information and communication technology, telecommunications, data science, or a related field. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least seven (7) years of professional experience in broadband infrastructure, mapping systems, policy and ICT development.
Work experience within or with the National Regulatory Authorities or ICT ministries in the field of broadband mapping. Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or with projects focused on digital infrastructure development would be an asset.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of French would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 250 and USD 360 per day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.
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 career 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.
