Project Administrative Support Consultant

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.

Project Administrative Support Consultant 

 Vacancy notice no: 1918 
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: 100 working days - February 2025 to July 2025
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 10 February 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

The Project Administrative Support Consultant will provide technical assistance for the implementation of regulatory innovation mechanisms in Central American countries.

The project includes an initial six-month stage dedicated to preparation and readiness, for processes such as staff recruitment, consultant engagement, and procurement which typically require several months.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Under the guidance of the Project Manager in the Regional Office for the Americas, the Project Administrative Support Consultant will:

• Preparation of Terms of Reference (ToR): Develop comprehensive ToR for the hiring of at least five consultants during the initial stages of the project. The consultant will be responsible for drafting detailed Terms of Reference and ensuring alignment with project objectives. 
• Recruitment process support: Collaborate with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to facilitate the recruitment process, ensuring all necessary documentation, including job descriptions, is in place. This includes coordinating with the Project Manager and BDT HR focal point for budget management and ensuring all recruitment queries are addressed in a timely and effective manner. Monitor and track the progress of the recruitment process. 
• Procurement processes support: The consultant will prepare the necessary documents to carry out the procurement, purchasing and other processes specified in the procurement plan of the process for the first year of the project. Similarly, the consultant will provide a practical guide for the implementation of these processes in the project, in accordance with the project management structure and the ITU procedures and the requirements of the European Union as the donor of the Project.
• Preparation of press releases, executive documents, project presentations and letters related to the project: The consultant will prepare the letters, communications, general presentations of the project during the preparation phase of the project and will create the necessary templates during the project implementation period. 
• Support the logistical preparation of meetings, and other activities in the project readiness stage: The consultant will prepare the logistical aspects of the meetings to be held within the project readiness phase, as follows: Advisory Committee Meeting, Steering Committee Meeting, six (6) engagement meetings with Member States. Participation in official missions could be requested. 
• Project Financial and Technical Report: The consultant will prepare the technical project and financial report for review and approval by the Project Manager and ITU within the first six (6) months of the project.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

• Administrative Reports for Project Readiness and implementation. Preparation of an administrative report every 20 working days covering the following key elements:
  • Terms of Reference (ToR): Development of ToR for hiring consultants as necessary. 
  • Procurement Processes: Detailed report on procurement activities and status. 
  • Press Releases and Executive Documents: Preparation of press releases, official communications, and executive documents.
  • Project Presentations and Correspondence: Creation and submission of project presentations, letters, and related documents.
  • Meeting Preparations: Detailed report on the preparation and organization of meetings related to the project.
• Submission of report each 20-working-day period, and will be cumulative, updating on all ongoing activities.
• A comprehensive summary report covering the first six months, including both technical and financial implementation progress at the ends of the contract.

COMPETENCIES

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills with proficient drafting of reports and presentation abilities.
• Strong analytical, administrative, and operational skills.
• Proven ability to take initiative and work independently with limited guidance. 
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the procurement process, human resources procedures, financial operations, and providing logistical support.
   

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education: University degree in Communication, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Economics, International Studies, or Engineering, or a related field from a reputed college of higher education. 

Experience: At least one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in the field of the Special Service Agreement (SSA).

Languages: Knowledge of Spanish at advanced level and knowledge of English at intermediate level.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Range Fee between USD 145 to 250 per day, to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.
Monthly payments will be made, once for every twenty working days, each subject to the approval of each of the six reports.

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.