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.
ICT Technology Development and Commercialisation Consultant – Uganda
Vacancy notice no: 1620
Sector: BDT
Department: DDR
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 40 working days
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 21 May 2024
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
In May 2021, the Government of Uganda with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a new industrial policy which is expected to spur industrial development and economic transformation. Objective 4 of the policy aims at accelerating development and use of research innovations, adoption of appropriate technologies in industry and promoting the local assembling and manufacture of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) products. The ICT Sector Strategic and Investment Plan (2015/16 – 2019/20), developed by the Uganda Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, identified a need for Government to put in place specific measures and strategies for boosting production of ICT goods and services, from within, both for local consumption and export to meet the country’s vision 2040 aspirations.
Under Pillar 5 of the Digital Transformation Roadmap 2023/2024-2027/2028, the Government intends to facilitate growth and development of local ICT products and innovations, by providing access to seed capital as well as providing a conducive work environment. The National Development Plan III, 2020/2121-2024/2025, includes Innovation, Technology Development and Transfer among the national development programs. One of the development strategies in NDP III is import replacement/promotion of local manufacturing.
ITU is therefore seeking a consultant with knowledge in ICT technology development and commercialisation to support policy development activities of the ‘Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy’ project.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Project Manager in the ITU Regional Office for Africa, and in close collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance of Uganda, the consultant will:
- Conduct a review and analysis of the current industry and market landscape of ICT manufacturing in Uganda.
- Undertake stakeholders engagement with government ministries departments and agencies (MDAs), industry associations, manufacturers, and other relevant entities to gather insights from local players and experts towards the areas under study.
- Perform benchmarking of the local ICT manufacturing sector against global best practices and standards and analyse the competitiveness of Uganda’s ICT manufacturing industry in comparison to other developing countries and emerging markets.
- Carry out a supply-chain analysis of ICT manufacturing, from raw materials to finished products and identify opportunities for local value addition and enhancement of the supply chain.
- Run an assessment of the level of technology adoption and innovation within the local ICT manufacturing sector and identify areas for technology transfer, skills development, and research and development (R&D) collaboration.
- Evaluate the ecosystem and state of infrastructure supporting ICT manufacturing, including energy, transportation, and logistics. Identify gaps and recommend improvements to enhance the overall infrastructure.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- An inception report outlining the methodology and approach to the assignment.
- A report on the current state of ICT manufacturing in Uganda, identifying entities active in ICT manufacturing and/or related pilots and in business and finance development for local ICT manufacturing.
- A report on benchmarking studies of at least two (2) developing countries that have made rapid inroads in ICT local manufacturing, starting from a low and recent base.
- A report containing recommendation of strategies for promotion of ICT manufacturing-related collaboration between Ugandan and foreign companies supplying ICT products already in the Ugandan market, and possible match making interventions, collaboration methods, ICT human resource exchange requirements, and implementation methods.
- A report containing recommendations for policy enhancements and interventions to foster the growth of the local ICT manufacturing sector and spur digital independence.
- Participate, as a consultant, in a workshop of relevant stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and other interested parties to discuss the above reports.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education: Advanced university degree in telecommunications, ICT, engineering or a 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.
Experience: At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in industrial development, public sector engagement, ICT technology value-chain analysis and ICT manufacturing and/or industry analysis or related field, including at least two years at the international level.
Experience in contributing to a digital communication strategy in an international organization.
Experience with the design and implementation of project specific communications strategies and plans.
Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 280 per working day.
The assignment is for 40 days of work starting at the signature of the contract.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Uganda Ministry of ICT and National Guidance is supported by ITU in implementing the ‘Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy’ project.
The joint Government of Uganda, South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF) and ITU project, seeking to support Uganda’s continued transformation into a digitally enabled society that is innovative and competitive, is framed under the Digital Uganda Vision (DUV) framework and in line with Uganda’s Digital Transformation Programme, in the Third National Development Plan (NDP III). In its implementation design, a three-pronged approach has been applied focusing on: (1) the development of policy recommendations; (2) enabling capacity development; and (3) the implementation of test pilots and/or use cases.
The project aims to support the development of the ICT sector in Uganda, contribute to its economic development and the reduction of poverty, while providing support to poverty alleviation activities in various forms.
The project will contribute towards the implementation of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy and to transform Uganda into a digitally enabled society that is innovative, productive, and competitive.
Through its interventions, the project further seeks to assist in the development of internet connectivity especially in rural areas, and the resiliency of such networks, and boost related opportunities to contribute to sustainable social and economic development. This will also assist the Government of Uganda to review and strengthen the enabling ICT policy and regulatory environment and contribute to making ICT services affordable and accessible for all Ugandans.