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. 

AI Sub-Group on EW4All Coordination Consultant 

 Vacancy notice no: 1698 
Sector: BDT
Department: DNS
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

 Position number: [[positionNumber]] 
Grade: [[PositionGrade]] 
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 55 working days until 20 December 2024
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 7 August 2024

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)
• Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS) 
• Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE) 
• Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)

The Digital Networks & Environment Department is responsible to assist the Member States, especially the G77 countries, in a wide range of ICT development challenges, as basic connectivity, spectrum management, evolution of current to future broadband networks and technologies, enabling universal and affordable access, and strengthening the security through the cybersecurity support. In addition, the DNE Department provides expertise and needed support for emergency telecommunications and the increasingly important and urgent aspects related to the environment and climate change.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Extreme weather events, earthquakes, tsunamis, pandemics, and other human-made hazards pose increasing challenges to countries and communities. New and emerging digital technologies will play a crucial role for environmental monitoring, information analysis, delivering early warnings, and ensuring the timely flow of vital information during emergency response and preparedness. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) plays a critical role, which includes leading the “Warning Dissemination and Communication" pillar of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, which was launched in 2022 and which stipulates that every person in the world should be protected by an early warning system by 2027. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is mentioned as one of the outputs of the EW4All Executive Action Plan and the EW4All Inter-Pillar Technical Coordination Group (ITCG) set up an AI sub-group of the EW4All initiative to focus on adding structure to the application of AI to support the attainment of the EW4All initiative objectives. This includes exploring opportunities and presenting examples across AI use cases to support the four EW4All pillars in realizing the outcomes defined in the EW4All Action Plan, cultivating partnerships and collaborating with stakeholders to identify ways to leverage AI effectively and ethically across the implementation of the initiative. This also includes developing, organizing, and delivering capacity-building and awareness-raising sessions to demonstrate how AI can enhance the effectiveness of early warning systems and improve the flow of vital information during emergency response and preparedness, as well as across all four EW4All Pillars. As such, the ITU is seeking a consultant to play a pivotal role in building on, and coordinating the work under the AI for Early Warnings for All Sub-Group.  

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The consultant will:

• Coordinate regular multi-stakeholder meetings for the AI for Early Warnings for All Sub-Group, and support working groups of specific AI application use cases for country rollout. 
• Identify new partners and initiatives and engage with stakeholders to identify and leverage AI applications across the EW4All initiative.
• Coordinate the development of a comprehensive catalogue of AI solutions at various stages of maturity and a comprehensive EW4All toolkit consisting of tools, models, applications, and resources that different countries can use to manage risk, communications, and preparedness. This should include developing a framework for evaluating maturity levels, conducing peer review validation, issuing an open call for solutions to be included in the catalogue, and proposing a searchable webpage design to host the catalogue. 
• Engage in fundraising and resource mobilization activities, including applying for grants and reaching out to potential donors to secure funding for the work of the AI for Early Warnings for All Sub-Group to pilot AI applications in countries.
• Develop, organize, and deliver events and/or capacity development sessions to showcase innovative and impactful applications of AI in early warning systems along the four EW4All pillars.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

• A detailed plan for both overall AI sub-group, and country piloting working groups, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and timelines, aligned with the overall strategy for the AI sub-group.
• A proposal for a draft, catalogue of AI solutions, categorized by pillar and interpillar, with a searchable online database. A comprehensive proposal for an EW4All toolkit.
• Established partnerships with at least five new stakeholders to support the implementation and scaling of AI applications within EW4All.
• At least two funding applications submitted and outreach to a minimum of five potential donors to secure additional funding for the initiative.
• At least one event organized during COP29 to showcase innovative and impactful applications of AI in early warning systems. 

COMPETENCIES

• Expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning technologies, particularly in their application to early warning systems and disaster management. 
• Building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, including governmental bodies, NGOs, international organizations, and private sector partners.
• Ability to organize and manage events, workshops, and conferences, particularly those related to AI and disaster management.
• Capacity to identify funding opportunities, writing grant proposals, and securing financial support from donors and other funding sources.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education: Advanced university degree in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computing or related areas OR education in a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the above-mentioned fields. 

Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in the field of artificial intelligence, machine learning or similar. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience. Experience in coordination, planning and execution of multi-stakeholder initiatives is desirable, as well as experience in disaster risk reduction or early warning systems. 

Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level. 

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

USD 300 per working day.

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.