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 - Green Digital transformation Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 1970
Sector: BDT
Department:
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: To be determined
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 31 December 2026
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 Climate Change and Emergency Telecommunications Division is establishing a roster of consultants to support the successful implementation of its green digital transformation projects. In its 2024–2027 strategic plan, Target 2.5 focuses on boosting the role of ICT in climate and environmental action, measured by indicators such as the contribution of telecommunications/ICTs to global GHG emissions. In response to the ICT sector’s growing contribution to climate change and to support the transition towards a net-zero digital sector, these projects support ITU member states with tracking and monitoring GHG emissions and energy use from the digital sector, including the provision of capacity building and training. Future projects will build on the portfolio of services provided that has been developed by ITU and will be tailored to advancements made in the field of green digital transformation towards a net-zero ICT sector (monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, climate transition plans, etc.). Beneficiaries of past and ongoing technical assistance include countries in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas.
Under the guidance of the Climate Change Officer within the Climate Change and Emergency Telecommunications Division, the Consultant will contribute to the BDT’s efforts on green digital transformation by contributing to ongoing activities and providing assistance for related projects.
In particular, the Consultant will:
- Organize and facilitate workshops with stakeholders to strengthen the capacity of ICT regulators and other relevant national stakeholders to collect and report environmental indicators related to monitoring the ICT sector climate footprint.
- Develop draft digital net-zero transition plans, ensure that they are ready for stakeholder review, and that they align with national climate priorities and/or targets.
- Support the upkeep of a data visualisation dashboard for tracking the digital sector’s climate footprint.
- Conduct national needs assessments to evaluate current data collection frameworks and identify capacity building requirements.
- Conduct research to support the monitoring of digital company greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and climate commitments across the ICT sector, as well as enhancing climate resilient digital infrastructure.
- Lead preparation of technical content for online learning provided through the ITU Academy.
- Support onboarding meetings for new project focal points and facilitate steering meetings among core project teams. Assist with organization of meetings with other authorities as needed.
- Participate in regular online meetings with project teams and government representatives to monitor project progress.
- Prepare mission reports for any travel related to contract deliverables and provide detailed summaries of workshops.
The Consultant will support BDT’s efforts on advancing green digital transformation for a net-zero ICT sector by delivering the following:
- Updated data visualisation dashboard for tracking the digital sector’s climate footprint.
- Organized and delivered in-person, hybrid, and/or online sessions, employing a consultative and participatory approach.
- Draft of digital net-zero transition plans aligned with national climate priorities, ready for stakeholder review.
- Draft of studies on digital company GHG emissions, energy use, climate commitments, and climate-resilient digital infrastructure.
- Developed and structured learning materials for online training through ITU Academy on green digital transformation.
- Reports for missions conducted under the contract’s activities.
- Outputs will be determined in the Terms of References for each specific requirements tailored to the context and priorities.
- Advanced knowledge of climate data collection and reporting frameworks, including international standards for monitoring ICT sector greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and environmental indicators.
- Good understanding of decarbonization strategies, including best practices for net-zero transition planning, digital infrastructure resilience, and green ICT policy development.
- Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate capacity-building workshops and stakeholder consultations on environmental sustainability and climate reporting in the ICT sector.
- Technical expertise in climate change, GHG emissions accounting, energy efficiency, and ICT sector sustainability policies and strategies or any other relevant field would be an advantage.
Education:
University degree in environmental science, monitoring and assessment or a related field such as environmental engineering, OR education from a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience specializing in climate change, sustainability, ICT sector environmental impact assessment, or a related field, including at least three years at the international level. Proven experience collaborating with stakeholders from local and national governments, as well as international entities, particularly in the areas of environment, climate change, telecommunications and digital transformation. Experience conducting research and producing technical reports on sustainability topics, particularly related to ICT sector climate impacts and mitigation measures. A doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of a second official language of the Union at intermediate level would be an advantage. Depending on the location where the contract would apply, knowledge of local languages would be an advantage.
Between 185 USD and 360 USD per day to be determined 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 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.
