Roster for Consultants on Cybersecurity

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. 

Roster for Consultants on Cybersecurity 

 Vacancy notice no: 1617 
Sector: BDT
Department: DNS
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based

 Position number: [[positionNumber]] 
Grade: [[PositionGrade]] 
Type of contract: Roster
Duration of contract: Various assignments
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 31 December 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 Digital Networks & Society Department is responsible for BDT activities in the areas of spectrum management, network development, cybersecurity and emergency telecommunications. This department is also responsible for supporting ITU Member States in their transition to digital societies by providing tools and guidelines to address environmental challenges (in particular, climate change and e-waste), and for promoting innovation, ICT applications/services, digital inclusion and ecosystems, with the ultimate goal to 'leave no one behind'.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The International Telecommunication Union's Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) plays a critical role in building a secure and prosperous digital future. As the secretariat of the ITU Development Sector (ITU-D), the BDT prioritizes cybersecurity within its mission to foster global ICT development. This aligns with the mandates set by the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-22) and the Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-22). Both emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity measures to create a trustworthy and resilient digital environment.

The BDT addresses this need through targeted initiatives. These initiatives support member states in developing and strengthening their national cybersecurity strategies. They also promote secure and responsible ICT use, ensuring safety and trust for all users. Through capacity building, information sharing, and regional and international cooperation, the BDT empowers member states to tackle cyber threats and vulnerabilities effectively. This comprehensive approach safeguards digital infrastructure while maximizing the potential of ICTs for social and economic development, as envisioned in the Kigali Action Plan.

BDT Cybersecurity Division areas of action include:

• Incident Response Programme, National Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRT) Framework.
• Tabletop Exercises and Cyberdrills.
• Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI).
• Skills Development (Women In Cyber, HerCyberTracks, Youth for Cyber).
• National Cybersecurity Strategies (NCSs).
• Online Safety, Child Online Protection (COP).

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Within the Cybersecurity Division, the consultant will report directly to the specific area lead officer and will collaborate with various stakeholders across the division to address evolving cybersecurity challenges in developing countries. The primary objective of engaging cybersecurity consultants is to support global cybersecurity capacity building needs in line with ITU's strategic goals, and depending on the needs of the role, selected consultants may be engaged for their expertise in below areas: 

1. Support and contribute to activities related to the CIRT assessment, design, and implementation projects.
2. Review, assess and facilitate the development of cybersecurity policy, and strategy documents.
3. Conduct cybersecurity capacity development workshops and trainings on key topics such as National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS), CIRT management, processes, and tools, Critical Information Infrastructures Protection (CIIP), Child Online Protection (COP), addressing the cybersecurity skills gap through training programmes, and data (GCI) and research. 
4. Undertake national cybersecurity capacity maturity assessments for developing and least developed countries.
5. Design, contribute and develop technical documentation, including reports, surveys, scenarios-based exercises, and technical presentations. 
6. Install, configure, and deploy cybersecurity tools or products.
7. Provide support in the implementation of the delivery plan.
8. Assist in organizing and conducting cyber drills.
9. Support project implementation and management.
10. Undertake a comprehensive analysis of both quantitative and qualitative GCI data pertaining to national cybersecurity commitments. This analysis will identify trends and opportunities to inform strategic decision-making and policy development for member states and international partners.
11. Develop comprehensive reports and presentations that synthesize data analysis to generate actionable recommendations. These reports will facilitate the dissemination of key findings to diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, technical personnel, and international partners.
12. Conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of cybersecurity initiatives, employing data-driven metrics to assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies and practices. Based on this analysis, formulate recommendations for improvement.

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 programme. 

COMPETENCIES

1. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
2. Excellent research, analysis, and reporting skills. 
3. Knowledge and understanding of the business, technical, and/or policy aspects of cybersecurity.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education: University degree in telecommunication, computer science, information technology, laws, social or relevant field. Advanced university degree would be an advantage.  

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

Work experience in implementing cybersecurity related projects or coordinate projects and related activities in developing countries would be an advantage.
Project and programme management experience is an advantage.

Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level.

Knowledge of a second language at intermediate level in one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Between USD 145 and USD 360 per working day depending on the work experience of the consultant and the role of the assignment. 

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.