BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

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.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

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.
  

COMPETENCIES

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

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.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Between 185 USD and 360 USD per day to be determined according to the work experience of the consultant.