AI Readiness Project Consultant

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.

AI Readiness Project Consultant 

 Vacancy notice no: 1905 
Sector: TSB
Department: SPD
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

 Position number: [[positionNumber]] 
Grade: [[PositionGrade]] 
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: Six months with possibility of extension
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 11 February 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) fulfills the objectives of the Union relating to telecommunication standardization, by providing secretariat support to groups studying technical, operating and tariff questions and facilitating the adoption of Recommendations in these areas with a view to standardizing telecommunications and information technology on a global basis. In order to achieve these objectives, the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau works in accordance with the instructions of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSA), Telecommunication Standardization Study Groups and the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group. TSB, headed by an elected Director, provides the technical, administrative and logistic support for the assemblies and for the meetings of the groups mentioned.

Within the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), the Study Groups and Policy Department (SPD) is responsible for the development of standards, international numbering resources, bridging the standardization gap, and policies guiding ITU-T and the maintenance of its relevant position in the global standardization arena. It oversees the implementation of the WTSA Action Plan, and is responsible for identifying emerging technologies and analysing technology trends in order to advise membership on emerging standardization developments. The Department is also responsible for the Bureau's human resources and finance.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) of ITU is developing and implementing the ITU standardized AI Readiness Framework. The AI Readiness Project Consultant will play a key role in the development, implementation, and operationalization of the AI Readiness Framework. The consultant will work closely with cross-functional teams to coordinate activities such as plugfest initiatives and indexing AI readiness across various domains and sectors with a primary focus to be ensuring the framework’s relevance, scalability, and usability while driving engagement and collaboration with stakeholders.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Under the direction of the Programme Officer, the consultant will:

• Design, test, and refine the AI Readiness Framework.
• Ensure alignment of the framework with organizational goals, global standards, and best practices.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations to gather input and validate framework components.
• Organize and manage AI plugfest events to test interoperability, assess readiness, and identify gaps.
• Develop metrics and methodologies for assessing AI readiness across domains and sectors.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including industry experts, government agencies, and academia.
• Prepare detailed reports, policy briefs, and presentations on project progress and outcomes.
• Conduct in-depth research on ICT-related topics and emerging trends especially on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Assisting in the creation of compelling data visualizations and graphics to enhance report presentations.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

• A validated and operational AI Readiness Framework.
• Detailed documentation, including guidelines and use cases, for framework implementation.
• Comprehensive reports on plugfest outcomes, identifying key gaps and actionable recommendations.
• Developed and published AI Readiness Index covering at least five sectors/domains.
• Delivery of training materials to support stakeholder adoption of the framework.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of AI technologies and standards.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools.
• Familiarity with global AI and digital development trends.
• Knowledge of python, and AI/ML frameworks such as Pytorch, Tensorflow.
• Knowledge of data annotation tools and techniques.
   

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

University degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, international relations, international development, management, or a related field OR education in a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above. 

Experience:

At least one (1) years of experience in AI technologies, standards and digital development trends. 
Proven track record in project management, stakeholder coordination, and technical event organization.
 

Languages:

Knowledge of English at advanced level. 

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

CHF 5 000.- per month.

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 career 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.