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Job Title:  Digital Technology Research Consultant – Uganda

Organisation: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

Remuneration Information: USD 280 per working day.

About US:

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.

Background Information

In line with the NDP III and DUV framework, the project lays a foundation for ICT policy and planning with a focus on creating an enabling environment in Uganda for ICT innovations that will continue the digital transformation of trade, government, education, health, and other areas, and promote employment and sustainable development. The policy and strategy definition component of the project aims at providing technical assistance to Uganda on ICT policy and development strategies, which include formulation of recommendations aligned to the infrastructure and connectivity; digital services; and innovation and entrepreneurship pillars of the DUV. The capacity development component of the project aims to improve the policymaking and implementation capacity of government and affiliated agencies; and strengthen skills for local ICT industry and the population at large to drive the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Under the project, Uganda is developing recommendations and strategies for development of supportive digital infrastructure for e-services including those that will leverage AI and related 4IR technologies. Capacity building programs to equip Ugandans with requisite skills are also foreseen.

In this context, ITU is seeking a consultant with knowledge in digital technology research, including on Artificial Intelligence applications and use, to support policy development activities of the ‘Technical Assistance and Training to Uganda on National ICT Development Strategy’ project.

Job Summary:  The main objective for the assignment is to develop recommendations for interventions that the Government of Uganda needs to make to ensure that the country can harness the economic and social benefits of AI while minimizing its potential negative effects, by putting in place necessary enabling policies, regulations, standards and underlying ICT infrastructure environment for deployment of Artificial Intelligence, among other 4IR technologies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Undertaking a baseline survey of Uganda’s current policies, regulations, standards, human resources, stakeholders and underlying ICT infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence technology and services. Identify gaps and make recommendations.
• Running stakeholders consultations to identify challenges faced by key public and private actors in AI ecosystem, including but not limited to research and development, education, governance, marketing, and deployment, mapping also the AI stakeholders in Uganda across the value chain.
• Performing a benchmarking study of three countries including at least two similar economies that have made significant strides in creating an enabling environment providing supportive infrastructure for AI deployment and use.
• Assessing the availability and extent of readiness of supportive infrastructure for the deployment of AI in the delivery of e-services by the Government and evaluate the existing skills in Artificial Intelligence development, deployment and use in Government Ministries, Agencies and Departments.
• Developing a proposal for an AI risk management framework for the country.

Concrete Deliverables

• An inception report detailing the proposed approach to the assignment.
• A report detailing the findings from the baseline survey of Uganda’s current policies, regulations, standards, human resource, stakeholders and underlying ICT infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence technology and services. Identify gaps and make recommendations.
• A report detailing the findings from stakeholders’ consultations to identify challenges faced by key public and private actors in the AI ecosystem including but not limited to research and development, education, governance, marketing, and deployment. This is to include a mapping of stakeholders.
• A benchmarking study of three countries, including at least two similar economies that have made significant strides in creating an enabling environment providing supportive infrastructure for AI deployment and use.
• An assessment of public officers’ skills and building capacity in Artificial Intelligence deployment and use, building on other ongoing skills assessments.
• A study evaluating the availability and extent of readiness of supportive infrastructure for the deployment of AI in the delivery of e-services by the Government.
• A report containing recommendations for creating an enabling environment for AI including a risk management framework for the country.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• The applicant must hold an advanced university degree in digital development, data science, telecommunications, ICT, engineering or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above.
• Experience: At least seven (7) years of experience in public policy research in the ICT sector, expertise and research insights in the application and use of AI in a development context are considered an advantage.
• Experience in contributing to a broadband/digital communication/digital transformation policy and strategy work and projects will be considered an advantage.
• Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level.

Remuneration Information: USD 280 per working day.

The assignment is for 40 days of work starting at the signature of the contract.

How to Apply:

All applicants who wish to join International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in this capacity should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 20th May 2024

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