Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

---

Job Title	Telecommunications Advisor
Reference	IGAD-TA (DJ-IGAD-372187-CS-INDV)
Project/ Programme	Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project Grant No: IDA- IDA-E1670 Project ID No: (P176181)
Division/ Specialized institution	Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division
Reports To	Project Coordinator
Duty Station	Djibouti, with frequent travel in the IGAD region
Staff Category	Professional
Contract type	One year with possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds
Deadline for Applications	23rd March 2025

1. Background

The regional Series of Projects (SOP) development objective is to promote the expansion of an integrated digital market across Eastern Africa by increasing cross-border broadband connectivity, data flows and digital trade in the region. The Phase I development objective of the SOP is to advance digital market integration in the Eastern Africa region by increasing affordable access to regional broadband connectivity and strengthening the enabling environment for cross-border digital services.

To achieve this objective and to deliver the mandate of the project, IGAD seeks the services of Telecommunications Advisor.

IGAD now invites eligible individuals to apply for the Telecommunication Advisor Position by providing information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services of Telecommunications Advisor (i.e., updated CVs with description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, and availability of appropriate skills. Interested Individuals should send their applications in PDF format enclosed with a cover letter, CVs, academic documents, with three reference persons including the last employer.

The attention of interested applicants is drawn to paragraph 3.14 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers “Procurement in Investment Project Financing, Goods, Works, Non-Consulting, and Consulting Services,” Fourth Edition, November 2020; the World Bank’s “Guidelines on Preventing and Combatting Fraud and Corruption” revised July 1, 2016.

2. About the job

The Telecommunications Advisor will provide expert guidance and support in the field of telecommunications. He/she will develop and implement strategic plans, provide advisory services on technologies and policies, collaborate with stakeholders, assess emerging technologies, support capacity building, manage risks, oversee projects, monitor performance, and prepare reports.

The advisor will report to the Project Coordinator and work with cross-functional teams to ensure effective telecommunications strategies and operations. Based within the Division of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration (ECRID) at the IGAD Secretariat in Djibouti, He/she will provide expert advice and guidance on telecommunications technologies, networks, and infrastructure to support decision-making and ensure efficient and effective telecommunications operations. He/she contributes to the development of telecommunications policies, regulations, and standards to ensure compliance, security, and optimal use of telecommunications resources. More specifically, the Telecommunication Advisor will manage activities under Component 1 of the Project for IGAD as described below.

3. Key Roles and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator the Telecommunication Advisor:

• Under the guidance of the Project Coordinator, the Expert will be responsible for the successful implementation of the activities under EARDIP’s component 1 for IGAD: Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for telecommunications initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
• Technology Advisory: Provide expert guidance on telecommunications technologies, networks, and infrastructure.
• Policy Development: Contribute to the development of telecommunications policies, regulations, and standards.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to foster partnerships and enhance telecommunications capabilities. Organize and contribute to workshops, conference, or other events relevant to telecoms, with support from EAC staff;
• Technology Assessment: Evaluate emerging telecommunications technologies, trends, and innovations.
• Capacity Building: Conduct training and knowledge sharing sessions to enhance telecommunications skills and competencies.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare reports and documentation on telecommunications activities, achievements, and challenges. Provide inputs for Component 1 to the Quarterly Progress Reports and provide monthly updates on the same; Prepare inputs into the realistic annual budget and work plan.

4. Deliverables

• Finalize the Terms of Reference for the consultancies under Component 1;
• Finalize the bidding documents for the above consultancies;
• Develop project implementation schedule for Component 1 activities;
• Provide inputs into the Quarterly Progress Report and prepare monthly updates on Component 1 activities;
• Provide inputs and review M&E for Component 1.

5. Academic qualification, Professional experiences and Core Competencies required
   • Academic Qualification

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Telecommunication Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Experience and technical competencies
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience at a senior level in a relevant public institution, private sector or in an international organization, with proven skills cyber security principles, technologies, methodologies, governance frameworks, policies, and best practices.
• Proven experience in working in the Greater Horn of Africa region and ability and experience in management of partner funded projects such as United Nations and multilateral development projects.
• Demonstrated understanding of the telecom market in Eastern Africa;
• Provide Expert Advice: Serve as a subject matter expert in the field of telecommunications, offering guidance and recommendations to clients or internal stakeholders. Understand client requirements, assess their current telecommunication infrastructure, and propose suitable solutions.
• Certification of Telecommunications Network Specialist (CTNS) is preferable.
• Knowledge of emerging trends and advancements in the field of governance and cyber security.
• Prior work experience with international organizations, regional bodies is a plus.
  • Leadership competencies
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Develop Telecommunication Strategies: Collaborate with clients or internal teams to develop telecommunication strategies aligned with business objectives. Design and implement plans to address telecommunication needs, including network architecture, technology upgrades, and service providers.
• Project Management: Oversee telecommunication projects from initiation to completion. Develop project plans, establish timelines, allocate resources, and manage budgets. Coordinate with stakeholders, vendors, and technicians to ensure smooth project execution and timely delivery.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of French is an added advantage.
• Should demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and integrity.
  • Technical Competencies
• Technical Support: Provide technical assistance and support to clients or end-users regarding telecommunication systems, equipment, and services. Troubleshoot issues, diagnose problems, and propose solutions. Guide users in the configuration, usage, and maintenance of telecommunication devices and software.
• Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Keep abreast of the latest trends, advancements, and regulatory changes in the telecommunications industry. Continuously update knowledge of emerging technologies, such as 5G, IoT, cloud-based services, and unified communications, to provide relevant advice and recommendations.
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports, documentation, and presentations related to telecommunication projects, assessments, and recommendations. Maintain accurate records of client interactions, project progress, and technical specifications. Provide detailed documentation to support decision-making and ensure knowledge sharing.
• Compliance and Security: Adhere to regulatory requirements and industry standards related to data protection, privacy, and security in telecommunication operations. Implement and enforce policies and procedures to safeguard sensitive information and mitigate risks.

6. Duration of assignment

Telecommunications Advisor shall be contracted for an initial one-year period, with possibility for extension for additional 4 years based on performance and Project needs.

7. Languages

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French language is an added advantage.

8. Remuneration

Negotiable with IGAD salary scale and policy and based on applicant’s qualification and experience.

9. How to apply

Qualified applicants from IGAD Member States are eligible to apply.

Interested candidates should send their applications in PDF accompanied by cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, academic credentials, copy of passports/ ID cards biometric page and three reference persons including the last employer.

Applications should be sent by E-mail to the following addresses: recruitment@igad.int with subject line “IGAD-TA (DJ-IGAD-372187-CS-INDV)”

Closing date for application will be on 24 March 2025. Due to the large number of applications we expect to receive; only successful candidates who meet the required experience & qualifications for this position will be contacted. Contact: + 25321354050

IGAD is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Download attached ToR document in PDF below 
Vacancy Announcement – Telecommunications Advisor