ICT Associate

The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy-oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region.

Establishment of a Work Plan: During the first month of the assignment, the UNV will work jointly with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The final work plan will be discussed and mutually agreed to by the JPO and his/her supervisor.

The UNV will work within a team of experienced colleagues in the sector of digital technology, ICT and innovation in the framework of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway platform (https://www.unescap.org/our-work/ict-disaster-risk-reduction/asia-pacific-information-superhighway-platform).

The UNV will receive additional supervision depending on the task, and more independence once the initial training and guidance has been given. The JPO will receive regular performance feedback based on an agreed work plan with performance targets.

Evaluation: The United Nations Performance Evaluation System (e-performance) will serve as a primary platform to evaluate the JPO’s performance.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of ICT and Development Section (IDS) and general supervision of the Director of ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks :

Economic and ICT sector analysis :

- To support the supervisor in carrying out research and analysis on ICT/digital policies for sustainable development, including aspects related to ICT/digital infrastructures.

- To provide inputs for draft policy papers and analytical studies on selected global, regional, national, or sectoral themes, under the framework of the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Platform and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

- To assist the supervisor in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, workshops and other forums on ICT issues.

Intergovernmental support :

- Prepare initial inputs for meeting reports to intergovernmental bodies, including the Asia Pacific Information Superhighway (APIS) Initiative, the Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Science, Technology and Innovation, Commission, Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction, and the annual sessions of the ESCAP Commission.

- Support the supervisor in preparing intergovernmental meetings, summary reports, and similar material.

- Assist in the organization of panels, round tables, etc., on development issues.

Technical cooperation :

- To support the supervisor in compiling and analyzing the data and other information necessary for the preparation of technical cooperation project proposals in the area of ICT for development.

- To support the supervisor in preparation of material for the approval of regional, country or sector technical cooperation projects.

- To support the supervisor in monitoring, backstopping, and assessing the implementation of technical cooperation programmes and projects.

General :

- Compile and prepare ICT reports of activities, in consultation with other Sections of the Division.

- Undertake on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally.

- Perform other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services.