Home Based Roster Broadband Mapping System Consultant

Africa-BB-Maps is an ITU-led initiative supported by the European Commission, designed to accelerate digital transformation across Africa. The project focuses on establishing national broadband mapping systems to provide data-driven insights, guide investment strategies, and identify connectivity gaps. By integrating broadband mapping into national policies. The initiative aims to enhance digital infrastructure, foster equitable access to connectivity, and drive socio-economic development.
The project will benefit 11 Sub-Saharan African countries, including Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d”Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These countries will utilize broadband mapping to address challenges in internet coverage, quality, and affordability, enabling evidence-based policymaking and strategic investments.
Africa-BB-Maps also creates a platform for collaboration between EU NRAs and their African counterparts, facilitating knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices. It represents a key milestone in leveraging European expertise to support Africa’s digital transformation goals while fostering mutual benefits for all stakeholders involved.

Under the guidance of the Project Manager of the Africa-BB-Maps and in close coordination with the Project Officer, the Consultant will address the needs of at least one of the objectives below:

• Objective 1: Strengthen policy and regulatory ecosystems
  • Conduct assessments of existing broadband infrastructure and connectivity gaps in assigned countries to create the baseline assessment to evaluate the current maturity of NRAs or countries in their capacity to implement broadband mapping systems, focusing on infrastructure, technical capabilities and data management strategies.
  • Develop a maturity matrix to classify NRAs into low, medium and high maturity levels, supporting tailored strategies for advancing broadband mapping capabilities.
  • Provide targeted recommendations to address gaps in technical capacity and ecosystem readiness for broadband mapping system deployment.
  • Design the plan for developing and implementing national broadband mapping systems, leveraging ITU Guidelines on strengthening and establishing broadband mapping systems and international best practices.
  • Provide capacity building to NRAs and other stakeholders on broadband mapping methodologies and tools.
  • Facilitate regional efforts to harmonize technical practices and advocate for the adoption of broadband mapping through workshops and training sessions.
• Objective 2: Promote open data practices and standards related to broadband mapping systems
  • Support the adoption of open-source solutions and open data practices to improve broadband mapping systems, ensuring alignment with international best practices.
  • Deliver training sessions to promote open data principles and the use of standardized data formats for broadband mapping.
  • Develop and distribute guidelines for creating and managing national broadband databases, focusing on technical aspects of data collection, processing and sharing.
  • Support visualization of mapping data on interactive platforms to enhance accessibility and usability for decision-making.
• Objective 3: Enhance technical and operational capacities
  • Provide technical training in GIS software, data analysis and IT project management to equip NRAs with the skills required for broadband mapping system deployment and maintenance.
  • Develop technical specifications for broadband mapping systems, ensuring compatibility with regional harmonization efforts.
  • Assist in the preparation of tendering and procurement processes for broadband mapping systems and related technologies.
  • Support to the post-procurement installation of hardware and software for broadband mapping systems, ensure functionality and sustainability.
  • Offer post-deployment technical support, including troubleshooting, operational guidance and the preparation of sustainability plans and user manuals.

Specific deliverables will be defined according to the Terms of Reference to be established for each specific requirement and may vary depending on the context and priorities of the project and program.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex technical tasks.
• Demonstrated expertise in broadband mapping tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and data visualization.
• Strong knowledge of European and international broadband mapping standards and best practices.
• Familiarity with ITU standards and ITU and EU guidelines would be an advantage.

Education: 
University degree in international relations, public policy, business administration, economics, law, social sciences, engineering, information and communication technology, telecommunications, data science, or a related field. An advanced degree would be an advantage.

Experience:
At least seven (7) years of professional experience in broadband infrastructure, mapping systems, policy and ICT development.
Work experience within or with the National Regulatory Authorities or ICT ministries in the field of broadband mapping. Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or with projects focused on digital infrastructure development would be an asset.

Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Between USD 250 and USD 360 per day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.