ITU works to connect the world by managing radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits internationally, improving communication infrastructure in developing countries and establishing global standards that support interconnected communication systems.
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) coordinates the work of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector, including development policies, strategies, programmes, projects and technical cooperation activities supporting universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications and ICTs.
About the Green Digital Transformation Consultant Roster
The Climate Change and Emergency Telecommunications Division is establishing a roster of consultants to support the implementation of ITU’s green digital transformation projects.
The projects support ITU Member States in tracking and monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use from the digital sector while providing capacity building and training.
Future projects will build on ITU’s existing green digital transformation services, including monitoring GHG emissions and energy use, developing climate transition plans and supporting progress towards a net-zero ICT sector.
Beneficiaries of previous and ongoing technical assistance include countries across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas.
Job Summary
- Employer: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Environmental Sustainability
- Salary: US$185-US$360 per day
- Closing Date: 2026-12-31
Key Responsibilities
- Organizing and facilitating stakeholder workshops to strengthen the capacity of ICT regulators and other national stakeholders to collect and report environmental indicators related to the ICT sector’s climate footprint.
- Developing draft digital net-zero transition plans aligned with national climate priorities and targets.
- Supporting the upkeep of a data visualization dashboard tracking the digital sector’s climate footprint.
- Conducting national needs assessments to evaluate existing data collection frameworks and identify capacity-building requirements.
- Conducting research on digital company greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and climate commitments across the ICT sector.
- Supporting work on climate-resilient digital infrastructure.
- Leading preparation of technical content for online learning through the ITU Academy.
- Supporting onboarding meetings for new project focal points.
- Facilitating steering meetings among core project teams and supporting meetings with other authorities where required.
- Participating in regular online meetings with project teams and government representatives to monitor progress.
- Preparing mission reports and detailed workshop summaries where travel is required.
Requirements
- Advanced knowledge of climate data collection and reporting frameworks, including international standards for monitoring ICT-sector greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and environmental indicators.
- Good understanding of decarbonization strategies, net-zero transition planning, digital infrastructure resilience and green ICT policy development.
- Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate capacity-building workshops and stakeholder consultations on environmental sustainability and climate reporting within the ICT sector.
- Technical expertise in climate change, GHG emissions accounting, energy efficiency, ICT-sector sustainability policies and strategies, or another relevant field would be an advantage.
- Candidates should hold a university degree in: Environmental science; Monitoring and assessment; Environmental engineering; or another related field.
- Education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma equivalent to a university degree in one of the relevant fields may also be accepted.
- An advanced degree would be an advantage.
- Applicants should have at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience specializing in climate change, sustainability, ICT-sector environmental impact assessment or a related field.
- This should include at least three years of experience at the international level .
- Candidates should also have: Proven experience working with local and national governments and international organizations or entities.
- Experience in environment, climate change, telecommunications and/or digital transformation.
- Experience conducting research and producing technical reports on sustainability issues, particularly ICT-sector climate impacts and mitigation measures.
- A doctorate in a related field may be considered as a substitute for three years of professional experience.
- Advanced knowledge of English is required.
- Intermediate knowledge of a second official language of ITU would be an advantage. Depending on the location of individual assignments, knowledge of relevant local languages may also be advantageous.
Salary
US$185-US$360 per day
How to Apply
Vacancy Circular No: 1970
About the Company
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) operates in Zimbabwe as the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. In Zimbabwe, the ITU collaborates with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and the Ministry of Information Communication Technology to develop national ICT policies, expand broadband infrastructure, and bridge the digital divide. The organization provides technical assistance, capacity building programs, and policy guidance to support Zimbabwe's digital transformation agenda. Its Harare-based activities include supporting spectrum management, cybersecurity frameworks, and universal service initiatives to ensure inclusive connectivity across the country.
Connecting the world, transforming lives
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically needed for a Green Digital Transformation Consultant role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, information technology, or engineering, with postgraduate qualifications offering a competitive edge. Certifications such as ISO 14001, ITIL, or digital sustainability credentials from recognized bodies are increasingly valued. Practical experience with green ICT projects or climate-smart technologies is often essential given Zimbabwe's growing focus on sustainable development.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
Daily tasks include assessing organizational digital carbon footprints, designing energy-efficient IT infrastructure solutions, and advising clients on sustainable technology adoption. You will likely prepare reports for stakeholders, facilitate workshops with government and private sector partners, and monitor compliance with environmental standards. Field visits to assess rural connectivity projects with minimal ecological impact are also common in Zimbabwe's context.
How does local work culture in Zimbabwe affect expectations for this consulting role?
Zimbabwean professional culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy and relationship-building before business transactions, so networking and patience are crucial. Punctuality is valued though flexibility around infrastructure challenges like power outages is understood. Demonstrating commitment to national development goals, such as those in the National Climate Policy, significantly enhances your credibility with local stakeholders.
What realistic career progression paths exist for this specialization in Zimbabwe?
Entry-level consultants typically advance to senior advisory roles within three to five years by building expertise in specific sectors like agriculture or energy. Progression often leads to programme management positions with international organizations, policy advisory roles with government ministries, or independent consultancy serving NGOs and private firms. Regional mobility to SADC countries becomes viable with established credentials and multilingual capabilities.
What benefits are typically included in contract positions with international organizations in Zimbabwe?
Contract roles with organizations like ITU usually include medical aid coverage, though pension arrangements vary and may require personal planning. Annual leave typically ranges from twenty to thirty working days depending on contract duration, with provisions for emergency home leave. Housing allowances and security support are sometimes negotiable for internationally recruited consultants given Zimbabwe's economic volatility.
How should I apply and what do employers in Zimbabwe specifically look for in candidates?
Applications require tailored CVs highlighting measurable sustainability outcomes and digital project experience, submitted through official portals with clear reference to required competencies. Employers prioritize candidates demonstrating local contextual knowledge, such as familiarity with Zimbabwe's renewable energy landscape or rural connectivity challenges. Strong written communication skills and proven ability to work across multicultural teams are consistently sought after by international organizations operating in the country.
