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. ITU also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
Capacity Building in Entrepreneurship, Commercialisation, and Innovation Acceleration Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2254
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 15th March 2026 to 30 September 2026 (72,5 working days).
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 10 February 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
The regional offices provide assistance to the ITU Member States of the Region, ensuring a close relationship and collaboration. To implement the agreed programs and projects, in accordance with the ITU Strategy Plan and the BDT Action Plan, with the active support of all Departments, providing timely information about their development. To provide proper line management and support, the Regional Directors report to the Director of the BDT.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a significant economic transformation, spearheaded by its Vision 2030 strategy. Driven by innovation, this strategy aims to diversify the economy, reduce oil dependency, and foster innovation through SMEs. The country focuses on creating a knowledge-based economy, generating high-quality jobs, and contributing to long-term economic resilience.
The country has identified four main priorities for research, development, and innovation: Health and Wellness, Sustainable Environment and Essential Needs, Energy and Industries, and Future Economies. Researchers in Saudi Arabia published 59,000 studies in 2022, with research output growing by 25% each year since 2018 (UK Science and Innovation Network, 2024).
This project aims to provide an acceleration programme for scientists and researchers from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to initiate the commercialisation of their research. The acceleration programme is designed to empower Saudi and local academic scientists and researchers specialising in technology and emerging economy areas. It bridges the gap between research and the market through an innovation entrepreneurship programme. Participants will be equipped with skills and tools to explore the economic value of their research and embrace the commercialisation of innovative technologies.
The programme will enable them to bring their ideas to market more efficiently and quickly by providing tools and techniques for opportunity assessment, customer development, and growth readiness. Tailored to the scientific community, the acceleration programme will apply tested and proven frameworks and models for technology-based commercialisation.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the supervision of the ITU Arab Regional Officeโs Programme Administrator, the Consultant will provide technical support and expertise for the design and delivery of the Capacity Building Programme: Accelerating innovation from research to market through the creation of a full programme playbook, bootcamp, and mentorship.
Specifically, the Consultant will:
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
Programme materials produced: One programme playbook; a complete set of participant worksheets; facilitator teaching aids; slide presentations for all modules; and a toolkit of 22 design-thinking tools for entrepreneurship, commercialisation, and innovation thinking, all delivered in fully editable Microsoft Word and PowerPoint formats. Training and coaching delivered: Delivery of in-person bootcamp sessions, workshops, and facilitated team activities; delivery of online coaching sessions over an eight-week period; and submission of supporting documentation including session agendas, activity guides, and coaching templates. Assessments and evaluation outputs: One baseline knowledge assessment; one end-of-course knowledge assessment; participant feedback forms; and one consolidated summary of assessment and feedback results developed and administered using Microsoft Forms. Phase II proposal submitted: One complete Phase II proposal for national and regional rollout submitted using ITU-provided editable Word templates, incorporating programme results, lessons learned, and other related deliverables as assigned by the Arab Regional Officeโs Programme Administrator.COMPETENCIES
Advanced skills in training programme design and delivery, innovation and entrepreneurship facilitation, training and mentorship. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and report-writing abilities. Strong analytical skills to assess learning outcomes and translate results into actionable recommendations. Excellent time management skills.QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in engineering, ICT, business administration, innovation and investment management, entrepreneurship, finance, education, or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above.
Experience:
At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the design and delivery of capacity-building programmes for innovation and entrepreneurship, including the development of training materials, facilitation of interactive sessions, and provision of mentorship or coaching.
Experience in facilitating workshops, bootcamps, or innovation labs, including hands-on support to multidisciplinary teams working on entrepreneurship or technology-based solutions.
Previous experience in Saudi Arabiaโs incubators, accelerators, entrepreneurship centres, venture capital organisations, and innovation hubs.
Experience in design thinking, innovation ecosystems, and/or the commercialisation of research outputs.
Prior work experience with international organisations, academic institutions, or innovation/acceleration hubs is an asset.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of Arabic at advanced level would be an advantage (Gulf Arabic).
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 250 per working day
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU career website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.