POSITION TITLE: Access and Affordability Specialist
PROJECT: USAID Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP) – Pacific
POSITION LOCATION: Suva, Fiji
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: through April 16, 2027 (with option to extend)
COMPENSATION: FJ$ 119,752 to FJ$ 172,456
BACKGROUND:
The Global Digital Inclusion Partnership is a coalition of public, private, and civil society organizations working to bring internet connectivity to the global majority and ensure everyone is meaningfully connected by 2030. GDIP advances digital opportunities to empower and support people’s lives and agency, leading to inclusive digital societies.
The Global Digital Inclusion Partnership is supporting Nathan Associates, a Cadmus Company, with the implementation of the USAID Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership (DCCP) – Pacific Activity, a 5-year Activity across 12 Pacific Island Countries headquartered in Suva, Fiji. DCCP – Pacific seeks to improve digital access and connectivity and support the efficient delivery and use of digital services throughout Pacific Island Countries. DCCP seeks to improve the digital ecosystem by (1) improving broadband access, resulting in more secure and affordable services; (2) amplifying successful public-private initiatives, resulting in a strengthened regulatory and legal framework for regional alignment; (3) advancing digital government services; and (4) enhancing essential digital skills of civil servants, officials, and citizens, supporting the next generation of ICT specialists.
The Global Digital Inclusion Partnership is seeking qualified candidates for the Access and Affordability Specialist position, who will work directly under the Objectives 1 and 2 Lead of the DCCP-Pacific Activity. The position will focus on supporting Objective 1: improved broadband access, resulting in more security and affordable services. The position will be based in Suva, Fiji, for the duration of the project, which is initially four years with an option for a fifth-year extension.
The Access and Affordability Specialist will be responsible for supporting the Objectives 1 and 2 Lead in improving broadband access and affordability within the Pacific Island Countries covered under the Activity. The specialist will work closely with governments, stakeholders, and a multi-stakeholder community to enhance access to affordable and secure digital services, promote competition, and reduce barriers to entry into new markets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide technical expertise and support to improve broadband access and affordability in Pacific Island Countries.
- Collaborate with the Objectives 1 and 2 Lead in developing and implementing strategies to enhance access and affordability targets, standards, and regulatory compliance costs.
- Support the development and implementation of sustainable connectivity solutions with a focus on community networks in remote islands and communities.
- Contribute to the development of policies and regulations related to digital access and affordability, including topics such as open access, spectrum management, licensing, and market competition.
- Engage in public-private dialogue and partnerships to address telecommunication regulatory issues and promote meaningful connectivity.
- Support a multi-stakeholder process to ensure inclusivity in the digital economy, particularly for marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, women and girls, youths, rural and remote communities.
- Collaborate with regional partners, research institutions, and sub-regional organizations to leverage knowledge and expertise in improving access and affordability.
- Stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in broadband access and affordability, and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within the project team and stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
The Access and Affordability Specialist is expected to possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Minimum of five years of professional experience in fields related to broadband access, affordability, telecommunications, or digital policy and regulations.
- A bachelor’s degree in an area related to public policy, telecommunications, economics, or other relevant field; master’s preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in working on projects or initiatives related to improving broadband access and affordability.
- Strong knowledge of policy and regulatory frameworks related to digital connectivity and telecommunications.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and management, including public-private dialogue and collaboration.
- Experience working on regional or multi-country, multistakeholder initiatives preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Right to work and remain in Fiji.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Experience working on USAID or other donor-funded programs is preferred.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter and CV to partnerships@globaldigitalinclusion.org with CC to recruitment.dccp-pi@cadmusgroup.com on or before 14 August 2023.
Please include “Access and Affordability Specialist, DCCP-Pacific” in the subject line. Only finalists will be contacted.