The Republic of Vanuatu TOR: ICT POLICY ADVISOR

The Republic of Vanuatu
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Prime Minister’s Office
TOR:
ICT POLICY ADVISOR
Location: Port Vila,
Vanuatu
Type of appointment: fixed term
contract
Reference number :
Reporting to:
Government CIO
Commencement:
Duration: 24 months elapsed
time. With up to 12 man months
effort over this period.
Q2 2012
Background and Sector Overview
The Republic of Vanuatu Government (RVG), supported by the World Bank and AusAID (the Australian
Agency for International Development) is assisting the development of competition in the Vanuatu
telecommunications sector. Continuing good policy and sound regulation are key to its success. The
Government expects its reforms to greatly improve quality, affordability and access to telecommunication
services throughout Vanuatu.
In 2007 the Government adopted a pro-competitive Telecommunications Policy, renegotiated the
previous monopoly of Telecom Vanuatu Ltd and has enacted new telecommunications legislation in 2009
which, with the amended pre-existing Act (1989), is to reinforce and extend competition in the sector.
While regulatory arrangements are needed to drive and assist national goals, the Government recognises
that underlying policy and enabling legislation need to be progressively reviewed and developed and as
necessary, adapted to evolving circumstances, to ensure the desired outcomes.
The Government of Vanuatu is seeking to increase capacity within the public service by engaging an
Advisor to lead the development of ICT policy and legislation. This role will provide the Office of the
Government CIO (OGCIO) with the resources to strengthen the ICT policy and legislative framework. It will
also ensure that ICT development continues to reflect global best practices while supporting the
achievement of the goals of the Vanuatu Government.
The consultant will work in close collaboration with many government departments and the
Telecommunication & Radiocommunication Regulator. This position reports to the OGCIO under the Prime
minister’s Office.
Qualifications and Experience
1. The Consultant shall be a Public Policy Specialist in the area of ICT with a minimum of 15 years
experience in this field.
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2. Post Graduate Degree level qualifications in Public Policy, Economics, or similar.
3. The Consultant will have relevant Government transformation and policy implementation
experience in the ICT sector, particularly in developing countries.
4. Knowledge and experience of ICT sector issues, and policies in the South Pacific region and/or
other small island economies is required.
5. As the project requires consultation and skills transfer, the specialist must be competent in
preparation of materials in English.
6. French or Bislama language skills would be of benefit.
Scope of Work
1. Review all existing relevant policies (& drafts), laws and papers as appropriate.
2. Recommend to the Government an appropriate ICT sector policy framework and establish an
agreed-upon approach to the required policies, legislation and program of works. The program
should include focus on eEnablement and ICT industry development initiatives (such as
investment incentives, etc.).
3. Draft/revise ICT policies and implementation and monitoring plans as appropriate.
4. Review the Draft ICT Services Policy and engage core Government stakeholders in consultation.
Revise as appropriate and support the approval process.
5. Lead consultation with Government, TRR, industry and the public about the proposed policy
development, impacts or legislative change, its arrangements and operation.
6. Review the institutional context for ICT policy making and implementation and recommend
appropriate institutional framework going forward.
7. Support capacity building at the senior Government level to support relevant ICT areas. (e.g.
workshops, presentations, etc)
8. Coordinate with regional and international ICT and policy making bodies.
9. Assist the Government's work on international agreements related to ICT, including possible
regional connectivity programs.
10. Provide advice and assistance on development, addressing issues such as spectrum, digitalisation,
delivery, content and relationships within the ICT family of capabilities;
11. Support the CIO in the consultation process for all national ICT initiatives.
12. Any other related ICT matters as deemed relevant by the CIO.
Deliverables, Timing and Level of Effort
For each deliverable the consultant must obtain written CIO sign off.
Deliverable 1 – By Month 3
1. An appropriate ICT sector policy framework and an agreed-upon approach to the required
policies, legislation and program of works. The program should include focus on eEnablement and
ICT industry development initiatives (such as investment incentives, etc.).
2. A program to support capacity building in Senior Government Level in relevant ICT areas.
(workshops, presentations etc)
Deliverable 2 – By Month 6
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3. Revised draft ICT policies and implementation and monitoring plans.
4. Revised Draft ICT Services Policy
Deliverable 3 – By Contract Completion
5. National ICT sector policy and management institutional framework
6. Report on consultation with Government, TRR, industry and the public about the proposed policy
development, impacts or legislative change, its arrangements and operation.
7. Report on actions taken to support capacity building in Senior Government Level in relevant ICT
areas.
Timing and Level of Effort
This project is expected to require the services of a suitable expert for 12 man months during the 24
month term. The detailed travel and working schedule will be agreed with the CIO in the first month of
this contract.
Language
All material is to be produced and training delivered in English. Where required, translation services shall
be utilized for necessary Bislama or French documents.
Administrative Arrangements
The contractor selected will be engaged by and contracted to the Office of the Government CIO. The
contractor will report to the Chief Information Officer.
Consultant’s Reporting Obligations
In addition to the deliverables defined above:
(1)
An assignment approach and work plan within 1 month of start-up.
(2)
A 1-3 page report each month to the CIO and key stakeholders describing his/her key
accomplishments, deliverables, and any potential issues, obstacles, or risks.
A final project report highlighting accomplishments, results, and any recommended next steps
at the end of the assignment
(3)
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