Job Profiles for the Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project

S/N

Job title

Job profile (Needed Qualifications, Skills and Experience)

Duties and Responsibilities

Number of Positions

6

Digital Infrastructure and Broadband Access Specialist

Selection Criteria:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer /Network Engineering, Information, and Communication Technology (ICT), Information Systems or equivalent, with a minimum 8 years of relevant work experience; or

Master’s Degree (preferred) in Computer /Network Engineering, Information, and Communication Technology (ICT), Information Systems or equivalent, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.

Industry certifications such as MCIP, MCSA, MCSE, CCNA, CNNP are added advantage.

Possession of Prince2 or PMP certification is an added advantage

Technical competencies:

• Extensive experience of designing and implementing digital infrastructure and access initiatives, incorporating best practice – prior experience of working on government- and/or donor-funded and IT infrastructure related projects preferred;
• Track-record of assessing technical needs and specifications, supporting planning as well as and supervision of large, complex, and nation-wide digital infrastructure projects of a similar scale and technical nature;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the digital infrastructure and device value-chain, as well as the broadband market in Rwanda (demand and supply side), including market player, key challenges and opportunities for development, as well as innovative and emerging approaches to last-mile connectivity;
• Demonstrated knowledge of key regulatory and policy issues related to the telecommunication sector and broadband market development – e.g. competition, affordability, quality of service (QoS), local content, spectrum management, and infrastructure sharing etc.;
• Familiarity with the digital inclusion and universal broadband access agenda, as it pertains to Rwanda, including experience of working on related initiatives;
• Demonstrated knowledge of network infrastructure and related solutions (e.g. WAN/LANS), including latest trends, as well as related deployment and maintenance requirements;
• Demonstrated knowledge of emerging telecommunication technologies such as 5G;
• Some knowledge of the digital education agenda is considered an advantage, including school and higher education connectivity;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, methods of ICT and infrastructure-project planning, monitoring, and evaluation;
• Ability to learn about new products, systems, applications, technologies, and related trends;
• Ability to research and analyze technical problems, issues, and program requirements, as well as develop related solutions;
• Prior experience in designing digital infrastructure and access initiatives that crowd in and support the private sector is considered an advantage;
• Extensive experience in dealing with the private sector, digital infrastructure, and IT providers and managing related contracts, and providing related quality assurance.
• Strong technical and operational skills as evidenced in a proven track record in leading / co-leading similar initiatives;

General Competencies (management, leadership, communication, problem-solving, monitoring, coordination, stakeholder management, etc.)

• Ability to work effectively across multiple cross-functional teams to proactively resolve problems, support and engage key stakeholders; as well as work effectively across boundaries even without active guidance from the management;
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills; including the ability to work independently, effectively in a team/task force as a team member or leader, and with senior staff and managers;
• Demonstrated ability to listen and integrate ideas from diverse views, create partnerships and collaborate with others, advocate and influence, resolve conflicts constructively,
• Proven ability to conduct research independently and present results effectively;
• Impeccable planning, organization, and time management skill; Ability to work well under pressure and to meet tight deadlines;
• Demonstrates a high level of motivation, confidence, integrity, and responsibility;
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to provide solutions to emerging challenges;
• Experience leading change, taking initiative, and driving results;
• Computer literacy including Microsoft packages;
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal, including the capacity to communicate complex and technical issues in simple terms;
• Proven ability to clearly and concisely prepare, present, and discuss recommendations at senior levels and to produce deliverables such as memoranda, recommendations, requirements documents, and status reports;
• Fluency in English is essential;
• Should demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and integrity.

1. Act as primary technical advisor, lead, and program manager for all digital infrastructure and broadband access related activities envisioned under the project, including last-mile connectivity, device affordability scheme, shared government digital infrastructure, as well as policy and regulatory support for broadband market development;
2. Support the coordination of related technical assistance and works financed by the project, collaborating with concerned stakeholders and beneficiaries to determine gaps and needs (as they evolve), provide technical advice, ensure effective planning, smooth implementation, adequate quality assurance, follow-up, maintenance and support;
3. Support the Procurement Specialist on the technical elements of procurement and contract management of related activities: (i) support concerned stakeholders and beneficiaries to prepare/refine/review technical terms of reference and bidding documents, and related selections; (ii) act as a contact for contracted consultants and firms in relation to the delivery of technical assignments; (iii) liaise with parties to ensure delivery of activities against agreed timelines and technical specifications;
4. Stay abreast of the emerging broadband market and digital infrastructure trends, in order to advise management and project stakeholder on new developments and emerging best practices that may positively shape project design, planning etc. including conducting ad hoc research as needed;
5. Support the M&E Specialist on the technical elements of M&E framework design and set-up, maintaining an overview of progress and other detailed technical KPIs to ensure that broadband market growth leads to target subscription, device penetration figures as well as network usage and resilience, etc.;
6. Support development and review of enabling guidelines, policies, and procedures (e.g. in relation to access), as needed, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, ensure that corresponding standards are embedded in activity design and delivery;
7. Support development and review of technical specification/standard, plans, and proposals (e.g.to reliability, climate impact, quality of service, and vulnerability, as needed, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders;
8. Work with Cybersecurity specialist to ensure that cybersecurity consideration is integrated, as part of related said standards;
9. Lead ad-hoc site-visits to review progress (e.g. scheme roll-out or infrastructure deployment), flagging issues and suggesting solutions, to ensure maximum and intended impact
10. • Support procurement and delivery of PPA activities linked to digital infrastructure and broadband access. (Within first three months of contract signature)
    • Progress report (every month)Reporting:

      Deliverables

      • The Digital Infrastructure and Broadband Access Expert will report to the SPIU Coordinator

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