Afghanistan: Afghanistan: Spectrum Management Consultant

Background

The Afghan Civic Engagement Program (ACEP) is a five-year program, funded by USAID and implemented by Counterpart International in partnership with Internews Network, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), and the International Center for Not-For-Profit Law (ICNL). The program promotes Civil Society and Media Engagement to enable Afghan citizens to influence policy, monitor government accountability, and serve as advocates for political reform. Under ACEP, Internews supports the media development and regulatory sector, including assistance to the Afghan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA), in order to ensure that media and public access to information is safeguarded. The work with ATRA focuses on improving the regulatory environment around broadcast spectrum management & planning and co-ordination with relevant international bodies such as the ITU.

Scope of Work

The Spectrum Management Consultant will be based at the Afghan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA), office in Kabul, and will work closely with the board of ATRA and the Spectrum Management Director, in order to support the strengthening of processes and build capacity within ATRA:

• Collaborate with relevant departments within ATRA to develop and maintain action plans and timelines for delivering services and reporting on performance.


• Maintain and expand coordination with the ITU on evaluating the current spectrum management and licensing procedures and provide recommendations and documentations for required approval procedure(s).


• Update and finalize the Spectrum Allocation Table in accordance with the Final Acts – World Radio Communication Conference (WRC-15) and current licensing framework through coordination with the ITU.


• Develop a long-term plan and procedures for spectrum licensing which will be free of cost, following the DTV switch over in Kabul and provinces, and provide recommendations on efficient use of spectrum.


• Provide recommendations on standard/approved technical equipment such as handsets and telecom devices that have compatibility in the Afghanistan environment.


• Review current status and develop a new frequency pricing framework and procedure for effective and efficient utilization of the spectrum with a vision of both future services and new technology trends.


• Develop emergency communication policy and regulations in respect to spectrum management.


• Conduct public consultation and develop broadcasting and cable services regulations for Afghanistan.


• Provide support in drafting RFP and tendering documents based on international standards to ensure transparency and accountability. in equipment procurement and licensing processes.


• Install and upgrade the SMS4DC software and train the spectrum management staff on the use of the software in their daily work.


• Conduct a feasibility study of Digital FM radio broadcasting in Afghanistan, with focus on category one provinces.


• Train ATRA staff and assist relevant department in detecting, preventing and regulating frequency interferences.


• Provide biweekly and quarterly reports on progress and development as required Internews and a Final Report at the end of the assignment.


• Understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews’ Core Values

Oversight

The Consultant will report to the ATRA board and Spectrum Management Director/Internews Media Policy Director

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in spectrum management, radio and communications engineering and information technology.


• At least 10 years work experience in spectrum management and spectrum regulations in developing countries.


• Good knowledge of ITU standards on spectrum regulation and digital transition.


• Extensive experience of the process of transition from analog to digital broadcasting.


• Ability to draft policy and procedures around spectrum management and frequency allocation.


• Technical expertise to install and upgrade SMS4DC software and train relevant staff in its usage.


• Good English language skills required, and Dari / Pashto desirable but not essential.


• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.


• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders in Afghanistan and sensitivity to cross-cultural dynamics in the work place.