SNKE 1: Digital Connectivity and NTN EXPERT (Team Leader)

The purpose of this assignment is to provide the European Union Delegation (EUD) with a concise, evidence-based understanding of how satellite and other non-terrestrial network (NTN) solutions could complement Iraq's existing terrestrial connectivity infrastructure.

The assignment will assess the current connectivity ecosystem, identify operational gaps and priority use cases, and examine the regulatory, institutional, technical and procurement-related conditions required for the deployment of secure and reliable hybrid connectivity solutions.

The assignment will also distinguish between the different layers of space-enabled services, namely: satellite communications (SatCom), which provide connectivity; satellite navigation (SatNav), which provides positioning, navigation and timing data; and Earth observation (EO), which provides geospatial and monitoring data.

The assignment is intended as a targeted entry point rather than a comprehensive sector study. It will enable the EUD to inform decision-making, identify priority areas for engagement, and determine potential pathways for future interventions. The approach will prioritise key sectors and stakeholders, focusing on high-impact applications in connectivity, energy, critical infrastructure, security, transport and logistics.

The assignment should:

1. Map the current terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity ecosystem in Iraq;
2. Assess the limits of terrestrial networks and the potential added value of NTN solutions;
3. Clarify the role of SatCom, EO and SatNav within priority sectoral applications;
4. Identify connectivity gaps and operational needs;
5. Review regulatory, institutional, spectrum and licensing frameworks;
6. Assess the feasibility of hybrid terrestrial / non-terrestrial network models;
7. Explore applications in energy, oil and gas, security, mobile networks, transport and strategic infrastructure;
8. Identify possible implementation models, including whether solutions should be procured as turnkey systems or through separate network/service components;

Role Summary

The Team Leader / Digital Connectivity and NTN Expert will be responsible for the overall technical leadership, coordination, quality assurance, and delivery of the assignment. The role requires strong expertise in digital infrastructure, satellite communications (SatCom), and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), as well as the ability to integrate these with terrestrial telecommunications systems and sectoral applications.

The expert will lead the analytical work across all components, ensure methodological coherence and technical consistency, and serve as the primary focal point for the European Union Delegation and key national stakeholders in Iraq. The role will also ensure that all findings are grounded in practical deployment realities, aligned with international best practices, and relevant to Iraq’s connectivity and infrastructure priorities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Team Leader / Digital Connectivity and NTN Expert will:

• Provide overall technical leadership, strategic direction, and coordination of all assignment activities, ensuring coherence across terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity analysis and space-enabled applications. 
• Design, refine, and validate the overall methodological framework, including analytical approach, data architecture, assessment criteria, and workplan for evaluating hybrid connectivity ecosystems. 
• Lead the end-to-end analysis of Iraq’s digital connectivity ecosystem, including terrestrial networks (fibre, mobile, microwave), non-terrestrial networks (GEO/MEO/LEO satellite systems), and their integration potential. 
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of SatCom, NTN, and related digital infrastructure ecosystems, including service providers, network architectures, ground segment infrastructure, and connectivity use cases. 
• Lead stakeholder consultations with relevant Iraqi institutions, including telecommunications authorities, infrastructure ministries, regulatory bodies, security agencies, energy sector actors, and private sector operators. 
• Analyse technical and operational constraints in connectivity deployment, including coverage gaps, backhaul limitations, latency constraints, resilience challenges, and infrastructure dependencies. 
• Assess the role and integration potential of satellite communications (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO), and satellite navigation (SatNav) within national digital infrastructure and priority sector applications. 
• Evaluate regulatory, institutional, and spectrum management frameworks relevant to satellite communications and NTN deployment, including licensing regimes and cross-sector coordination mechanisms. 
• Analyse hybrid terrestrial/non-terrestrial network architectures, including interoperability, scalability, deployment models, and resilience contributions. 
• Assess connectivity requirements and digital infrastructure needs across priority sectors, including energy, oil and gas, transport and logistics, security, and critical infrastructure. 
• Oversee data collection, validation, spatial and technical analysis, and synthesis of findings in coordination with national stakeholders and relevant technical counterparts. 
• Lead the preparation of all key deliverables, including the Inception Report, Connectivity Ecosystem Mapping Report, Gap and Feasibility Analysis, Draft Final Report, Final Report, and Policy Brief. 
• Ensure rigorous quality assurance, technical accuracy, and consistency across all outputs, in line with EU standards and international best practices. 
• Present findings, technical conclusions, and strategic recommendations during validation workshops, stakeholder consultations, and policy dialogue sessions.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Digital Infrastructure, Space Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. 
• Minimum of 10–12 years of professional experience in digital connectivity, telecommunications, satellite communications, or non-terrestrial network systems. 
• Proven experience in the design, assessment, or implementation of satellite communications (SatCom), NTN architectures (e.g. GEO/MEO/LEO systems), or hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks. 
• Strong technical expertise in digital infrastructure systems, including broadband networks, mobile backhaul, network architecture, and connectivity planning. 
• Demonstrated experience leading complex technical assessments or advisory assignments for governments, international organisations, or development partners. 
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks for telecommunications and satellite services, including spectrum management and licensing regimes. 
• Experience working with public sector institutions and international donors, preferably including the European Union or EU-funded programmes. 
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and presentation skills in English. 
• Prior experience in Iraq or the wider MENA region, particularly in infrastructure, telecommunications, or digital transformation contexts, is considered a strong asset

Duration of the assignment:  Up to 45 days

Period of the assignment: Expected to commence in June 2026, subject to EUD approvals and coordination. Completion is expected within 4 months of commencement.

Place of assignment: Baghdad, Republic of Iraq. 

Language requirements: Fluent in spoken and written English. Knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.

The interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs in English no later than 12th of June 2026!