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Unpaid Internship - WSIS Forum 2027 - Junior Project Officer (Programme and Agenda)

Geneva, Switzerland·Posted today
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Full job description

INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION  

 

 

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.

 

ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.

 

Unpaid Internship - WSIS Forum 2027 - Junior Project Officer (Programme and Agenda) 

 

 Vacancy notice no: 2442 
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

 

 Position number: [[positionNumber]] 
Grade: [[PositionGrade]] 
Type of contract: Internship
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 16 November 2026

 

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

 

The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union.  The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy.  The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public. 

 

Within the General Secretariat, the Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM) advises the Secretary-General on strategic challenges and their implications for the Union in the fast evolving telecommunications/ICT environment; develops forward-looking strategic proposals to the ITU management team with a view to ensuring that the organization meets the objectives assigned by the membership; plans and coordinates the corporative and strategic activities with a view to ensuring their accordance with membership objectives; organizes and provides secretariat services to the Plenipotentiary Conference, Council, and other meetings in the general secretariat in order to achieve a high level of involvement from Member States and Sector Members, develops and maintains sound relations with Member States, Sector Members and other entities, the UN and other international organizations. The Department is also responsible for providing expert advice on communication and promotion strategies and for developing and implementing the Union's corporate communication plan in cooperation with the three Sectors with a view to promoting ITU leadership in the field of telecommunications and ICT.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Under the supervision of the designated officer, the incumbent will be responsible for contributing to building an engaging WSIS Forum 2027 programme that connects ideas, people and practical solutions for inclusive digital development. The incumbent will:

  • Support the WSIS Forum 2027 Open Consultation Process (OCP), helping gather and organize stakeholder inputs that shape the Forum programme.
  • Review and analyse OCP submissions and proposals to identify relevant themes, speakers and sessions across the WSIS Action Lines, taking into account emerging digital trends and development priorities.
  • Liaise with stakeholders and participants and follow up on programme-related information to support effective coordination and preparation.
  • Contribute to the preparation of concept notes, session outlines, speaker briefs and thematic summaries for Forum tracks and special sessions.
  • Conduct research on emerging digital trends and priorities, including artificial intelligence, digital inclusion and the impact of digital technologies on women and girls, and contribute to the development of thematic tracks and special sessions for the Forum.
  • Assist in drafting speeches, talking points, key messages and briefing materials for speakers and high-level participants, ensuring alignment with WSIS priorities and the objectives of the relevant sessions.
  • Prepare and format programme documents, summaries, briefs and other materials, ensuring that information is clear, accurate and accessible.
  • Support the development of visual and digital communication materials, including charts, infographics, data visualizations and online content for websites and social media platforms.
  • Contribute to post-Forum follow-up, including the preparation of outcome summaries and publications capturing key discussions, emerging trends and recommendations

COMPETENCIES

  • Good knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office applications, with proficiency in Excel.
  • Excellent organizational skills and time management abilities.
  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve issues effectively and efficiently.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society, and academia.
  • Ability to work effectively in an international and multicultural environment.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED

Experience: no experience required

 

Education: University degree in telecommunications, development studies, international relations, business administration, communications, public relations, economics or a related field.

 

Language: Excellent knowledge of English for conducting research and producing documents (drafting and editing). Knowledge of a second ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
 

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Unpaid internship

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Internship duration: 18 January to 16 July 2026
  • Full-time
  • On-site ITU HQ

 

Please note that a non-remunerated internship at ITU does not carry the same conditions of employment as a short-term or fixed-term position. Medical insurance, travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.


ITU Internship Requirements

To be eligible for an internship at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), candidates must:
• Be under 30 years of age (Exceptions may be considered for candidates pursuing a Ph.D.).
• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programme, or be a recent graduate(within six months prior to the start of the internship).
• Be a citizen of a Member State of ITU.

INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS   

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. 

Listing sourced from ITU careers. Applications are handled entirely by the employer.

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