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 also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.
Junior Cybersecurity Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2176
Sector: BDT
Department: Regional Offices
Country of contract: Thailand
Duty station: Bangkok
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 6 months (from January 2026)
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 3 November 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
- Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
- Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
- Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE)
- Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)
The regional offices provide assistance to the ITU Member States of the Region, ensuring a close relationship and collaboration. To implement the agreed programs and projects, in accordance with the ITU Strategy Plan and the BDT Action Plan, with the active support of all Departments, providing timely information about their development. To provide proper line management and support, the Regional Directors report to the Director of the BDT.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Cybersecurity has been a growing concern in the Pacific region as countries have accelerated their digital transformation journeys with increased international connectivity, lessons learnt from COVID-19 and the increased use of digital services. Driven by cybersecurity risks and incidents, countries in the Pacific have undertaken initiatives such as developing cybersecurity legislation, policies and strategies (e.g. Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu), setting up computer emergency response teams (CERT) (e.g. Tonga), building capacity, raising awareness (e.g. Samoa) and international cooperation.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), as the specialized agency of the United Nations for information and communication technologies (ICT), has been supporting its Member States through its Cybersecurity Programme. In assessments undertaken as part of the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020 (on cybersecurity commitment by countries in 2020), the relevant needs and challenges associated with the countries in the Pacific subregion (and particularly the Pacific Islands) were mapped and identified. The need to accelerate the subregion’s development of national cybersecurity strategies, while building operational capacity in line with relevant global and regional standards and best practices continues to be a priority
Additionally, the objective of Asia-Pacific Regional Initiative 5 (ASP RI 5) is to assist Member States in developing and maintaining secure, trusted and resilient networks and services, and to address challenges related to climate change and the management of global pandemics and disasters. The Asia-Pacific Regional Initiative 1 (ASP RI 1) is also relevant, as it is focused on addressing special needs of least developed countries, small island developing states, including Pacific Island countries, and landlocked developing countries.
In this light, ITU is implementing an extrabudgetary project called Pathways to Cybersecurity in Pacific, which aims to build and enhance cybersecurity capacities through the development of a certified cybersecurity capacity building programme for entry-level professionals in Pacific Island Member States seeking cybersecurity related professional opportunities, and further support the creation of internship and professional opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.
This project consists of three phases:
- Phase 1: Basic Understanding of Cybersecurity (Pre-Training).
- Phase 2: Certified Cybersecurity Capacity Building Programme.
- Phase 3: Work Experience Placement and Cybersecurity Community Creation.
The project is supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication (Government of Japan) and ITU’s ICT Development Fund.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Regional Director of ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and in close coordination with staff at the ITU Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, the consultant will:
- Support the implementation of the PCP project, including following up on the trainings for Phase 1 and Phase 2.
- Collaborate with the Project Manager and the Cybersecurity Consultant to support the Phase 3 cohort engagement strategy.
- Monitor cohort progress for the PCP programme, including through an online platform/network.
- Assist with project reporting and project close-out procedures.
- Conduct research on cybersecurity in the Asia-Pacific region, including in the Pacific subregion.
- Liaise with the headquarter and regional focal points on Cybersecurity as well as attend regular meetings with the regional focal points and headquarter colleagues.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Delivery of monthly progress reports highlighting achievements, challenges and the next steps.
COMPETENCIES
- In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on designing and delivering technical cybersecurity trainings for a target audience.
- Knowledge of the cybersecurity workforce in the Pacific.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in cybersecurity, telecommunication, computer science, information technology, social sciences, or relevant field. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least one year (1) of experience in a field relevant to the Special Service Agreement (SSA). An advanced university degree in a related field can be considered as a substitute for one year of working experience.
Experience implementing donor-funded projects would be an advantage.
Experience with the Pacific subregion would be an advantage.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of a non-English official language used in the Pacific Islands is desirable.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 150 per working day.
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 career 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.
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.
