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.
Associate Giga Operations Officer
Vacancy notice no: 2038
Sector: SG
Department: NA
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number:
Grade: P2
Type of contract: Short-term
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 17 June 2025
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.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Giga is a global UNICEF and ITU initiative to connect every school to the internet, and every young person to information, opportunities, and choices. It also serves as a platform to build the necessary infrastructure to provide digital connectivity to an entire country, for every community, and for every citizen. (www.giga.global). Giga focuses on four core areas of work:
- Map previously unmapped schools, and monitor connectivity in real-time using open-source AI/ML.
- Collaborate with the governments to model the optimal connectivity infrastructure configuration, identify enabling policy and regulatory levers, and develop connectivity cost models.
- Finance connectivity projects using the most capital efficient solutions available.
- Establish contracts based on best practices for public procurement and delivery tools.
Giga is active in 30 countries and has connected over 5 500 schools in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean, providing online access to more than two million students and teachers. Key activities in these regions include using AI and satellite imagery to map school locations, leveraging blockchain technology to monitor real-time connectivity status, utilizing infrastructure and policy data to inform connectivity choices, and bringing all these elements together to design sustainable business models for connecting schools. With the support from the Governments of Switzerland and Spain, Giga has established its global headquarters in Geneva and its Giga Technology Center in Spain. Giga is positioned for its next phase of growth to scale up in all programme areas with new resources associated with this support.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Associate Giga Operations Officer will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-dayoperations of the ITU Giga Programme. This will involve liaising with various departments within the GeneralSecretariat, providing analytical support and recommendations to the Programme Manager, and coordinatingadministrative processes as needed. The duties and responsibilities will be performed under the supervision of theGiga Programme Manager. He/she will:
- Provide valuable analytical support for project financial management by liaising with the Financial ResourcesManagement Department (FRMD) to ensure accurate transaction coding, alignment with budget lines, andcompliance with ITU financial regulations. Coordinate the preparation of monthly expenditure reports andensure the timely submission of high-quality financial updates, statements, and reports. Identify potential areasfor improvement and provide recommendations to the Programme Manager.
- Provide regular operational reports to the Programme Manager, including analysis of key activities, challenges,and recommendations for process improvements. Coordinate the organization of work planning and progressreporting meetings, ensuring effective follow-up and implementation of agreed actions.
- Liaise with the Human Resources Management Department (HRMD) and provide guidance to the ProgrammeManager on workforce planning, recruitment, procurement, and training processes within the Giga team,ensuring compliance with ITU policies. Establish and maintain effective systems for tracking personnel contractsand financial documentation, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
- Collaborate with Information System Department (ISD) and operations teams to assess and addressinfrastructure and technology needs, ensuring the Giga team has the necessary resources to maintainoperational efficiency. Propose solutions to optimize internal workflows and technology utilization.
- Coordinate acquisitions for the team, manage related reporting, and maintain strong collaboration with theProcurement Division in FRMD to ensure efficient and seamless operations.
- Liaise with the UNICEF Giga team and existing Giga partners to facilitate operational requirements for the GigaProgramme. Conduct research and collect data for the Programme Manager.
- Perform other related operational duties as assigned by the Programme Manager.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Expertise in using financial systems, tools, and software to accurately record and report financial data (MicrosoftOffice, spreadsheets).
- Understanding of the technical needs of the team and ability to coordinate with IT to ensure smooth operations.
- Familiarity with tools for work planning, progress tracking, and report generation to assist in managing theteam’s workflow and deliverables.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in human resources management, business or public administration, administrative law, or anyof the behavioural sciences or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education, with adiploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above.
Experience:
At least three years of progressively responsible experience in project management or a related field. An advanceddegree in a related field can be considered as a substitute for one year of working experience. A Doctorate in arelated field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.
Languages:
Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Possibility of extension beyond the initial term.
This temporary opportunity is available to individuals residing locally.
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.
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.
