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.
Business Development Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2269
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 3 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 10 March 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.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The purpose of the consultancy is to support academic and industry engagement, in particular in the lead-up to and during AI for Good and WSIS Forum, including full pipeline management: prospecting before events, qualification, stakeholder meetings during the events, and post-event conversion into membership and/or formal collaboration tracks.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Head of Marketing and Partner Relations, the consultant will:
- Prospect and qualify academic institutions and private-sector actors in advance of AI for Good and WSIS Forum, based on thematic relevance, strategic value, and alignment to ITU priorities.
- Hold structured bilateral meetings with academic and industry stakeholders during both events to understand their work, identify where they could contribute concretely to ITU priorities, present ITU membership, and explore specific collaboration entry points.
- Map areas of common interest and establish a structured follow-up plan for each prospect such as the next steps, materials to share, timelines and responsibilities.
- Ensure timely follow-up with all participants of the academic session(s) and convert outcomes into actionable next steps such as expressions of interest, draft proposals, membership discussions, among others.
- Support academic and industry delegations attending AI for Good and WSIS Forum by preparing agendas, creating briefing materials, coordinating internally across Sectors, and providing logistical and liaison support.
- Assist in preparing draft talking points, briefing notes, pitch decks and presentations focused on stakeholder engagement, membership development, and strategic value creation.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Completion of stakeholder research for strategic engagement for academic institutions and private-sector actors based on a specific segmentation.
- Preparation and delivery of stakeholder engagement materials, presentations, briefing notes, talking points and organization of side events relevant to engagement of academia and industry.
- Submission of structured follow-up plans and reports, documented meeting outcomes in CRM, post-event conversion actions, and recommendations for advancing large scale partnerships and membership.
- Integration of post-event engagement, including stakeholder follow-up, support to delegations, coordination across Sectors.
COMPETENCIES
- Advanced knowledge of business development and partnership engagement.
- Proficient knowledge of international development frameworks, and thematic areas related to digital technologies, AI, and ICT policy.
- Capacity to write reports and draft briefing notes, stakeholder analyses, concept notes, presentations, and post-event reports with clear strategic recommendations.
- Advanced technology and software competency skills, including CRM or stakeholder management tools, survey platforms, data visualization tools, and standard office and collaboration software.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, engage senior stakeholders, and work under tight timelines in an international and multicultural environment.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in international relations, business, management, or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above.
Experience:
At least two (2) years of experience in international relations or business development.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of another official language of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
CHF 5,000 per month
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.
