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.
Business Planning Officer
Vacancy notice no: 2046
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: PM02/P4/1319
Grade: P4
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 28 July 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.
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.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is seeking a highly qualified results-based management (RBM) expert to elevate and refine its RBM framework. The selected candidate will report to the Head of Strategy and Planning Division (SPD), in the Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM) of the General Secretariat, and will lead initiatives spanning strategic planning, operational excellence, and the rigorous monitoring of its implementation. The role requires deep expertise in operations and portfolio management to drive effective, data-informed, decision-making and to optimize resource allocation across the organization.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The post requires providing strategic guidance and advice to the ITU Bureaux and administrative units on corporate management issues, in order to advance the implementation of the ITU’s strategic, financial and operational plans. This post will also require coordinating relationships with managers and senior level officials to establish solid partnerships and initiate joint strategic activities for the benefit of the Union. He/she will:
- Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the current RBM framework and operational planning processes, identifying strategic and operational gaps and proposing data-driven improvements.
- Provide expert advice on incorporating portfolio optimization and cost-benefit analysis to streamline operations.
- Redesign and enhance the RBM framework to support evidence-based decision-making and efficient resource allocation.
- Coordinate ITU intersectoral activities on strategic and operational planning to integrate refined RBM principles into the organization's planning and execution cycles.
- Lead the development of detailed, results-oriented operational plans with clearly defined performance metrics.
- Establish robust monitoring systems to track the implementation of strategic and operational planning activities, including the analysis and interpretation of complex business data to formulate data-driven insights and recommendations for adaptive management during the implementation phase.
- Contribute to the creation and execution of ITU's new strategic plan, ensuring RBM principles are fully embedded, monitoring progress and providing recommendations for mid-course adjustments based on real-time data.
- Develop and deliver training programs focused on RBM, including the design and packaging of outputs relevant to strategic outcomes; prepare comprehensive training materials and workshops to foster a culture of continuous improvement; promote best practices in the design and packaging of outputs and work plans; and provide inputs and contributions to ITU Council, Council Working Groups, and the Plenipotentiary Conference reports.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Results-based management with a proven track record in strategic and operational planning, as well as implementation monitoring.
- Demonstrated expertise in business and financial analysis.
- Strong portfolio management skills.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in business administration, operations management, strategic planning or a related field, OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with ten years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
Experience:
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in the above-mentioned fields, preferably in results based management or strategic planning role in an international setting, including at least three years at the international level.
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).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
Salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances. Annual salary from $ 84,672 + post adjustment $ 68,923
Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to: https://jobs.itu.int/content/What-we-offer/?locale=en_U
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.
