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.
Fellowship Officer
1751 Vacancy notice no:
Sector: BDT
Department: DDR
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
TD22/P3/405 Position number:
Grade: P3
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 19 November 2024
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT – Operations Coordination (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
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 Office of the Deputy to the Director and Operations Coordination Department (DDR) are responsible for ensuring operation readiness and providing support for the functioning of the Regional Offices and Geneva HQ, especially the implementation of projects and programmes. Functional areas, such as meetings, fellowship and IT support reports to this Department. The unit for special attention in all aspects related to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDs is the responsibility of this Department. The Deputy to the Director is responsible for assisting and advising the Director in the direction and management of the Bureau including on all questions related to personnel, financial and operational planning process. The Department is responsible for leading the operational planning and implementation support, within the framework of the Action Plan. The Department is also responsible for coordinating conferences and events, editorial works and documentation control, monitoring the implementation of decisions emanating from ITU and BDT governing bodies, including TDAG, Council, Conferences and Assemblies of the other Sectors on matters of relevance to BDT. The Department is responsible for coordination of the Bureau's cooperation with other Sectors and General Secretariat.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Under the supervisor of the Deputy to the Director & Chief of Department, the post manages and supervises Fellowship activities and the incumbent takes accountability for the activities assigned to the post and the output of the services provided.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage and supervise the Fellowships activities, organize and direct the work and activities for the administration and implementation of fellowship programmes and services provided, including staff supervision.
- Serve as a focal point for all questions and correspondence related to fellowships awarded by any of the three Bureaux and by the General Secretariat; harmonize fellowship offers while ensuring that these offers include in the invitation letters clear eligibility and selection criteria; monitor/supervise the administrative activities of fellowship beneficiaries; provide guidance to project officers and experts on fellowship procedures and training possibilities.
- Contribute to the establishment of working procedures defining the roles of the relevant stakeholders with a view to harmonizing and maintaining a transparent fellowship process; develop and maintain up to-date a fellowship request form providing detailed information on candidate profiles and Member State needs to enable a fair and clear selection within the budget allocated; contribute every year to the establishment of an annual fellowship programme containing ITU events and activities offering fellowship opportunities allowing Member States to plan their participation in the programme.
- Update eligibility criteria in line with Council recommendations: monitor and maintain up to-date the newly prepared list of developing countries which also include the least developed countries, small island developing States, landlocked developing countries and countries with economies in transition as per the United Nations classification.
- Prepare annual reports on fellowships for the Council and upon request of other entities covering the number of fellowships awarded per region and country; gender/disabilities and specific needs; and expenses.
- Contribute to the development of technical specifications for the design and implementation of a dedicated fellowship website to serve as a repository for all information on ITU fellowships, including guidelines for fellowship beneficiaries; perform ongoing review and assessment of IT systems so as to further improve computer-assisted work methods; assist in the development of a fully automated online system for handling fellowship requests.
- Participate as fellowship representative in the selection process: analyse the requests with a view to ensuring eligibility.
- Act as focal point for audit matters: provide requested relevant information and explanations on issues related to fellowship awards.
- Build and maintain effective cooperation with stakeholders such as Member State Administrations, ministries of foreign affairs, Swiss Mission, insurance company, UNDP Offices, United Nations/Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA), etc.
- Participate in UN inter-agency meetings dealing with policies and procedures on fellowship administration and maintain liaison with other organizations of the UN common system.
- 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
- Proven knowledge of fellowship administration within United Nations system.
- Knowledge of UNDP working methods.
- Ability to use and provide requirements to enhance a variety of specialized software and tools, e.g., customer management relations management systems and database.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in human resources management, law, political or social science 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 seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of the position, including at least two at the international level. A Doctorate in a related 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).
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 $ 64,121 + post adjustment $ 59,953
Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to:
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.