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.
Project Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2267
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 6 weeks
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 the development of an updated evidence base and analytical outputs on how digital technologies are reflected in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), building on ITU’s previous stocktake.
Digital technologies are increasingly recognized as essential to the world’s climate future. From data platforms to artificial intelligence (AI), digital solutions can help cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across sectors and strengthen climate resilience.
In November 2025, ITU published the brief “Digital technologies in NDCs: Stocktake and analysis”. This stocktake provided the first global snapshot of where digitalization stands in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with 2035 targets, analysing how countries are integrating digital technologies into their climate commitments. To complement this work, ITU is preparing a complementary report to analyse all 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), including those submitted after 29th September 2025. To advance this work, the Department seeks a dedicated expert to support this research project.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Chief, SPM Department, the consultant will:
- Screen and analyse additional submitted NDCs with 2035 targets that were not covered in ITU’s previous stocktake, using a pre-established methodology.
- Expand the existing dataset with the relevant information abstracted from the analysed NDCs.
- Produce a high-quality report based on the expanded dataset and updated analysis.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
Expanded dataset on digital technologies in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
Complement the previous ITU stocktake of 53 analysed Nationally Determined Contributions with 2035 targets. Based on a pre-established methodology the data collection will include the screening and analysis of all submitted NDCs with 2035 targets not covered in the previous analysis. The dataset must be accompanied with a method note detailing any inclusion/exclusion criteria or methodological adjustments relative to the previous editions.
- Submission of a five-page briefing on initial findings. Preparation of an interim synthesis of early results from the expanded dataset, highlighting key patterns and trends on selected indicators.
- Delivery of a draft report integrating the expanded dataset and updated analysis. Following a descriptive neutral approach, the report will detail aggregates and overall trends, covering all indicators of the pre-established methodology.
- Delivery of a revised report incorporating consolidated feedback.
- Delivery of the final report and supporting materials.
COMPETENCIES
- Advanced knowledge of sustainable development agendas, and policy analysis.
- Proficient knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
- Capacity to write reports and draft project and concepts.
- Advanced technology and software competency skills.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Understanding of digital metrics and analytics, with the ability to generate, analyse and interpret data.
- Additional experience in green digital solutions and sustainable digital transformation would be considered an advantage.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in environmental management, climate change, information technology, policy studies, economics, law, business 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 three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the field relevant to the Special Service Agreement (SSA). Previous experience in qualitative research and report drafting for sustainable development is required.
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 7,500.00 to be paid in lumpsum upon completion and submission of the deliverables.
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.
