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.
Project Manager, Connect Schools in Countries with Giga Initiative
Vacancy notice no: 1945
Sector: BDT
Department: DNE
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number:
Grade: P4
Type of contract: Short-term
Duration of contract: 11 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 17 March 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
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 Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE) is responsible to assist the Member States, especially the G77 countries, in a wide range of ICT development challenges, as basic connectivity, spectrum management, evolution of current to future broadband networks and technologies, enabling universal and affordable access, and strengthening the security through the cybersecurity support. In addition, the DNE Department provides expertise and needed support for emergency telecommunications and the increasingly important and urgent aspects related to the environment and climate change.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the Digital Networks and Environment Department of the BDT, under the supervision of the Head of Future Networks and Spectrum Management (Access) Division (FNS), the duties to be performed are as follows:
- Acts as the project manager to oversee and coordinate the “Connect Schools in Countries (Accelerate school connectivity in collaboration with the Giga Initiative)” project.
- Leads and monitors project plan implementation and the achievement of defined goals, deliverables, KPIs and timelines, focusing on priority activities and manages the allocation of appropriate resources.
- Is responsible for managing designated project staff and experts by providing overall guidance and oversight while continuously monitoring performance and providing recommendations for improvements.
- Prepares project progress reports and manages project budget in accordance with the project plan and ITU’s internal rules and procedures.
- Engages in country implementation and coordination by regularly communicating with country representatives. Prepares and delivers needed presentations and documents. Works with government officials and experts to conduct assessments, studies and prepares proposals and agreements as needed.
- Coordinates with relevant internal and external stakeholders such as the ITU General Secretariat, UNICEF and country focal points and in consultation with ITU Regional Offices.
- Performs 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
- Excellent knowledge of project cycle management.
- Proven project management skills, including budget, activities, data management, monitoring and performance evaluation.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside ITU.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education
Advanced university degree in engineering, economics, law, education, management, telecommunications/ICTs 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 managing complex projects with a major advocacy and country engagement component, including at least three at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience. Experience in digital infrastructure development, broadband mapping, or a closely related area is highly desirable.
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).
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 career 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.
