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.
Senior Advisor, Open Source and Digital Public Infrastructure
Vacancy notice no: 2042
Sector: BDT
Department: DNE
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: 5108
Grade: P5
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 12 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 3 June 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.
Organizational context
Under the supervision of the Chief of Digital Networks & Environment (DNE) Department, the Senior Advisor, Open Source and Digital Public Infrastructure, serves as leader for projects related to Open Source, provides strategic advise across all assigned responsibilities by leading, planning, and coordinating the execution of relevant projects in particular on Open Source, Digital Public Goods (DPG) and Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI)— while adhering to established time, cost, and quality standards in compliance with the organizational regulations.
Additionally, the Senior Advisor, Open Source and Digital Public Infrastructure, fosters a collaborative environment to promote teamwork and drive results. Additionally, the role includes managing the day-to-day operational aspects of assigned projects, ensuring that all activities align with the broader strategic direction set by the senior management of BDT.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
He/She will:
- Lead and provide strategic guidance on Open Source and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives at ITU HQ and Regional Offices to ensure effective programme implementation, monitoring and resource management.
- Provide strategic leadership in the execution of projects, ensuring coordination with related initiatives such as Digital Government, Digital Public Goods, Digital Public Infrastructures, and sector-specific programmes in Digital Administration. Develop operational plans and strategies aligned with ITU's broader objectives.
- Advise Member States on the development of national and regional digital government and sectoral transformation strategies and frameworks that foster an enabling environment to scale up of Open Source and DPI for development.
- Provide strategic leadership in the development of global activities, resources, projects and events to promote Open Source and DPI. Drive coordination of strategy, planning, and budget formulation, while identifying key resource mobilization opportunities and establishing strategic funding partnerships. Offer high-level expert guidance and direction throughout the implementation process to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Lead and promote the Digital Society agenda, specifically in relation to Open Source and DPI providing strategic leadership on policy adoption, within ITU and among external stakeholders. Deliver presentations on Digital Society issues to senior management, UN agencies, NGOs and national administrations.
- Develop and build partnerships and sponsorships for Open Source and DPI related activities, resources, projects and events. Build partnerships with governments, the private sector, NGOs, and development partners to support relevant initiatives. Identify potential partners, mobilize resources and negotiate agreements with partners/sponsors for collaboration.
- Manage communication and promotional strategies in coordination with the BDT Communication and Promotion Service to raise awareness of Open Source and DPI, including organizing events, managing the website, and creating promotional materials.
- 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
- Knowledge of resource and project management principles and methodologies.
- Familiarity with the United Nations system would be an advantage.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in telecommunication engineering, information and communication technology, social sciences, public/business administration 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 fifteen years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
Experience:
At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in the above fields, preferably acquired in a telecommunication/ICT Administration/organization, or recognized private sector organization, including at least five at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.
Experience working at international level advising governments and/or international organizations on Digital government and Digital Transformation matters would be an advantage.
Proven experience in project management is desirable.
Demonstrate experience in gender mainstreaming and managing a culturally diverse team is an asset.
Proven experience to exercise tact and diplomacy, and work effectively with officials at all levels, across diverse national, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds.
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 $ 101,540 + post adjustment $ 88,137 Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to: https://jobs.itu.int/content/What-we-offer/?locale=en_US
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
12 months with possibility of extension for 6 months.
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.
