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 Project Manager 

 

Vacancy notice no: 1923 
Sector: BDT
Department: PPS
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

 

Position number: PROJ 5096 
Grade: P4 
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 1 year
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 2 April 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)

To be successful, BDT must create clear and simple mechanisms to develop partnerships with donors, foundations, and the private sector, and coordinate the delivery of these resources to meet the needs of Member States. The Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skill Department (PPS) provides a forum for Member States to collaborate in our Study Groups. To create the necessary synergy, resource mobilization and project design are combined in this department. The Department is responsible for the strategic planning that will properly position the BDT to accomplish its organizational goals and objectives, fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources. As well, it provides expertise in the areas  ICT capacity and digital skills development, essential activity to help to close the Digital Divide. It also undertakes initiatives and activities in the framework of the WTDC Plan of Action and strengthen relations with the ITU-D membership. 

Organizational context

 

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Capacity and Digital Skills Development Division (CDS), within the Projects, Partnerships, and Digital Skills Development Department (PPS) of the BDT, the Senior Project Manager is responsible for the overall management and implementation of the ITU project “Capacity Development to Accelerate School Connectivity in Collaboration with the Giga Initiative“, in compliance with the ITU Project Management Manual, as well as ITU internal rules and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

He/She will:

  • Ensure the implementation and delivery of all project outputs according to the established work plan and results framework within the specified project tolerances of time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits.
  • Develop detailed project implementation plans for all activities including training plans, course evaluations, sustainability arrangements, and promotion strategies.
  • Lead the development and implementation of project activities at the global level in close collaboration with identified partners.
  • Work in close collaboration with the ITU Giga Team, and other Division staff, in implementing the project activities.
  • Oversee the proper delivery of all training activities identified in the project to the target audience. Collaborate closely with the ITU Academy team in the planning, design, and implementation of training courses, as well as in enhancing the e-learning platform to meet the needs of the project’s target audience.
  • Ensure participation of the project’s target beneficiaries in the activities through appropriate communication and outreach strategies.
  • Manage, monitor, and supervise all recruitment, procurement, financial and other administrative processes related to project implementation.
  • Collaborate closely with UNICEF and other partners in delivering training, including the Giga countries, ITU Academy Training Centres, and other UN agencies as required.
  • Regularly review the project’s status, evaluating performance criteria (scope, cost, schedule, and quality), documenting issues, and managing the risks that may be encountered throughout the implementation of the project.
  • Prepare, in coordination with the ITU Project Support Division, necessary documents such as progress reports, annual reports, financial reports and detailed narrative reports as required by the project Steering Committee to highlight  project achievements and deliverables.
  • Assess the results of the project activities, evaluate their impact, and propose modifications to the implementation plan as required.
  • Implement the project’s communication and visibility plan.
  • Prepare progress reports on project achievements and document best practices and lessons learned during implementation.
  • Establish and maintain working relationships with ITU colleagues from the Giga Team, the Capacity and Digital Skills Development Division, other BDT Thematic Priorities, ITU Administrative Teams,  ITU Regional Offices, the Project Steering Committee, and external partners.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (continuation)

CORE COMPETENCIES

 

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making
Client and Service Orientation
Innovation and Facilitating Change
Leadership
Networking and Building Partnerships
Planning and Organising
Successful Management

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

 

  • Ability to communicate complex concepts orally and to prepare written materials in a clear, concise and meaningful manner.
  • Excellent knowledge of project cycle management (certification in project management).
  • Proven project management skills, including budget management, activity and data management, monitoring and performance evaluation.
  • Knowledge of e-learning platforms, training development and delivery technologies and content management systems.
  • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside ITU.

Internationally recognized certification in project management (e.g., PMD Pro, IPMA, PMP - PMI or similar) is an asset for this position.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

 

Education:

Advanced university degree in the field of education, international development, social science, training and development, engineering, programme/project management, information technology, 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 projects/programmes in the context of international development, 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 implementing training and/or capacity development projects or activities in the field of digital development.
Experience in managing global, multi-country projects.
Experience and knowledge of conditions in the developing world and technical cooperation activities, with preference for experience managing projects at country 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 $ 57,238
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 contract with possibility of extension, depending on the project’s budget.

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.