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.
Strategic Advisor and Lean Coach - Digital Transformation Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2160
Sector: SG
Department: ISD
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 30 September 2025
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 Information Services Department (IS) is the focal point for the ITU information technology services, managing ERP, CRM, documents, information systems and infrastructure, service-desk, library, archives and information management services, safety and security (both physical and logical), to support staff both at Headquarters and in the Field, as well as delegates attending conferences, meetings and events world-wide. It also promotes ICT collaboration, partnerships and information-sharing and represents ITU in inter-organization meetings and committees related to information technology and security management.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is undergoing an ambitious digital transformation to strengthen its internal capabilities, improve efficiency, and deliver greater value to its Member States and stakeholders. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is leading the design and implementation of a new Digital Transformation Strategy and Roadmap that will align ITU’s digital systems, data, processes, and people with the organization’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan and the ITU Transformation Roadmap.
This transformation involves a shift from traditional project delivery to a product-centric approach that fosters cross-sectoral collaboration, accelerates delivery through agile methods, and ensures continuous value creation. To support this transition, ITU seeks the services of a Strategic Advisor and Lean Coach- Digital Transformation consultant with proven experience in organizational transformation, lean product development, and innovation practices in complex organizations.
The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide strategic advice and hands-on coaching to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Information Services Department (ISD) leadership team in developing and operationalizing the Digital Transformation Strategy and Roadmap. The consultant will guide the transition to a lean, product-centric organization, foster a culture of continuous learning, and support the setup of innovation and collaboration environments.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Under the guidance of the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the consultant will undertake the following activities:
Strategic Advisory:
- Advise the CIO on the overall design, process, and delivery of the ITU Digital Transformation Strategy and Roadmap.
- Provide strategic input into the reorganization of ISD to align with product-oriented, value-delivery structures.
- Support the CIO in building partnerships internally and externally to accelerate digital transformation and maximize value.
Lean Coaching:
- Coach the CIO and ISD leadership on lean product development principles, problem-solving tools, and continuous learning practices.
- Mentor managers and teams to adopt lean/agile ways of working that emphasize value delivery, user experience, and measurable outcomes.
- Introduce methods for portfolio prioritization, value-stream mapping, and iterative delivery cycles.
Facilitation and Capacity Building:
- Design and facilitate digital transformation strategy development workshops with leadership, staff, and stakeholders.
- Support the ISD team in adopting lean methodologies to foster improvement cycles and embed a culture of experimentation.
- Build team capability in structured problem-solving, visual management, and adaptive planning.
Innovation and Transformation Support:
- Support the design and setup of an Oobeya Room for transformation management, providing visibility, alignment, and decision support across initiatives.
- Advise on the design and activation of an Innovation Space and Hub to foster experimentation, co-creation, and learning.
- Work with the Transformation Task Force and Transformation Team to:
- Organize and accelerate priority transformation initiatives.
- Introduce an effective system for managing transformation initiatives (visual boards, cadence of reviews, performance dashboards).
- Ensure alignment with the broader ITU Transformation Roadmap and governance mechanisms.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Process design and facilitation for Digital Transformation Strategy workshops, with documented outputs.
- Draft and finalization of Digital Transformation Roadmap, including recommendations for sequencing, dependencies, and resourcing.
- Recommendations on ISD organizational design to support the product-centric approach.
- Coaching sessions (one-on-one and group) for CIO, leadership team, and selected staff.
- A functional Oobeya Room concept and operating model, with initial setup completed.
- Support to the design of an Innovation Hub and its activation plan.
- Development of a system for managing and tracking transformation initiatives (visual and digital tools, processes, governance).
- Submission of a final consultancy report summarizing achievements, lessons learnt, and recommendations.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent facilitation, communication, and change management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and cultures.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in organizational development, business administration, information systems, or 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.
Experience:
At least ten (10) years of experience in digital transformation, lean product development, and agile/lean coaching in complex organizations, ideally in the UN system, international organizations, or large federated enterprises.
Proven experience in facilitating strategy development processes and organizational design.
Demonstrated expertise in setting up Oobeya rooms, innovation spaces, or visual management systems.
Strong track record in coaching senior leaders and teams on lean/agile approaches.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of French would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Between USD 410 and USD 890 per working day to be defined according to the work experience of the consultant.
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.
