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.
Unpaid Internship - Graphic Designer Intern
Vacancy notice no: 2183
Sector: SG
Department: C&P
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Internship
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 17 November 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.
The Conferences and Publications Department is responsible for ensuring communication between people involved in ITU activities and for the dissemination of ITU products, through its conference services (conference organization and logistics), language services (translation and interpretation in the six official languages, précis-writing, terminology and reference services) and documentation and publications services (text capture and text processing, electronic document management, publication composition, reproduction and distribution of paper and physical electronic products).
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The purpose of this internship is to provide the intern with practical experience in graphic design, exposure to industry-standard design tools, and the opportunity to work on real-life projects within a professional team environment. To this end, the intern will:
• Assist in creating a Design System for the new ITU website.
• Assist in creating and editing design elements for digital platforms (websites, social media, email campaigns).
• Design print materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, and banners.
• Collaborate with the design team to create visual concepts that align with branding guidelines.
• Help in preparing and editing graphics for presentations, reports, and internal communications.
• Conduct research on design trends and help implement them into projects.
• Assist with file management and organizing assets.
• Participate in team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
Expected Outcomes:
The intern will develop and refine their skills in using industry-standard design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, AfterEffects, Canva, Powerpoint and other relevant tools.
The intern will contribute to at least 6 design projects and have a portfolio of completed work.
The intern will improve his/her understanding of design principles, layout techniques, and brand identity development.
Learning and Development:
Mentorship and guidance from senior designers.
Feedback on their work to help them grow professionally.
Exposure to professional design workflows and tools.
Opportunities to attend team meetings, design reviews, and relevant workshops or events.
COMPETENCIES
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and/or Figma.
Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and branding.
Creative thinking and ability to generate new design ideas.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Knowledge of UI/UX principles
Knowledge of web design (preferred but not required).
QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
Education: Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree program in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field.
Experience: No work experience required.
Languages: English at advanced level. Knowledge of another ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
REMENURATION INFORMATION
Unpaid internships.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note that a non-remunerated Internship position at ITU does not carry the same conditions ofemployment as a short-term or a fixed-term position. Mandatory Medical Insurance, travel expenses, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or sponsoring institutions.
The internship will last for 6 months, starting asap.
The intern will work 100%, so 40 hours per week, in ITU HQ in Geneva.
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.
