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 - Junior Events Support Officer
Vacancy notice no: 2037
Sector: SG
Department: NA
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Internship
Duration of contract: 6 months (16 June to 12 December 2025)
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 26 May 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.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
As part of the Giga initiative, ITU is seeking a dynamic intern to join the Giga team and support all aspects of event organization in Geneva—from planning and attendee communication to registration, on-site coordination, post-event evaluation, reporting, and participant surveying. Giga is a joint initiative of UNICEF and ITU to connect every school in the world to the Internet by 2030. Giga’s core areas of work are: to map previously unmapped schools using open-source AI/ML as well as existing infrastructure to model optimal connectivity strategies; to identify the enabling policy & regulation levers; to develop connectivity cost models, and to provide guidance on procurement and delivery tools. The intern should perform the following:
• Assist in planning and organizing events, meetings, and reception.
• Participate in the preparation of timelines, checklists, and run-of-show documents.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the Giga event’s website.
• Assist in responding to inquiries from attendees and provide general event information.
• Support the event officer with monitoring and updating guest lists and registration platforms.
• Assist with preparation of logistical information for event participants.
• Assist with check-in and guest reception during the event.
• Support with distributing badges and event giveaways.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing feedback from participants.
• Support in preparing event reports or presentations.
• Support other activities of the Giga Secretariat as requested.
COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate should be highly organized, pay close attention to detail and quality of information, flexible, and able to keep a positive attitude under pressure. Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools, and ability to quickly learn new software applications are required. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work well individually, in a team and in a multicultural environment with a proactive attitude.
Advanced use of IT tools, design tools, content creation, and interest in the ICT sector would also be positively valued.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
Education: University degree in Hospitality, Marketing & Communications, and Business Administration related studies will be valued during the selection process.
Experience: No work experience is required. Experience in event management, and with event management tools will be valued.
Languages: Advanced level of English for conducting research, engaging a community, and producing documents (drafting and editing).
REMENURATION INFORMATION
Unpaid internship.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note that a non-remunerated Internship position at ITU does not carry the same conditions of employment 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.
This internship position does require the candidate to be physically present with the opportunity to work from home 2 days per week except for days when events are taking place.
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.
