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 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.
Unpaid internship - Emergency Telecommunications Intern
Vacancy notice no: 2406
Sector: BDT
Department: DNE
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): 28 September 2026
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.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
This internship offers an opportunity to contribute to ITU’s work at the intersection of digital technologies, disaster risk reduction and emergency response, including its leadership of Pillar 3 Warning Dissemination and Communication of the EW4All initiative.
To support the effective delivery of these activities, ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is is seeking an Emergency Telecommunications Intern. Working under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer and the Senior Coordinator Early Warning Systems, and the overall guidance of Head of the Climate Change and Emergency Telecommunications (CET) Division and in close collaboration with the entire CET team, the Intern will:
1. Support BDT’s leadership of pillar 3 of the EW4All initiative, focusing on warning dissemination and communication. This involves supporting the team’s substantive and operational work; preparing content materials, presentations, briefing notes and reports; attending and providing support to meetings with internal and external stakeholders; drafting meeting minutes and tracking follow-up actions; engaging and coordinating with partners; maintaining databases, contact lists and activity records; and contributing to the planning and delivery of relevant activities and events.
2. Support ITU’s work on emergency telecommunications preparedness and response. This involves contributing to the development and implementation of National Emergency Telecommunication Plans (NETPs); supporting activities related to emergency connectivity, including connectivity for refugees and displaced populations; conducting research and analysis on relevant topics; preparing background materials, presentations and reports; documenting country experiences and good practices; and supporting coordination with governments, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations and private-sector partners.
3. Conduct research on ICTs for disaster risk reduction. Support the coordination of developing and maintaining a repository of case studies and subject matter experts to inform and connect stakeholders regarding new applications of emerging technology or novel uses of existing technology, enhancing the application of ICTs in the disaster risk management cycle.
4. Support meetings, workshops and events related to emergency telecommunications and disaster management. Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and other events related to using ICTs for disaster management, in close coordination and collaboration with partners.
COMPETENCIES
• Knowledge of emergency telecommunications, particularly early warning systems and the use of ICTs for disaster management involving national strategies.
• Familiarity or willingness to learn how to use online applications and social media.
• Ability to draft clear and concise documentation with good written and oral language skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues and ask questions to clarify work.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
Education: University degree (or completing an advanced University degree) in the areas of ICT, emergency telecommunications, regulation, or an equivalent level of education and specialization in a relevant field.
Experience: No work experience required.
Languages: Advanced level of English. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an additional advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Unpaid Internship
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please note that a non-remunerated internship at ITU does not carry the same conditions of employment as a short-term or fixed-term position. Medical insurance, travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
ITU Internship Requirements
To be eligible for an internship at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), candidates must:
• Be under 30 years of age (Exceptions may be considered for candidates pursuing a Ph.D.).
• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programme, or be a recent graduate(within six months prior to the start of the internship).
• Be a citizen of a Member State of ITU.
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.
