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 - WSIS Forum 2027 - Junior Project Officer (WSIS Prizes)
Vacancy notice no: 2446
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Internship
Duration of contract: Six months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 17 November 2026
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 Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM) advises the Secretary-General on strategic challenges and their implications for the Union in the fast evolving telecommunications/ICT environment; develops forward-looking strategic proposals to the ITU management team with a view to ensuring that the organization meets the objectives assigned by the membership; plans and coordinates the corporative and strategic activities with a view to ensuring their accordance with membership objectives; organizes and provides secretariat services to the Plenipotentiary Conference, Council, and other meetings in the general secretariat in order to achieve a high level of involvement from Member States and Sector Members, develops and maintains sound relations with Member States, Sector Members and other entities, the UN and other international organizations. The Department is also responsible for providing expert advice on communication and promotion strategies and for developing and implementing the Union's corporate communication plan in cooperation with the three Sectors with a view to promoting ITU leadership in the field of telecommunications and ICT.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Join the team behind the WSIS Prizes and help spotlight digital initiatives making a difference around the world. Under the supervision of the designated officer, the incumbent will:
- Support the planning, promotion and delivery of the WSIS Prizes 2027, helping bring visibility to innovative Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) initiatives that advance sustainable development.
- Assist with the review and organization of project submissions, checking that information is complete, clear and relevant to the WSIS Action Lines and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Help coordinate the showcasing of nominated projects, Champions and Winners through project profiles, presentations and other engaging materials.
- Prepare and edit communication and promotional content that highlights the ideas, people and impact behind outstanding projects.
- Support the participation of WSIS Prizes Winners and Champions in the WSIS Forum 2027, including follow-up and coordination for the award ceremonies.
- Contribute to web and social media content that helps audiences discover the WSIS Prizes and the projects recognized through the initiative.
- Support meetings and coordination with colleagues and stakeholders involved in the WSIS Prizes.
- Help document results and success stories, contributing to reports that demonstrate how digital transformation is making a difference on the ground.
COMPETENCIES
• Excellent Organization and Time Management skills;
• Excellent Communication Skills, with ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, including Government, Private Sector, Civil Society and Academic Institutions;
• Excellent Computer Skills, including promotion through social media;
• Ability to work in an International Environment
• Experience in organizing exhibitions will be an advantage
QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
Experience: no experience required.
Education: University degree in development studies, international relations, business administration, communications, public relations, economics, digital media, international development, political science, sociology or a related field.
Language: Excellent knowledge of English for conducting research and producing documents (drafting and editing).
Knowledge of a second ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
Unpaid internship.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Internship duration: 18 January to 16 July 2026
- Full-time
- On-site ITU HQ
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 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.
