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.
Youth Digital Hubs Programme Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2386
Sector: SG
Department:
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 3 months with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 6 August 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.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
ITU is seeking a Youth Digital Hubs Programme consultant to support the implementation and coordination of the ITU Youth Digital Hubs global programme. The ITU Youth Digital Hubs initiative is a global programme designed to empower young people to meaningfully participate in and benefit from digital transformation. Aligned with the ITU Youth Strategy and relevant ITU resolutions on youth empowerment, the initiative seeks to address growing digital divides and equip youth with the skills, knowledge, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Through a global network of youth-led hubs hosted primarily by ITU Academia Members and other eligible institutions, the programme advances the three pillars of the ITU Youth Strategy: Engage, Empower, and Participate by providing access to digital learning resources, leadership opportunities, capacity development activities, and pathways for active youth engagement in the work of the ITU and the broader digital development ecosystem. The consultant will support the implementation of the ITU Youth Digital Hubs programme by coordinating hub establishment, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and collaboration with ITU teams, academic institutions, and external partners.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Within the ITU Gender and Youth Office, in the Office of the Secretary-General, under the guidance of the Senior Gender and Youth Advisor, the consultant will perform the following activities:
- Implement the ITU Youth Digital Hubs global programme, ensuring alignment with the approved proposal.
- Support the establishment and operationalization of Youth Digital Hubs with academic institutions, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 rollout.
- Support to the implementation of engagement activities, including sessions, courses, and events.
- Liaise with the relevant internal teams to ensure effective communication and programme delivery.
- Liaise with ITU Academia Members, partner organizations, and stakeholders to facilitate hub onboarding and engagement in line with the approved activities.
- Provide guidance to hub focal points and coordination teams regarding programme requirements, engagement opportunities, and reporting obligations.
- Implement and monitor the hub engagement opportunities, including capacity development and community activities.
- Ensure timely collection, review, and analysis of ITU Youth Digital Hubs engagement reports.
- Support the development and dissemination of ITU Youth Digital Hubs Toolkit materials, templates, communication content, and the refinement of programme tools and templates, including reporting formats and guidance materials.
- Track programme progress, including hub participation, activities, and outputs, and provide recommendations for programme improvement.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Refinement of the inception report outlining implementation approach and coordination plan within one month.
- Operational coordination of the hubs, including onboarding of hubs across regions.
- Consolidated periodic engagement reports summarizing hub activities, results, and participation.
- Organization and coordination of at least one annual global virtual showcase/event.
- Submission of regular reports detailing implementation status, challenges, and recommendations.
- Final report summarizing the one-year pilot implementation, results, lessons learned, and recommendations for scaling the initiative.
COMPETENCIES
- Effective project and programme management skills.
- Proficiency in stakeholder coordination and partnership management.
- Proficiency in monitoring and reporting (results-based management).
- Effective communication and facilitation skills.
- Knowledge of meaningful youth engagement and ICT capacity development.
- Knowledge of UN/ITU processes and programme implementation.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced university degree in telecommunications, ICT, international development, public policy, social science, education, or a 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 three (3) years of relevant experience in:
- Project/programme coordination.
- Youth engagement, digital development, or ICT-related initiatives.
- Stakeholder and partnership management.
- Experience working with global or multi-country programmes is an asset.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of another official language of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
USD 165 per working day.
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.
