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 also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.
Digital Health Standards and AI Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2142
Sector: TSB
Department: SPD
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: six months with possibililty of extension
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 23 September 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) fulfills the objectives of the Union relating to telecommunication standardization, by providing secretariat support to groups studying technical, operating and tariff questions and facilitating the adoption of Recommendations in these areas with a view to standardizing telecommunications and information technology on a global basis. In order to achieve these objectives, the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau works in accordance with the instructions of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSA), Telecommunication Standardization Study Groups and the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group. TSB, headed by an elected Director, provides the technical, administrative and logistic support for the assemblies and for the meetings of the groups mentioned.
Within the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), the Study Groups and Policy Department (SPD) is responsible for the development of standards, international numbering resources, bridging the standardization gap, and policies guiding ITU-T and the maintenance of its relevant position in the global standardization arena. It oversees the implementation of the WTSA Action Plan, and is responsible for identifying emerging technologies and analysing technology trends in order to advise membership on emerging standardization developments. The Department is also responsible for the Bureau's human resources and finance.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Under the direction of the Counsellor, ITU-T Study Group 21, and in close collaboration with the relevant TSB departments, the role of this Special Service Agreement (SSA) is to support the ITU secretariat function for the Global Initiative on AI for Health, and the implementation of related standardization activities related to Digital Health Standards and AI.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Digital Health Standards and AI consultant will:
- Assist in the project management of the ITU/WHO/WIPO Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H) as well as related activities.
- Assist with the implementation of the GI-AI4H Open Code Infrastructure (OCI).
- Curate health track webinars and sessions under the AI for Good platform.
- Conduct technical research and draft reports on the AI trends for health, to support the GI-AI4H work streams and on identification of technical standardization opportunities.
- Conduct technical research and draft reports for relevant digital health standardization projects under ITU-T SG21, as well as assist in the preparation of respective deliverables.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Organization of events and meetings of the GI-AI4H, in particular for ITU-allocated working groups and topic groups under the GI-AI4H.
- Organization of health track webinars and sessions under the AI for Good platform.
- Documentation of the different work packages of the Open Code Infrastructure (OCI).
- Submission of briefs, reports and analysis of AI for health topics being addressed in the GI-AI4H and ITU-T SG21.
COMPETENCIES
- Proficiency in performing critical and independent online research.
- Ability to plan and organise work effectively to meet deadlines.
- Ability to analyse information and apply sound judgement.
- Basic understanding of machine learning.
- Knowledge of configuring, managing and using GitHub as well as cloud-based computing (AWS, Kubernetes / Docker, S3, etc) and storage would be an advantage.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in the field of engineering and/or medical sciences with an understanding of the other respective field of studies, with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree. An advanced degree would be an advantage.
Experience:
At least one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in the respective field of study.
Experience working with UN Agencies, ITU and WHO in particular would be an advantage.
Experience in coding and in developing machine learning models applied to medical cases would be 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
CHF 4 200.- per month.
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.
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.
