October 2, 2024

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

Genève

INTERN

Unpaid internship - ITU160 Communication and Advocacy Internship

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 - ITU160 Communication and Advocacy Internship

Vacancy notice no: 1783
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: [[position Number]]
Grade: [[Position Grade]]
Type of contract: Internship
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 16 October 2024

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

In 2025, ITU will celebrate 160 years at the forefront of policy, innovation and multilateral cooperation on information and communication technologies. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Communications respectively ITU160 Campaign Director, the intern will:

Support the communication and advocacy campaign to commemorate ITU’s 160th Anniversary (ITU160) throughout 2025, in particular:
Develop engaging content, including human impact blogs, success stories, visuals and videos, particularly for social media, that aligns with the campaign’s brand identity and voice.
Assist in curating and publishing social media content such as social media packs and ready-to-go posts for employees, ITU members and partners.
Maintain a social media calendar and monitor channels to track and report on coverage related to ITU’s 160th anniversary campaign, identifying trends and opportunities for engagement.
Collaborate with other Corporate Communication Division teams, communication focal points in the Bureaux and the Graphic Design and Visual Identity Unit on social media efforts.
Actively participate in team meetings, taking and sharing notes and offering insights and ideas;
Any other task that may be required.

COMPETENCIES

Excellent research, writing and copy-editing skills;
Excellent analytics and visual storytelling skills;
Excellent advocacy skills, including the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, including ITU employees, government, other United Nations agencies, private sector, civil society and academic institutions;
Excellent digital skills, in particular social media including Instagram;
Ability to work in an international environment.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED

Education: University degree in communications, journalism, marketing, digital marketing or other field related to the above Terms of Reference. Ongoing studies or studies completed since less than six (6) months.
Experience: No work experience required. Previous relevant internship/s would be an asset.
Languages: English at advanced level. Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an advantage.

REMENURATION INFORMATION

Unpaid internships.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Possibility of completing the internship in Geneva, New York or remote.

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.

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.