JOB DESCRIPTION

INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION

ITU, the United Nations’ leading information and communications technology agency, is dedicated to connecting the world. It does this by managing the international radio spectrum and satellite orbits, strengthening communications infrastructure in developing countries, and developing global standards that ensure the seamless interconnection of a wide variety of communications systems. ITU also organizes the World Telecom Events, which bring together the most distinguished representatives from the public and private sectors and foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.

Head, Member and Private Sector Relations Department

Vacancy Notice Number: 2112

Sector: BDT

Department: PPS

Contract country: Switzerland

Duty station: Geneva

Position number: TD54/P4/376

Grade: P4

Contract type: Fixed term

Contract duration: 2 years with possibility of extension

Publication Type: External

Application deadline (Midnight Geneva time) October 20, 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for organizing and coordinating the work of the Union’s Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D). BDT is primarily concerned with development policies, strategies, programs and projects, as well as technical cooperation activities aimed at promoting and encouraging universal access to affordable, secure, and quality telecommunications/information and communication technologies (ICTs), and at encouraging equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to mobilize people and societies for sustainable development. In order to respond effectively and efficiently to the needs of Member States, BDT is divided into four functional departments:

• Operations Coordination Department (Deputy Director’s Office)
• Department of Projects, Partnerships and Digital Skills (PPS)
• Department of Digital Networks and the Environment (DNE)
• Department of Digital Knowledge Society (DKS)

To successfully fulfill its mission, BDT must create clear and simple mechanisms to partner with donors, foundations, and the private sector and coordinate the delivery of these resources to meet the needs of Member States. The Projects, Partnerships, and Digital Skills (PPS) Department provides a forum for Member States to collaborate within ITU-D study groups. To create the necessary synergy, resource mobilization and project design are combined within this department. The PPS is responsible for strategic planning that will enable BDT to achieve its organizational goals and objectives through partnership building and resource mobilization. It also provides specialized expertise in areas related to ICT capacity and digital skills development, activities essential to help bridge the digital divide. The department also takes initiatives and carries out activities within the framework of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) Action Plan and strengthens relations with ITU-D members.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the supervision of the Head of the Projects, Partnerships and Digital Skills Department (PPS) and under the guidance of the Stakeholder Relations Manager, the Head of Membership and Industry Relations plans and implements activities in support of ITU-D objectives and initiatives, particularly with regard to ITU-D members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The holder:

• Provides account management functions for Members, including Associates and Academic Institutions, in particular for the Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D).
• Develops and implements strategies, guidelines and tools for ITU-D Members, taking into account established ITU-wide policies and procedures; leads ITU-D Member recruitment and retention activities in a consistent, proactive and effective manner.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with ITU-D Members to ensure maximum satisfaction, participation and retention. Continuously seeks ways to improve the quality of interactions with Members. Identifies opportunities for collaboration between ITU-D Members and BDT and recommends to BDT Management the actions to be taken to capitalize on them.
• Maintains awareness of and analyses changes in membership composition in order to develop innovative initiatives and campaigns to attract new Members, Associates and academic institutions, in collaboration with the BDT Heads of Departments and other colleagues. Contributes to the development of metrics, data and brochures and compiles and analyses membership data.
• Advises and informs the BDT management, as appropriate, for meetings and events with current and potential members and partners.
• Organizes the digital platform for the private sector to ensure effective and interactive exchanges, encouraging networking opportunities with and among ITU-D members.
• Organizes meetings of senior industry executives, e.g., IADGI meetings and Chief Regulatory Officers (CRO) meetings and acts as secretary.
• Prepares and coordinates reports among ITU Members, including trends and outlooks, to improve coordination, information exchange and decision-making.
• Contributes to the preparation of documents presented to ITU-D Study Groups, TDAG, WTDC, Council, Plenipotentiary Conference and other meetings and bodies with regard to ITU-D Members, particularly those from the private sector.
• Performs any other related duties that may be assigned.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Application of specialized knowledge; Ability to communicate effectively; Training and knowledge exchange; Commitment to the organization; Results-oriented approach; and, Team spirit and collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

Analysis, sound judgment and decision-making skills

Customer and service focus

Openness to innovation and change

Establishing networks and partnerships

Ability to plan and organize

Effective management

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proven ability to write reports, conduct research and collect data, observe protocols and ensure dissemination of information.
• Proven technical cooperation with countries in ICT-related areas and close links with the private sector, donors and foundations.
• Tact, diplomatic skills and the ability to work effectively with managers at all levels and with people of different nationalities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead program identification, formulation, implementation and evaluation and project development activities.
• Proficiency in IT tools and knowledge of project management software.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree in telecommunications/ICT, business administration, management, social sciences, finance, economics or a related field OR education from a reputable higher education institution leading to a degree at the level equivalent to an advanced university degree in one of the above fields.
For internal candidates, an undergraduate degree in one of the above fields, combined with ten years of relevant professional experience, may be substituted for the advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.

Experience:

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunications/ICT, business administration and project management or a related field, including at least three years at the international level. A PhD in a related field may be considered equivalent to three years of professional experience.

LANGUAGES:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages ​​of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at an advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at an intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Council Resolution 626, relaxation of language requirements may be permitted for candidates from developing countries: where candidates from these countries have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages ​​of the Union, their applications may be considered.)

RIGHTS AND BENEFITS

Salary:

The total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before deduction of medical insurance and pension contributions) in USD and a post adjustment (cost of living allowance). The post adjustment is variable and may be changed without notice, in accordance with the rates established in the United Nations common system of salaries and benefits.

Annual salary starting at $84,672 + $68,923 post allowance

Other compensation and benefits are subject to the specific conditions of the contract, please refer to: What-we-offer

INFORMATION ON THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The assessment of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy announcement and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconferencing, email correspondence, etc. for the assessment of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted, and candidates at the final selection stage will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages from email addresses other than the ITU one – @itu.int – should not be considered under any circumstances. ITU does not charge any fees at any time during the recruitment process.

ITU has a zero-tolerance policy on any form of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious, and ethnic background, including persons with disabilities, to apply to join the organization. Gender parity is of great importance to ITU.