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.

Project Development Coordinator

Vacancy Notice Number: 2116

Sector: BDT

Department: PPS

Contract country: Switzerland

Duty station: Geneva

Position number: TD57/P4/934

Grade: P4

Contract type: Fixed term

Contract duration: 2 years with possibility of extension

Publication Type: External

Application deadline (Midnight Geneva time) October 27, 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 Project Support Division, the incumbent is responsible for providing coordination services for all BDT projects worldwide, within prescribed timeframes, costs and quality standards. He/she will also be expected to foster the spirit of collaboration and cooperation to achieve results, in compliance with the organization’s rules and regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The holder:

• Coordinates the support provided by the Project Support Division to identify, develop and approve project proposals within the mandate of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT). This includes facilitating in-depth, high-level negotiations with all relevant internal and external stakeholders, with a view to developing project documents and cooperation agreements (or other related instruments) related to national, regional and global projects.
• Monitors the progress of BDT project implementation by conducting a detailed assessment of each project and developing recommendations to address issues, challenges and risks identified during the monitoring process. This also includes monitoring the implementation of recommendations made by the Project Support Division.
• Provides guidance to project managers and supervisors during all phases of the BDT project management cycle to ensure that projects achieve the expected results and are implemented in accordance with ITU rules, regulations and standard operating procedures. He/she works in close coordination and collaboration with relevant internal stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Project Implementation Unit (BDT/DDIR/PPI), ITU Regional and Area Offices, BDT thematic areas as well as other support services provided by the General Secretariat.
• Coordinates the closure of BDT projects, guiding project managers in highlighting the results, outputs and lessons learned from each project. Where possible and subject to available resources, coordinates in particular the evaluation of selected projects by supervising the work of independent evaluators or by evaluating the results achieved for each project.
• Coordinates the identification and implementation of tools and mechanisms to support the BDT project portfolio. This includes the development of relevant frameworks, tools and systems, the provision of project-related information and data to support ITU systems and databases, and the documentation of lessons learned.
• Participates in the preparation of the BDT’s annual programme on telecommunications development and prepares documents for the Telecommunications Development Advisory Group (TDAG), the Council, BDT conferences and Plenipotentiary Conferences.
• Contributes to the coordination of assistance to the least developed countries in the field of telecommunications, by identifying their needs and possible means of meeting them, and implements special programmes intended for these countries.
• Organizes and participates in seminars and workshops within the framework of the BDT mandate at global, regional and national levels in coordination with other relevant departments.
• Performs any other related duties 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

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Ability to establish and maintain good professional relationships, communicate clearly and defend positions.
• Good technical and analytical problem solving skills with a proven ability to understand and analyze complex situations.
• Resourcefulness, initiative, judgment, and negotiation skills. Tact, diplomacy, and the ability to work effectively with officials at all levels and with people of diverse nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead program detection, formulation, implementation and evaluation activities and project development.
• Proficiency in computer applications and project management software.
• Good knowledge of project management principles. Knowledge of BDT working methods would be an advantage.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree in telecommunications, computer science, engineering, project management, business, economics, social sciences, political science or a related field OR education received from a higher education institution of established repute, attested by 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 partnership, technical cooperation and development assistance, including at least three years at the international level.
A doctorate 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.