JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

Project Officer / Statistician

Vacancy notice no: 2202

Sector: BDT

Department: DKS

Country of contract: Switzerland

Duty station: Geneva

Position number: PROJ-5117

Grade: P3

Type of contract: Fixed-term

Duration of contract: 12 months

Recruitment open to: External

Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 26 November 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:

• Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
• Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
• Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE)
• Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)

The Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS) provides expertise in the areas of Regulatory and Market environments, promoting experiences sharing and collaboration. It also has the responsibility for the international statistics standards for telecommunication/ICT indicators and compiles and disseminates valuable ICT Statistics which provide the basis for sound public policy decisions. This Department promotes innovation culture and projects to the Member States. The DKS Department leads and coordinates innovation throughout the BDT. This Department also ensures the active participation of youth and the need to guaranteeing accessibility and inclusion for all and promoting reinforcement for gender issues.

Organizational context

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the ICT Data and Analytics Division (IDA) within the Digital Knowledge Hub Department (DKH) and in close collaboration with the Senior Project Manager, the Project Officer/Statistician is a member of the Project’s core team. This team includes the Senior Project Manager, a Project Assistant, and a part-time Communication and Outreach Officer. The incumbent also works closely with consultants. She/He establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff in IDA, other Divisions within BDT, ITU Administrative Services, and ITU Regional Offices.

Furthermore, she/he identifies opportunities for collaboration on data and research with other UN agencies, the European Commission, international and multilateral organizations, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and business associations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development of Statistical Tools for ICT Household and Individual Surveys:
  • Develop, customize, and test survey instruments (e.g. using Survey Solutions, https://mysurvey.solutions/en/ or similar platforms) for data collection, validation and tabulation, in line with the systems commonly used by national statistical offices and data collection agencies. Such tools shall be aligned with the updated ITU Model Questionnaire (to be revised in 2025 and finalized in 2026) and statistical best practices for ICT Household and Individuals Surveys.
  • Ensure that survey tools are consistent with the updated ITU Model Questionnaire and international statistical best practices.
  • Contribute to the revision of the ITU Manual for Measuring ICT Access and Use by Household and Individuals.
  • Prepare guidance documents on integrating ICT access and usage indicators into existing household survey programmes (e.g. Living Conditions Surveys, Labour Force Surveys, Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys).
  • Develop guidelines for reporting metadata on household ICT variables, in line with ITU data collection tools.
• Technical Assistance to Member States:
  • Provide remote support to selected countries (upon request) in implementing ICT household and individual surveys, including advice on survey methodologies, questionnaire design, data validation, and quality assurance.
  • Identify and recommend potential international programmes, organizations, donors, and funding agencies that could provide financial support for pilot studies on ICT household surveys.
• Preparation of Knowledge Products:
  • Prepare knowledge materials (e.g. blogs, policy briefs, analytical summaries) based on findings from ICT household surveys and related research.
  • Contribute to the development of training materials on data collection and validation tools for ICT household surveys.
  • Contribute to presentations and discussions with the ITU Expert Group on ICT Household Indicators (EGH) regarding tools developed for ICT access and use surveys.
• Statistical Analysis and Research
  • Conduct statistical analysis of ICT data to inform research on policies promoting Universal Meaningful Connectivity (UMC).
  • Maintain and update indicators within the UMC statistical framework, including the preparation of metadata descriptions.
• Contribution to ITU Reports
  • Provide analytical inputs and draft contributions on household ICT access and use for the Global Connectivity Reports (GCR) for 2025 and 2026.
• Communication and Outreach
  • Collaborate with the Communications and Outreach Officer to prepare digital dissemination products derived from the GCR.
• Project Support
  • Support the Senior Project Manager in project reporting, monitoring and implementation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making

Client and Service Orientation

Innovation and Facilitating Change

Networking and Building Partnerships

Planning and Organising

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Excellent quantitative skills especially in household surveys.
• Excellent drafting skills in English.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside ITU.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced University degree in statistics, economics, development studies, or a related field. OR education in 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.
For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree of promotion or rotation purposed.

Experience

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of statistics, including at least two at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.

• Experience in compiling household statistics.
• Experience in managing capacity building for statistics and mobilizing resources for the development of statistical operations.
• Previous experience working with international organizations or government agencies is desirable.

Languages

Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage.

(Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.
Annual salary from $ 70,212 + post adjustment $ 57,153
Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to: What We Offer

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension subject to the renewal of the contract with the European Commission and the availability of funds.

This position involves some international travel, estimated at around 10% of working time.

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.