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 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.

Unpaid Internship – Giga Junior Project Officer

Vacancy notice no: 2221
Sector: SG

Department

Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Internship
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 5 January 2026

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.

Background Information

Giga is a global UNICEF and ITU initiative to connect every school to the internet, and every young person to information, opportunity and choice. It also serves as a platform to create the infrastructure necessary to provide digital connectivity to an entire country, for every community, and for every citizen. (www.giga.global). Giga has four core areas of work:
• Map previously unmapped schools, and monitor connectivity in real-time using open-source AI/ML;
• Model with the govt the optimal connectivity infrastructure configuration, identifying the enabling policy & regulation levers, and developing connectivity cost models.
• Finance connectivity projects using the most capital efficient solutions available.
• Contract with the best practices for public procurement and delivery tools.
Giga is active in 34 countries and has connected over 6,000 schools in Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean, providing online access to over two million students and teachers. Key activities in these countries include using AI and satellite imagery to map school locations, using blockchain technology to monitor real-time connectivity status, using infrastructure and policy data to inform connectivity choices, and bringing all these elements together to design sustainable business models for connecting schools.
To further support digital transformation in education, Giga is developing work on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) — a foundational layer of interoperable digital systems that help governments deliver public services effectively. In education, DPI includes digital identity, trusted data exchange, and inclusive platforms for learning and teaching.
This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to international efforts in education, connectivity, and Digital Public Infrastructure while learning from a multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of technology and development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the designated officer, the incumbent will:
• Conduct desk research on Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives, particularly in the education sector
• Support the development of briefing materials, summaries, and knowledge products
• Assist in organizing DPI-related meetings and events (e.g., logistics, documentation, outreach)
• Help prepare materials and contribute to background research for the Global DPI Summit 2026
• Attend internal team meetings and external webinars/events when possible, summarizing key takeaways
• Perform other related tasks as assigned, based on interest and availability

COMPETENCIES

Interest in and basic understanding of Digital Public Infrastructure.

Technical Competencies

Knowledge of Microsoft Office. Event management skills.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED

Education: University degree in business administration, business computing, management information systems, project management, information technology, telecommunications or a related field OR education from 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.

Experience: No work experience required.

Languages: Excellent knowledge of English for conducting research and producing documents (drafting and editing).
Knowledge of a second ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Unpaid Internship

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ITU Internship Requirements
To be eligible for an internship at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), candidates must:
• Be under 30 years of age (Exceptions may be considered for candidates pursuing a Ph.D.).
• Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programme, or be a recent graduate (within six months prior to the start of the internship).
• Be a citizen of a Member State of ITU.

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.