Unpaid Internship - WSIS Forum 2027 - Junior Project Officer (Event Operations and Exhibition), Geneva, Switzerland

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 - WSIS Forum 2027 - Junior Project Officer (Event Operations and Exhibition)

Vacancy notice no: 2440
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
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): 17 November 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.

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

Help turn the WSIS Forum 2027 into an engaging, welcoming and well-connected experience for participants from around the world. Under the supervision of the designated officer, the incumbent will:

• Support the planning and coordination of exhibition spaces for the WSIS Forum 2027, liaising with exhibitors and partners on requirements, layouts, branding and practical arrangements.
• Assist in preparing exhibition floor plans, mock-ups and visual layouts that make effective use of the available space.
• Help coordinate exhibitions linked to the WSIS Forum 2027 contests (photo contest exhibition, WSIS Prizes …), showcasing the creativity and impact of digital for development initiatives.
• Support the presentation of innovative technologies and interactive experiences, including relevant applications of virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
• Assist in the coordination of social events of the WSIS Forum 2027
• Assist with participant-facing logistics and digital tools, including virtual conferencing and networking platforms, to help create a smooth event experience.
• Coordinate operational details for WSIS-related events and activities, keeping information organized and ensuring timely follow-up with colleagues and stakeholders.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED

Experience: no experience required.

Education: University degree in event management, hospitality management, business administration, development studies, international relations, communications, public relations, tourism management or a related field.

Languages: Excellent knowledge of English required. Knowledge of a second ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Unpaid internship

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Duration of internship: 18 January to 16 July 2027 (6 months)
• Full-time
• On-site ITU HQ

Please note that a non-remunerated internship at ITU does not carry the same conditions of employment as a short-term or fixed-term position. Medical insurance, travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.

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.