General
Description of assignment title
Digital Innovation Assistant
Assignment country
India
Duty stations
New Delhi
Work location
On UN premises
Expected start date
12/01/2026
Duration
6 months
Sustainable Development Goal
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Host entity
ITU IND
Modality
Onsite
Type
National
Volunteer category
Associate UCoS from Apr2026
Work schedule
Full-time
Number of Assignments
1
Details
Mission and objectives
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), made up of a membership of 194 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations.
ITU facilitates international connectivity in communication networks, allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops technical standards that enable networks and technologies to connect seamlessly, and works to improve access to digital technologies in underserved communities worldwide. As a trusted multilateral platform, ITU supports international agreements and standards, shares knowledge, builds capacity, and works with members and partners to expand access to technology worldwide.
ITU contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by advancing universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.
Context
The Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) works to close the digital divide and drive digital transformation to leverage the power of ICTs for economic prosperity, job creation, digital skills development, gender equality, diversity, a sustainable and circular economy, and for saving lives. Its work prioritizes those most in need- from people living in the world’s Least Developed Countries to marginalized communities everywhere. The work of the Telecommunication Development Sector is supported by its Secretariat, the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT).
Within BDT, the ITU Area Office for South Asia and Innovation Centre has become a significant driver for advancing shared priorities related to digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, and regional collaboration. The Innovation Centre specifically serves as a global technology acceleration centre, harnessing the transformative power of digital innovation and leveraging India’s vibrant innovation ecosystem to help bridge the digital divide. The ITU Area Office for South Asia and Innovation Centre is actively advancing capacities in digital government, digital public infrastructure, innovation and broader digital transformation agendas by supporting Member States in developing enabling policies, regulatory frameworks, and whole-of government approaches that foster inclusive, secure, and resilient digital ecosystems. The UN Associate Volunteer will support innovation engagement in Telecommunication and ICTs in South Asia.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of Head of the Area Office for South Asia and Innovation Centre, the UN Associate Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
- Study and provide updates on Telecommunication / ICT Innovation in the respective countries in South Asia, under the Area Office and Innovation Centre.
- Prepare a summary report on opportunities for ITU engagement in innovation col-laboration with Area Office and Innovation Centre, New Delhi
- Conduct research and data analysis, including:
- Carrying out desk research in support of current projects and activities in the field of digital innovation.
- drafting and editing reports, briefings, and documents
- Support developing briefs on innovation engagement in the subregion, including:
- Perform other duties as required.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 - 80
Required experience
1 month
Donor priorities
.
Nationality
Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.
Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and therefore only students currently enrolled at KIIT University are eligible to apply.
Students from Scheduled Tribes communities are especially encouraged to apply.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
1 month
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Sciences, Engineering, or other relevant field.
Competencies and values
- Commitment and Motivation
- Commitment to Continuous Learning
- Creativity
- Technological Awareness
Skills and experience
(Currently studying) towards a degree in Information Technology, Computer Sciences, Engineering, emerging technologies or other relevant field.
Area(s) of expertise
Information technology and telecommunications, Data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence
Driving license
Other information
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Living conditions and remarks
New Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region is a large and bustling metropolis of some 14 million people undergoing rapid changes. The capital city is an administrative, cultural and commercial center with modern amenities and well connected by air. It is a safe place with large expatriate community drawn from embassies, UN agencies, MNCs and foreign businesses. It has short moderate winter and long hot summer.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.
You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .
For information specific to your assignment, please see below:
- Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 56,126.74
- Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350 (equivalent in INR)
- Relocation costs: $175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV)
- Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): $120 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
- Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts
- Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
- Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
Scam warning
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