Unpaid Internship - AI and Smart Sustainable Cities Communications intern

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 - AI and Smart Sustainable Cities Communications intern

Vacancy notice no: 2391
Sector: TSB
Department: SPD
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): 15 September 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) fulfills the objectives of the Union relating to telecommunication standardization, by providing secretariat support to groups studying technical, operating and tariff questions and facilitating the adoption of Recommendations in these areas with a view to standardizing telecommunications and information technology on a global basis. In order to achieve these objectives, the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau works in accordance with the instructions of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSA), Telecommunication Standardization Study Groups and the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group. TSB, headed by an elected Director, provides the technical, administrative and logistic support for the assemblies and for the meetings of the groups mentioned.

Within the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB), the Study Groups and Policy Department (SPD) is responsible for the development of standards, international numbering resources, bridging the standardization gap, and policies guiding ITU-T and the maintenance of its relevant position in the global standardization arena. It oversees the implementation of the WTSA Action Plan, and is responsible for identifying emerging technologies and analysing technology trends in order to advise membership on emerging standardization developments. The Department is also responsible for the Bureau's human resources and finance.

TERMS OF REFERENCE Under the supervision of the Counsellor of the ITU-T SG20, the Communications Intern will:

COMPETENCIES

• Excellent computer skills (MS Office; PowerPoint; Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Premiere Pro; Canva; and AI tools such as Gemini 3 Nano Banana Pro, NotebookLM, and other generative AI platforms, an asset).
• Knowledge of ICT industry and tech media. Knowledge of both traditional and new media approaches.
• Knowledge of digital editorial content and promotional platforms. Knowledge of best practices related to effective modern digital communication. Familiarity with content analysis and industry measurement methodologies.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED

Education:

University degree in areas related to Information and Communication Technologies, as well as Economy, Business administration, International Relations or International Development Studies, Public Policy, Social Policy, Communications and/or related subjects.

Experience:

No work experience required.

Language:

Advanced level of English. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Unpaid Internship

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The intern will acquire excellent knowledge and experience of:
• Wordpress.
• Recommendation ITU-T A.1, ITU-T Working Methods and other Mechanisms
• Ad hoc training offered to ITU staff.

Learning will be structured and will take place through participation in ITU meetings and/or workshops, by studying ITU reports, surveys, studies or activities related processes, by mentoring/coaching/on-the-job training.

The post holder will be attached to a direct supervisor who will provide learning opportunities by the following means:
• Participating and contributing to the development of international standards through ITU-T SG20.
• Participating and contributing to the work of U4SSC.
• Participating and contributing to the work of the Global initiative on Virtual Worlds and AI

The intern will be offered the possibility to work in a multi-cultural and dynamic environment and will participate in ITU-T’s activities in the area of AI-powered virtual worlds, IoT and Smart Sustainable Cities.

The intern will be under the supervision of the Counsellor of ITU-T SG20, and the guidance of the ITU Focal Point on Smart Sustainable Cities and virtual worlds. The internship will be within normal ITU core working hours except during meetings and assemblies when the incumbent may be required to work alternative hours and/or outside ITU headquarters.

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 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.