Unpaid Internship - Junior Events and Communications Officer

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 - Junior Events and Communications Officer

Vacancy notice no: 2376
Sector: SG
Department: NA
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Internship
Duration of contract: 6 months (starting 17 August 2026)
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 3 August 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.

TERMS OF REFERENCE As part of the Giga initiative, ITU is seeking a dynamic intern to support the Giga team with event coordination, communications and marketing activities. The intern will contribute to the planning and delivery of events, participant engagement, promotional materials, registration management, on-site logistics, post-event evaluation and reporting, and the creation of communications content for digital channels. Giga is a partnership between the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), supporting governments to connect every school to the Internet and turn education into a gateway to information, opportunity and choice. Giga provides governments with innovative connectivity solutions, technical support and capacity building across four key areas: school mapping, infrastructure modelling and cost analysis, financing, and contracting. Under the guidance of the Giga Programme Officer – Events, the intern will:

COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with a positive and proactive attitude.

Strong writing and editing skills, creativity, service orientation and good judgement in communicating with diverse stakeholders are important.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools is required, and the ability to quickly learn new digital, event management and content creation tools is desirable.

The candidate should be comfortable working independently and as part of a multicultural team.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED

Education:

Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a university programme in communications, marketing, event management, international relations, public relations, digital media, business administration, hospitality or another relevant field. Relevant coursework or practical experience in events, communications or marketing will be considered an asset.

Experience:

No work experience required.

Experience or interest in event management, communications, marketing, design, content creation or the ICT sector will be valued. Familiarity with event management platforms, digital communication tools, design tools and AI-assisted productivity tools would be an asset.

Languages:

English at advanced level. Knowledge of French or another UN language would be an asset.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Unpaid internship.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This internship requires physical presence in Geneva, with the possibility of working remotely up to two days per week, except when in-person event support is required.

To be eligible for an internship at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), candidates must:

• 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.
  • 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 recentgraduate(within six months prior to the start of the internship).
  • Be a citizen of a Member State of ITU.