The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is offering an unpaid, full-time, on-site six-month internship at its Geneva headquarters, under vacancy notice no. 2446, as Junior Project Officer (WSIS Prizes) for the WSIS Forum 2027. The internship runs from 18 January to 16 July 2027 and requires no prior experience. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy and set out every detail below.
About ITU and the Department
The International Telecommunication Union is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. 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.
The internship sits in the General Secretariat, within the Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM). The General Secretariat directs the administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan and provides logistical and information technology support to ITU activities, including conferences and global forums. SPM advises the Secretary-General on strategic challenges, organises and provides secretariat services to the Plenipotentiary Conference, Council and other meetings, and provides expert advice on communication and promotion strategies for the Union's corporate communication plan.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
What You Will Do
Join the team behind the WSIS Prizes and help spotlight digital initiatives making a difference around the world. Under the supervision of the designated officer, you will:
🏅 Support the planning, promotion and delivery of the WSIS Prizes 2027, helping bring visibility to innovative Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) initiatives that advance sustainable development
🗂️ Assist with the review and organization of project submissions, checking that information is complete, clear and relevant to the WSIS Action Lines and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
🎤 Help coordinate the showcasing of nominated projects, Champions and Winners through project profiles, presentations and other engaging materials
✍️ Prepare and edit communication and promotional content that highlights the ideas, people and impact behind outstanding projects
🎖️ Support the participation of WSIS Prizes Winners and Champions in the WSIS Forum 2027, including follow-up and coordination for the award ceremonies
📱 Contribute to web and social media content that helps audiences discover the WSIS Prizes and the projects recognized through the initiative
🤝 Support meetings and coordination with colleagues and stakeholders involved in the WSIS Prizes
📈 Help document results and success stories, contributing to reports that demonstrate how digital transformation is making a difference on the ground
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Competencies
⏰ Excellent organization and time management skills
💬 Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, including government, private sector, civil society and academic institutions
🖥️ Excellent computer skills, including promotion through social media
🌐 Ability to work in an international environment
🎪 Experience in organizing exhibitions will be an advantage
Qualifications
🎓 Education: university degree in development studies, international relations, business administration, communications, public relations, economics, digital media, international development, political science, sociology or a related field
📖 Language: excellent knowledge of English for conducting research and producing documents (drafting and editing)
🇫🇷 Advantage: knowledge of a second ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish)
Who Is Eligible
ITU sets three requirements for every internship:
🎂 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
Financial Terms
This is an unpaid internship. 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.
Not sure how an internship differs from other programmes? Read our guide on fellowship vs internship vs traineeship →
Recruitment Process
All candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information through the ITU Careers website. Evaluation 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 and e-mail correspondence for the assessment of candidates. 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.
Application Warnings
⚠️ Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account (not @itu.int) should be disregarded
✅ ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process
Explore more placements in the Internship section on Youth Works Hub →.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ITU WSIS Prizes internship based?
The internship is based at ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a full-time, on-site position.
How long is the internship?
It lasts six months, from 18 January to 16 July 2027.
Is the ITU internship paid?
No. It is an unpaid internship. Medical insurance, travel, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
Who can apply?
Candidates under 30 years of age (exceptions may be considered for Ph.D. candidates) who are enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate programme or graduated within six months before the start of the internship, and who are citizens of an ITU Member State.
Do I need work experience?
No. The vacancy states that no experience is required; experience in organizing exhibitions will be an advantage.
What does the WSIS Prizes role cover?
The role supports the planning, promotion and delivery of the WSIS Prizes 2027, the review of project submissions, content for nominated projects, Champions and Winners, and participation in the award ceremonies at the WSIS Forum 2027.
Deadline
⏳ 17 November 2026 (midnight Geneva time)
Link
🔗 Apply on ITU Careers: https://jobs.itu.int/job/Geneva-Unpaid-internship-WSIS-Forum-2027-Junior-Project-Officer-%28WSIS-Prizes%29/1373509955/
