The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is offering a six-month internship as Junior Project Officer (High-Level Track) for the WSIS Forum 2027 at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The full-time, on-site internship runs from 18 January to 16 July 2027, no work experience is required, and applications close on 17 November 2026 (midnight Geneva time). At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full vacancy notice and listed every task, requirement and condition below.
Vacancy Notice Details
🔢 Vacancy notice no: 2441
🏛️ Sector: SG (General Secretariat)
🗂️ Department: SPM (Strategic Planning and Membership Department)
🇨🇭 Country of contract: Switzerland
📍 Duty station: Geneva
📄 Type of contract: Internship
⏱️ Duration of contract: 6 months
🚪 Recruitment open to: External
📆 Application deadline: 17 November 2026 (midnight Geneva time)
Internship Dates and Format
🗓️ Internship duration: 18 January to 16 July 2027
🕘 Working time: Full-time
🏢 Workplace: On-site at ITU HQ
💼 Remuneration: Unpaid internship
The General Secretariat of ITU
The General Secretariat directs the administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union. Its work includes:
📜 Implementing the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions
📡 Disseminating information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes
⚖️ Providing legal advice to the whole of the Union
🧭 Coordinating the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitoring the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommending action on the Union's future policies and strategy
🔗 Ensuring inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) at headquarters and in the field
🖥️ Providing logistical and information technology support to the Union's activities, including conferences and global forums
🤝 Coordinating the Union's work with the United Nations system and other international organizations, and engaging Member States, Sector Members and Academia
📣 Managing corporate governance, strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups and the general public
Inside the Strategic Planning and Membership Department
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. The department:
🔭 Develops forward-looking strategic proposals for the ITU management team, so that the organization meets the objectives assigned by the membership
🧩 Plans and coordinates corporate and strategic activities in line with membership objectives
🎙️ Organizes and provides secretariat services to the Plenipotentiary Conference, Council and other meetings, aiming for 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
📢 Provides expert advice on communication and promotion strategies and develops and implements the Union's corporate communication plan in cooperation with the three Sectors, promoting ITU leadership in telecommunications and ICT
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What You Will Do on the High-Level Track
Under the supervision of the designated officer, the intern will:
✉️ Assist in communication with High-level participants (Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities, Mayors, Ambassadors, CEOs, etc.), including drafting correspondence and tracking responses from stakeholders
🗓️ Support the preparation and execution of the High-Level programme, including creating personalized programmes for High-Level participants and coordinating with focal points to facilitate seamless participation
📣 Assist in promotional efforts related to High-level participants
🌟 Contribute to outreach and promotional activities that highlight high-level participation and key messages from the WSIS Forum 2027
📑 Assist in collecting information and preparing the WSIS Forum 2027 High-Level Outcomes and Executive Briefs report, capturing key messages and results
🧰 Assist the team with day-to-day tasks, as required for the implementation of work programmes
What You Will Gain
The intern gains first-hand experience in international cooperation by helping bring together senior leaders who shape the global digital agenda. The role supports the development and execution of a high-level programme that connects decision-makers and advances dialogue on inclusive digital development.
Competencies ITU Is Looking For
💬 Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders, including Government, Private Sector, Civil Society and Academic Institutions
⏰ Excellent organization and time management skills
🌐 Ability to work in an international environment
📜 Experience in working with high-level officials and knowledge of UN protocol is an advantage
Education and Experience
🎓 Education: University degree in international relations, business administration, communications, public relations, economics, political science or a related field
🌱 Experience: No work experience required
Language Requirements
🇬🇧 Excellent knowledge of English for conducting research and producing documents (drafting and editing)
🔤 Knowledge of a second ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an advantage
ITU Internship Eligibility Rules
To be eligible for an internship at 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
Costs Covered by the Intern
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. If you are still comparing options, our guide on how internships differ from traineeships and fellowships explains what each involves.
How the Recruitment Process Works
💻 All candidates must complete an online application on the ITU Careers website and provide complete and accurate information
📋 Candidates are evaluated against the criteria in the vacancy notice
🧪 The evaluation 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 to assess candidates
📬 Only selected candidates will be contacted further
✅ Candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information they provided
Stay Safe: Fraud Warnings From ITU
🛡️ Messages originating from a non-ITU e-mail account (anything other than @itu.int) should be disregarded
🚫 ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process
Find more internships at international organizations in the Internship section on Youth Works Hub →.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this ITU WSIS Forum 2027 internship paid?
No. This is an unpaid internship. Medical insurance, travel, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
When does the internship take place?
The internship runs full-time from 18 January to 16 July 2027.
Can the internship be done remotely?
No. The vacancy notice states that the internship is on-site at ITU headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Do I need work experience to apply?
No work experience is required. You need a university degree in international relations, business administration, communications, public relations, economics, political science or a related field.
What is the age limit for ITU internships?
Candidates must be under 30 years of age. Exceptions may be considered for candidates pursuing a Ph.D.
Who is eligible for an ITU internship?
You must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate programme, or have graduated within six months before the internship starts, and you must be a citizen of an ITU Member State.
Who will the intern communicate with?
The intern assists in communication with High-level participants such as Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities, Mayors, Ambassadors and CEOs, including drafting correspondence and tracking responses.
Is knowledge of UN protocol required?
No. Experience in working with high-level officials and knowledge of UN protocol is an advantage.
Which languages are required?
Excellent English is required. A second ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) would be an advantage.
Deadline
⏳ 17 November 2026
Link
Apply online: https://jobs.itu.int/job/Geneva-Unpaid-Internship-WSIS-Forum-2027-Junior-Project-Officer-%28High-Level-Track%29/1373497655/
