Study Groups Advisor

ITU•Geneva, IL

About The Position

The Study Groups Advisor works in the Telecommunication Development Bureau’s Projects, Partnerships and Digital Skills Department (PPS) in Geneva, Switzerland. Under the supervision of the Chief of PPS, the Advisor plans and implements activities supporting ITU-D objectives, particularly the ITU-D Study Groups. The role coordinates study-group operations, supports chairs and rapporteurs, and serves as an expert and secretary to one or more study groups and related groups. The Advisor is accountable for delivering outputs within established time, cost and quality standards and works in accordance with ITU regulations and rules. The position coordinates meetings and study-group documentation, manages budgets and operational planning, and supports the review, approval and publication of study-group outputs. It develops working methods and tools, maintains relations with Member States and other participants, promotes participation and partnerships, and coordinates with other ITU sectors, departments and organizations. The role also supports reporting to TDAG and WTDC, maintains online study-group resources, manages meeting fellowships and language services, and supervises staff in the Study Group Service. The position is a P4, fixed-term appointment for two years, with the possibility of renewal. The annual salary is from USD 86,027, plus a variable post adjustment of USD 72,004. Other allowances and benefits are subject to the terms of appointment.

Requirements

Advanced university degree in law, economics, business administration or management, information technology, international development, finance, telecommunication/ICT policy, engineering, computer science or a related field; alternatively, a diploma from a reputed college of advanced education equivalent to an advanced university degree in a relevant field.
For internal candidates, a first university degree in a relevant field combined with ten years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunication/ICT policy or closely related areas involving digital development, international policy coordination, stakeholder engagement and multilateral cooperation.
At least three years of the required experience must be at the international level.
Advanced knowledge of one official ITU language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish) and intermediate knowledge of a second official ITU language.
Proven ability to organize meetings, write reports, conduct research and data collection, and maintain protocol and information flow.
Demonstrated skills in database and website development, remote participation, results-based management and project management.
Ability to deliver results and use a systematic, efficient approach to work.
Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to understand and analyze complex situations.
Tact, diplomacy and ability to work effectively with officials at all levels and across different national, cultural and disciplinary backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting international expert groups, intergovernmental bodies and policy discussions, and preparing technical and policy documents.
A doctorate in a related field may substitute for three years of work experience.
Knowledge of a third official ITU language.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the overall functioning of ITU-D Study Groups and act as expert and secretary to one or more study groups and related groups.
Maintain effective relations and information flow among Member States, ITU-D Sector Members, Associates, Academia and ITU.
Explore and manage innovative working methods, including collaborative tools, participatory content development, workshops and remote participation.
Contribute to BDT strategic planning and continuously improve study-group products, activities, processes, methodologies and tools.
Prepare and implement the BDT Operational Plan for study groups, including actions, key results, performance indicators and assessments.
Manage study-group budgets.
Assist study-group chairs and rapporteurs in preparing and conducting meetings and managing study-group work.
Provide secretariat support to study-group plenary meetings, committees, working groups of ITU-D conferences and other events as required.
Review contributions and documents, consult submitting ITU members as needed, coordinate documents within BDT, and manage their approval, release and distribution.
Manage the approval process for study-group documents intended for publication.
Draft reports, liaison statements, questions, recommendations and other documents for consideration by study-group chairs, coordinating with BDT focal points to ensure technical accuracy and completeness.
Prepare reports to TDAG and WTDC on study-group activities and other matters within the groups’ responsibilities.
Manage meeting outputs and follow-up on behalf of study-group chairs, obtain expert opinions from BDT focal points, and liaise with study groups in the other ITU sectors.
Liaise with ITU-D, ITU-T and ITU-R study groups, other groups and organizations on subjects of mutual interest.
Identify opportunities and establish frameworks for collaboration, interaction and partnerships.
Develop and implement strategies to promote partnerships and mobilize resources for ITU-D Study Groups in coordination with PPS, BDT departments, other Bureaus, the General Secretariat and ITU regional and area offices.
Contribute to documents for TDAG, WTDC, Council, Plenipotentiary Conferences and other meetings concerning ITU-D Study Groups.
Promote awareness, engagement and participation in ITU-D Study Groups, including onboarding and orientation for new delegates and support for workshops and knowledge-sharing events.
Develop communication and promotional materials with the BDT Communications Team.
Maintain and update ITU-D Study Group websites and online platforms, ensuring information and resources are accurate, timely and accessible.
Manage the provision of fellowships, interpretation and translation services for study-group meetings, workshops and related activities.
Manage staff in the Study Group Service and undertake other related activities required for the team’s success.