Fellowship Officer Vacancy – Join the ITU Team

Overview of the Position

• Vacancy Notice No: 1751
• Sector: BDT
• Department: DDR
• Country of Contract: Switzerland
• Duty Station: Geneva
• Position Number: TD22/P3/405
• Grade: P3
• Type of Contract: Fixed-term
• Duration of Contract: 2 years with a possibility of renewal
• Recruitment Open To: External Candidates
• Application Deadline: 19 November 2024 (Midnight Geneva Time)

Organizational Context

Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT)

The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is dedicated to coordinating and organizing the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector within the ITU. Its primary focus is on:

• Developing policies and strategies.
• Programming projects aimed at enhancing access to affordable and high-quality telecommunications and ICTs.
• Promoting equitable and inclusive usage of telecommunications to empower societies.

Operations Coordination Department (DDR)

The Operations Coordination Department (DDR) plays a crucial role in ensuring operational readiness and providing support for the Regional Offices and the Geneva HQ. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing project implementation and programs.
• Coordinating meetings, fellowship activities, and IT support.
• Focusing on issues pertinent to least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDs).

The Deputy to the Director oversees the department’s operations, including personnel management, financial oversight, and strategic planning.

Role Summary

The Fellowship Officer will manage and supervise fellowship activities within the DDR. The incumbent will be accountable for all activities related to fellowship administration, ensuring the smooth implementation of fellowship programs.

Key Responsibilities

The Fellowship Officer will undertake a range of critical activities, including:

1. Management and Supervision:
   • Oversee all fellowship activities.
   • Direct work related to the administration and implementation of fellowship programs.
   • Supervise staff involved in fellowship activities.
2. Focal Point for Fellowships:
   • Serve as the primary contact for questions and correspondence related to fellowships awarded by various ITU Bureaux and the General Secretariat.
   • Harmonize fellowship offers, ensuring clarity on eligibility and selection criteria in invitation letters.
   • Monitor the administrative activities of fellowship beneficiaries and guide project officers on fellowship procedures.
3. Procedure Development:
   • Establish clear working procedures for stakeholders involved in the fellowship process.
   • Develop and maintain an up-to-date fellowship request form to ensure transparent selection based on candidate profiles and Member State needs.
   • Contribute to the annual establishment of the fellowship program, detailing ITU events and activities that offer fellowship opportunities.
4. Eligibility Monitoring:
   • Update eligibility criteria in alignment with Council recommendations.
   • Maintain a current list of developing countries, including LDCs, SIDs, and LLDCs, based on UN classifications.
5. Reporting:
   • Prepare annual reports for the Council regarding fellowships awarded, including statistics on regions, countries, gender, disabilities, and expenses.
6. Website Development:
   • Contribute to the technical specifications for a dedicated fellowship website.
   • Ensure the site serves as a repository for all fellowship-related information, including guidelines for beneficiaries.
7. Selection Process Participation:
   • Represent the fellowship team during the selection process, analyzing requests to ensure eligibility.
8. Audit Liaison:
   • Act as the focal point for audit matters, providing necessary information and explanations related to fellowship awards.
9. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including Member State administrations, ministries, and various UN bodies.
10. Inter-Agency Participation:

• Attend UN inter-agency meetings to discuss policies and procedures related to fellowship administration and maintain connections with other UN organizations.

11. Additional Duties:

• Perform other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Core Competencies

The ideal candidate should exhibit the following core competencies:

• Applying Expertise: Utilization of specialized knowledge effectively.
• Effective Communication: Clear and concise information dissemination.
• Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Promotion of continuous learning and sharing insights.
• Organizational Commitment: Dedication to the organization’s goals and values.
• Results-Focused: Orientation towards achieving impactful results.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Effective collaboration with colleagues to achieve shared objectives.

Functional Competencies

Candidates should possess strengths in the following areas:

• Analysis, Judgment, and Decision Making: Ability to make informed decisions through careful analysis.
• Client and Service Orientation: Commitment to meeting client needs with exceptional service.
• Innovation and Facilitating Change: Encouragement of innovative approaches to improve processes.
• Leadership: Leading teams and initiatives effectively.
• Networking and Building Partnerships: Establishing beneficial relationships with stakeholders.
• Planning and Organizing: Efficient management of tasks and resources to meet deadlines.

Technical Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• Fellowship Administration Knowledge: Proven expertise in fellowship administration within the UN system.
• Understanding of UNDP Methods: Familiarity with UNDP working methods and procedures.
• Software Utilization: Ability to enhance the use of specialized software and tools, such as customer relationship management systems and databases.

Qualifications Required

Education

• An advanced university degree in human resources management, law, political or social science, or a related field. Alternatively, a diploma from a recognized college with equivalent qualifications may suffice. Internal candidates may substitute educational qualifications with relevant experience.

Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, including at least two years at the international level. A Doctorate may substitute for two years of experience.

Language Proficiency

• Proficiency in one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at an advanced level, and knowledge of a second official language at an intermediate level. Familiarity with a third language is an advantage.

Benefits and Entitlements

Salary

The total annual salary consists of a net amount (before deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) that reflects the cost of living. The PA is variable and may change based on UN Common System rates.

• Annual Salary: Starting from $64,121
• Post Adjustment: Approximately $59,953

For more information on allowances and benefits, please refer to the ITU Careers page.

Recruitment Process Information

All candidates must complete an online application, providing accurate and comprehensive information. To apply, visit the ITU Careers website.

This Fellowship Officer position presents a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to the ITU’s mission of fostering universal access to telecommunications and ICTs. If you have the required qualifications and are passionate about making a difference, we encourage you to apply. Your expertise could significantly impact the organization’s efforts in promoting sustainable development through technology.

APPLY HERE DIRECTLY