Job Description

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 also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.

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.

Administrative Assistant

Vacancy notice no: 2258
Sector: TSB
Department: NA
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number:
Grade: G5
Type of contract: Short-term
Duration of contract: six months with possiblility of extension
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 5 March 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) fulfills the objectives of the Union relating to telecommunication standardization, by providing secretariat support to groups studying technical, operating and tariff questions and facilitating the adoption of Recommendations in these areas with a view to standardizing telecommunications and information technology on a global basis. In order to achieve these objectives, the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau works in accordance with the instructions of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSA), Telecommunication Standardization Study Groups and the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group. TSB, headed by an elected Director, provides the technical, administrative and logistic support for the assemblies and for the meetings of the groups mentioned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In the TSB Director’s Office, under the supervision of the Executive Assistant, the incumbent performs the following duties:

1. Manages incoming and outgoing correspondence. Drafts and formats correspondence, memoranda, and other documents based on instructions from the Director or Executive Assistant.
2. Assists in preparing and entering the details of the Director’s official travel arrangements.
3. Manages the office’s petty cash, provides regular updates to the Executive Assistant, and liaises with FRMD to reconcile accounts.
4. Maintains and updates office systems and procedures, files, reference databases, and office materials, recommending simple improvements to support efficiency and accuracy.
5. Serves as a first point of contact for the Office of the Director, managing inquiries, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring appropriate follow-up.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Analysis, Judgement and Decision MakingClient and Service OrientationPlanning and Organising

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Computer literacy and the ability to effectively use standard office hardware and software tools (Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Teams) to create documentation, exchange and archive e-mail, and maintain electronic filing systems. Knowledge of SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) processes would be an advantage. UN Global General Service Test or equivalent would be an advantage. Ability to touch type at 40 wpm would be an advantage.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Complete secondary education with a diploma OR complete equivalent technical or commercial studies with a diploma. For internal candidates, obligatory schooling in combination with ten years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of complete secondary education with a diploma for promotion or rotation purposes.

Experience:

At least five years of experience in the field of the post. (A maximum of three years of studies in the field of the post and in a recognized school may replace the required experience on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience.)

Languages:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

According to ITU Staff Regulations and Rules, appointments to posts in the General Service category are subject to local recruitment conditions.

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.