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 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.

Rep. of Korea - Junior Professional Officer (JPO)- Academic Affairs and Partnerships Officer

Vacancy notice no: 2323
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: JPO
Grade: P2
Type of contract: JPO
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 26 June 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public.

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; develops forward-looking strategic proposals to the ITU management team with a view to ensuring that the organization meets the objectives assigned by the membership; plans and coordinates the corporative and strategic activities with a view to ensuring their accordance with membership objectives; organizes and provides secretariat services to the Plenipotentiary Conference, Council, and other meetings in the general secretariat in order to achieve 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. The Department is also responsible for providing expert advice on communication and promotion strategies and for developing and implementing the Union's corporate communication plan in cooperation with the three Sectors with a view to promoting ITU leadership in the field of telecommunications and ICT.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies(ICTs).
ITU allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops international technical standards to ensure seamless interconnection of communication networks and technologies, and works to improve access to ICTs worldwide. ITU is committed to connecting all the world's people – wherever they live and whatever their means. Through our work, we protect and support everyone's fundamental right to communicate.
Today, ICTs underpin everything we do. They help manage and control emergency services, water supplies, power networks and food distribution chains. They support health care, education, government services, financial markets, transportation systems, e-commerce platforms and environmental management. And they allow people to communicate with colleagues, friends and family anytime, and almost anywhere.
With the help of our global membership, ITU brings the benefits of modern communication technologies to people everywhere in an efficient, safe, easy and affordable manner.
ITU membership reads like a Who's Who of the ICT sector. We're unique among UN agencies in having both public and private sector membership. So, in addition to our 193 Member States, ITU membership includes ICT regulators, many leading academic institutions and some 700 tech companies.
In an increasingly interconnected world, ITU is the single global organization embracing all players in this dynamic and fast-growing sector.

The JPO will be based at ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, an international and exciting city that host more than 190 international organizations. Geneva host more than two thirds of all UN activities and is visited by nearly 3000 heads of states or similar officials every year. It is a great opportunity to be based at the heart of the diplomatic world, and meet people from across the globe.

This post is positioned in the Marketing and Partner Relations Division (MPR), under the Strategic Planning and Membership (SPM) Department within the General Secretariat. MPR focuses on industry and academia engagement, membership growth, and partnership coordination across ITU.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Senior Partnership and Academia Relations Officer, the Junior Professional Officer will:

• Support national events aimed at engaging universities and raising awareness about ITU’s mission, programs, and initiatives.
• Lead research projects with universities (example: capstone model), identify relevant topics aligned with ITU priorities, and addressing internal and external stakeholders needs.
• Ensure timely submission and comprehensive follow-up of project proposals. Develop strategies to scale research collaboration models across universities.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with academic members (approximately 180 universities and research institutions), ensuring engagement and alignment with opportunities available at ITU.
• Support academic visits/ research and scientific delegations to ITU including coordination with colleagues at ITU, preparing agenda and presentations.
• Map and analyze international academic and scientific organizations at the international/regional level (e.g., GESDA, Geneva Science Policy Platform) to identify opportunities for enhanced synergy and cooperation.
• Support coordination with ITU colleagues across the three Sectors and the General Secretariat to ensure cohesive alignment of academic initiatives with strategic priorities, maximizing synergies and leveraging existing efforts.
• Create frameworks to recognize and highlight academic achievements and research initiatives within ITU.
• Contribute to the preparation of talking points, briefing notes, presentations, and other materials for senior management and relevant ITU sectors regarding academia members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORK RELATIONS AND CONTACT

This position will work closely with internal staff across a range of positions and interact regularly with key stakeholders, particularly Academia.

CORE COMPETENCIES

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

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Client and Service OrientationInnovation and Facilitating ChangeNetworking and Building PartnershipsPlanning and Organising

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Extensive knowledge of ITU activities related to AI, space, quantum technologies and other key ITU topics.
• Diplomatic skills to liaise, negotiate and manage relationships with key stakeholders.
• Drafting and communication skills to prepare, revise, and review documents, reports, white papers, proposals etc.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

University degree in technology, diplomacy, business, or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above.

Experience:

At least three years of progressively responsible experience relevant to the position. Experience in business, project management, international relations, academic relationships is desirable. Working knowledge of the UN system is considered an advantage. An advanced degree in a related field can be considered as a substitute for one year of working experience. A doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two years of working experience.

Languages:

Advanced level of English. Knowledge of a second official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) at intermediate level would be an advantage.

TRAINING AND LEARNING ELEMENTS

The selected candidate will acquire excellent knowledge and experience of:

• Research and analysis
• Engagement with universities
• International technology diplomacy
• Multi-stakeholder collaborative partnerships
• Critical thinking

Learning will be structured and will take place through participation in ITU meetings, workshops, reports, surveys, studies or activities related processes, by mentoring, coaching, and on-the-job training.

The post holder will benefit from: a direct supervisor who will provide learning opportunities by the following means:

• Opportunities to interact directly with external stakeholders

Collaboration with ITU secretariat staff across different sectors.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

General Requirements for candidates applying to the JPO Programme of the Republic of Korea:

Applicants must:

• Hold Korean citizenship
  
  
• Provide a valid English proficiency certificate with one of the following minimum scores:
  • TOEFL iBT: 100
  • TEPS: 430
  • IELTS: 7
  • TOEIC: 900

TOEFL ‘Home Edition’ score is accepted while ‘My Best Scores’ are not accepted
IELTS General Training and Academic test are both accepted

Test scores are valid for 2 years after the test date

• Be under 32 years of age as of 31st December, 2026 (born after 1st January, 1994). The maximum age limit for those who served in the military will be extended accordingly one year will be extended for those who served for less than one year; two years will be extended for those who served for more than one year and less than two years; three years will be extended for those who served for two years or more.
• Have completed or be exempt from Korean military service (for male applicants) . Those who will be discharged from military service in the year of the application may also apply.
  
  
• Applicants may apply for a maximum of two JPO positions sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea during the year of application.

Required documents:
a) Completed application form (e.g., P11, PHP, etc.) and motivation letter in English
b) Copy of Resident Register in English, issued by the Korean Government
c) University degree (Bachelor’s/Master’s degree) certificate in English
d) English proficiency certificate
e) Certificates of employment in English indicating duties and duration including information such as the period of employment, organization, department/unit, position/title, and duties/responsibilities, in English
* Note: Applicants are required to submit supporting documents for all professional experience listed in the application.
f) Only for male applicants who have completed the national military service: A certificate of Korean Military Service in English. The maximum age limit for those who served in the military will be extended in accordance with the Support for Discharged Soldiers Act and the Military Service Law.
g) Only for low-income applicants: Scanned copy of a certificate of National Basic Livelihood Security Recipients issued in Korean and its unofficial translation in English.
h) Only for persons with disability: Scanned copy of a certificate for persons with disabilities issued in Korean and English

Expected Entry on Duty: November-December 2026

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.