Internship Programs

ITU Internships

Unpaid Internships

The goal of the ITU internship program is to enable students to put into practice the knowledge acquired during their education, thus improving their skills through practical experience in an international environment. The organization’s diversified environment enables cultural and experience exchange with professionals of various nationalities and different educational and professional backgrounds. Therefore, an internship in this organization will be a valuable asset to your curriculum and a great distinctive feature in future selection processes, since you will have the opportunity to know and experience the work dynamics, internal policies and routine of the organization.

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ITU overview:

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to connecting the world through international cooperation and coordination in matters related to Information and Communication Technologies. Based in Geneva, the agency currently has 193 Member States and 800 partners between public and private companies, academic institutions and regional and international telecommunication entities.

ITU’s main focus: International development, cooperation and coordination on issues related to information and telecommunications technologies (ICTs).

Themes addressed by the ITU:

Accessibility to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs);
Broadband;
ICTs, Sustainability and Climate Change;
Cybersecurity;
Emergency Telecommunications;
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and SME development;
Internet Policy and Governance;
Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls through ICTs;
Youth, Innovation and Academia;
Radiocommunication;
Telecommunication Standardization;
Telecommunication Development.

Description of the ITU internship program

What are the fields of study required for the ITU Internship?

This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

Telecommunications
Engineering
Science
Economics
International Relations
Business Management
Public Administration
Law
Or any development-related discipline.

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the ITU Internship?

The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Support administrative and operational activities;
Develop research and collect and analyze data on topics relevant to the agency’s activities;
Draft reports, articles and other types of documents;
Help organize events;
Take part in training sessions and events with other staff members;

What is the duration of the ITU Internship?

The internship period ranges from at least 1 month to up to 6 months at most.

What is the weekly workload of the ITU Internship?

The internship programs are full-time. Interns shall therefore work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Where are the locations of the ITU Internship?

There are openings for the agency’s Headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland), but opportunities may be available in its External Offices around the world: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Yaoundé, Cameroon; Dakar, Senegal; Harare, Zimbabwe; Brasilia, Brazil; Bridgetown, Barbados; Santiago de Chile, Chile; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Bangkok, Thailand; Jakarta, Indonesia; Cairo, Egypt; New York, USA; or Moscow, Russia.

When does the ITU Internship start?

The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Feedback following the ITU internship:

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:

Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. During the internship period and within six months immediately after the program you will not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any effective position in the organization. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

ITU Internship Salary

The internship is unpaid.

ITU Internship Requirements

What is the education requirement of the ITU Internship Program?

Internships are normally open to undergraduate and graduate university students from ITU member countries. Priority is given to students with at least a first university degree, a second degree is preferable.

What is the language requirement of the ITU Internship Program?

Fluency is required in at least one official ITU language, which are the same used in the UN system (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish). Knowledge of another language may be an asset in the selection process.

What is the age requirement of the ITU Internship Program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.

What is the nationality requirement of the ITU Internship Program?

Applicants must be a citizen of a ITU member state.

What are the competencies required for the ITU Internship Program?

Individual and group work skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment;
Good communication skills (oral and written);
Proficiency in using computer software;
Strategic and analytical thinking to propose solutions to problems;
Interest in and knowledge of international development.

Other requirements:

Most internships require no work experience. However, previous experiences may be an advantage.

Restrictions:

An applicant may not be a child or sibling of any organization staff member.

ITU Internship Application Process

When to apply for the ITU Internship Program?

Internships are possible throughout the year. Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of organization. Therefore, it is important search for internship opportunities through information on the ITU E-recruitment System and website.

How to apply for the ITU Internship Program?

The internship application process is done via the ITU E-recruitment System, where all openings are published, and comprises the following steps:

Access the ITU e-recruitment website: https://erecruit.itu.int/public
Fill out personal information in the “New Applicants” section;
On completing the Personal Profile, select the “Contract Information – Internship (Short Term)” subsection;
Further information on the applicant’s availability should be entered in the “Availability” section. For such, select the “other” option and enter the required information. Example: May 2019 – July 2019.

What are the phases of the selection process for the ITU Internship?

The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

How is the ITU Internship interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the ITU Internship Program?

Cover Note/Letter;
CV/résumé.

What is the evaluation criteria of the ITU Internship Program?

Currently candidates are selected on an ad hoc, first come first serve basis determined by the needs of the various sectors and departments within ITU.

ITU Internship - Costs:

The organization offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

Insurance:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan, as well as a Certificate of Good Health.

Accommodation:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.