Regional Youth Engagement Consultant

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.

Vacancy notice no: 1651

Country of contract: Remote

Position number: [[positionNumber]]

Duration of contract: 6 months (10 working days per month-full or part time basis)
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 20 June 2024

The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:

• Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director)
• Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
• Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE)
• Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)

The Office of the Deputy to the Director and Operations Coordination Department are responsible for ensuring operation readiness and providing support for the functioning of the regional offices and headquarters in Geneva, especially the implementation of projects and programmes. Functional areas, such as meetings, fellowship and IT support reports to this Department. The unit for special attention in all aspects related to LDCs, LLDCs and SIDs is the responsibility of this Department. The Deputy to the Director is responsible for assisting and advising the Director in the direction and management of the Bureau including on all questions related to personnel, financial and operational planning process. The Department is responsible for leading the operational planning and implementation support, within the framework of the Action Plan. The Department is also responsible for coordinating conferences and events, editorial works and documentation control, monitoring the implementation of decisions emanating from ITU and BDT governing bodies, including TDAG, Council, Conferences and Assemblies of the other Sectors on matters of relevance to BDT. The Department is responsible for coordination of the Bureau's cooperation with other Sectors and General Secretariat.

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). We are committed to bringing the benefits of modern communication technologies to people everywhere in an efficient, safe, easy, and affordable manner. An organization based on public-private partnership, ITU works with governments, the private sector, and academia to connect the unconnected and support everyone's fundamental communication rights.
The purpose of the consultancy is to support the implementation of the Generation Connect Initiative in the African region. Generation Connect is the overarching initiative of the ITU Youth Strategy and aims to engage global youth and encourage their participation as equal partners alongside today’s digital change leaders. It empowers young people with the skills and opportunities to advance their vision of a connected future.
Generation Connect – Africa Youth Envoys (GC-AFR) is the group composed by the Generation Connect – Africa Youth Envoys (GC-AFR) and aims to provide a unique participative process for youth to contribute to the work of ITU and the African Telecommunication Union (ATU) in the continent. It offers African youth a virtual platform to discuss opportunities and challenges related to digital technologies. Through this platform, youth are consulted and share their interests, concerns, and perspectives on digital transformation with ITU-ATU members.

Under the direction of the Regional Youth Focal Point and Generation Connect Youth Envoys (GC-AFR) secretariat and the guidance of the Regional Director for the Africa Region. The consultant will:

• Provide general organizational support to the Regional Youth Focal Point.
• Facilitate the coordination of Generation Connect Youth Envoys for Africa Region (GCYE-AFR).
• Create a comprehensive youth engagement plan that creates opportunities for GCYE-AFR in ITU events, initiatives, and activities while keeping up with trending topics relevant to Generation Connect Youth Envoys.
• Create compelling digital content tailored to engage and resonate with the GC Youth Envoys audience.
• Manage online social media communities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and vibrant environment conducive to open communication, dialogue, and collaboration.
• Support coordination with the relevant regional and global GC stakeholders and forge partnerships with relevant like-minded organizations, influencers, and stakeholders to expand the GC-AFR's reach and impact.
• Prepare briefing documents, research, and reports for the Africa regional office, GC secretariat, and Digital Inclusion department meetings.
• Assist in the organization of internal and external meetings for the GCYE-AFR (draft concept notes, schedule meetings/conference calls, take notes/summaries, follow-ups/reminders).
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting GCYE-AFR activities.
• Support the creation and dissemination of GCYE-AFR communications and promotional materials.

• Comprehensive annual Youth (GCYE-AFR) engagement plan (month by month) outlining goals, target audience, key messaging, and tactics for engaging GCYE-AFR in ITU events, initiatives, and activities ( July 2024- June 2025).
• Monthly reports on the progress and activities of GCYE-AFR, including achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Captivating digital content with a well-planned calendar featuring engaging themes, relevant topics, and diverse formats like videos, infographics, and articles.
• Agendas, meeting minutes, summaries, and briefing documents outlining upcoming internal and external events, meetings, and deadlines relevant to GCYE-AFR.
• Management of online social media communities.
• A list of GCYE-AFR profiles and other relevant youth engagement projects for posting on the GC-AFR website.
• GCYE-AFR communications and promotional materials.
• Regular youth meetings with the participation of relevant regional and global stakeholders.
• Up-to-date calendar of GCYE-AFR events and activities for the year.

• Great communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Good working knowledge of (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).
• Strong organizational and collaborative skills: taking initiatives, self-prioritizing, and working on multiple tasks.
• Ability to keep tight deadlines and coordinate projects.
• Be comfortable with public speaking/ event management skills.
• Problem-solving skills and diplomacy.
• Dynamic, flexible, international-minded, stress-resistant, and has a high work capacity. Team player!
• Positive, service-minded, and has a hands-on attitude.

Education: University degree in social sciences, Business Management, Leadership, Communication, Entrepreneurship, and related fields.

Experience: At least one (1) year of experience in meaningful youth engagement issues.

Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level. Proficiency in other UN official languages, especially French is a plus.

150 USD daily rate, up to 10 working days per month.

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.

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.