Junior Policy Analyst on Accessability to ICTs for Persons with disabilities

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.

INTERNSHIP:  INTERNSHIP/2013/SPM-02

Date of Issue: Internships Applications from women are encouraged Functions: Junior Policy Analyst on Accessability to ICTs for Persons with disabilities Deadline for Applications (23.59 Geneva CH) : 21 April 2013 (8 day(s) until closing deadline)  Duration of Contract:  April 2013 to September 2013 - 6 months   Type of Appointment: Internship Duty Station:  Geneva, Switzerland Organization Unit:   CSD - Corporate Strategy Division

Organ: The General Secretariat directs all the administrative and financial aspects of the Union's activities, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication matters for operational and other purposes, the provision of legal advice to the Bureaux of the Union and the departments of the General Secretariat, logistic support to the Union's activities including conferences, the coordination of the work of the Union with other international organizations, the dissemination of information to the Member States and Sector Members, press, corporate and individual users of telecommunications and the general public. The General Secretariat is also responsible for the organization of world telecommunication exhibitions and forums.

Organization Unit: 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.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities of the Internship

Support the preparation of a new ITU report on ICTs and Persons living with disabilities, researching technical and policy issues related to the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in improving the lives of persons lliving with disabilities (PwD), collecting information on new technologies and applications and identifiying key issues, challenges and opportunities to be followed up by ITU. Produce briefings and background reports to support the development of ITU Strategy and position in the area of accessibility to ICTs for PWD. Support to the definition of the communication strategy for the ITU Accessibility program. This activity includes the elaboration of stories for external and internal ITU official communication channels (e.g. pieces for corporate blog, twitter account), Support the implementation of the new ITU Accessibility Policy to improve accessibility of ITU facilities, services and initiatives, preparing training material and collecting best practices from other UN agencies, international organisations and national administrations.

Qualifications required

Education: University degree in Information Technology, Engineering, international development studies or fields related with persons living with disabilities. Other degrees may be considered providing that the candidate has taken additional courses on subjects related with ICT and/or disabilities. A Master degree would be an asset.

Experience: No work experience required

Languages: Excellent knowledge of English for conducting research and producing documents (drafting and editing). Advanced knowledge of English for editing will be valued.

Competencies: Experience in conducting research and preparing publications will be valued. Examples of texts, as well as written assignment will be requested during the interview process Advance use of ICT Tools and interest for the ICT sector will be valued during the selection process.

Additional Information: Please note that a non remunerated internship position at ITU does not carry the same "conditions of employment"as a Short-Term or Fixed Term position. Mandatory medical insurance as well as accomodation and living expenses are the responsability of the interns or sponsoring institutions, including travel expenses if any.

For further information concerning the Conditions of Employment please click the following link

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration