Head, Capacity & Digital Skills Development Division

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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.

Head, Capacity & Digital Skills Development Division

Vacancy notice no: 2220
Sector: BDT
Department: PPS
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: TD56/P5/346
Grade: P5
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Final date to receive applications (Midnight Geneva Time): 2 February 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

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) (DDR)
• Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
• Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)

To be successful, BDT must create clear and simple mechanisms to develop partnerships with donors, foundations, and the private sector, and coordinate the delivery of these resources to meet the needs of Member States. The Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skill Department (PPS) provides a forum for Member States to collaborate in our Study Groups. To create necessary synergy, resource mobilization and project design are combined in this department.

The Department is responsible for the strategic planning that will properly position the BDT to accomplish its organizational goals and objectives, fostering partnerships and mobilizing resources. As well, it provides expertise in the areas ICT capacity and digital skills development, essential activity to help to close the Digital Divide. It also undertakes initiatives and activities in the framework of the WTDC Plan of Action and strengthen relations with the ITU-D membership.

Under the supervision of the Chief, Projects, Partnerships and Digital Skills (PPS) Department, the Head of Capacityand Digital Skills Development (CSD) Division leads the team and provides authoritative expertise for all assigned responsibilities to ensure the delivery of the Division outputs within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. The Head of the Division also fosters acollaborative spirit and cooperation to achieve results.
He/She operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules and is responsible for the successful achievement of the delegated assignments.

The incumbent will:

• Lead and manage the Division, including its staff and financial resources; set objectives and priorities; determinebudgetary requirements; and provide strategic guidance on the goals, direction and planning of the Division's work, ensuring the successful implementation and monitoring of initiatives, programmes and projects.
• Define the capacity and digital skills development policies and strategies to be followed when providing assistance to ITU memberships, and when preparing related work programmes, including the long
  plan of the Division's activities covering the period between World Telecommunication Development Conferences, as well as annual plans, in close coordination with the Regional Offices and the other BDT teams.
• Continuously monitor the latest capacity and skills development aspects related to digital transformation, including digital skills policy and strategy, as well as the latest technologies to beapplied in capacity development initiatives. Define strategies to assist developing countries in their capacity and skills development efforts to adapt to a changing digital environment, in close collaboration with the Groupon Capacity Building…