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.
Editing Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2289
Sector: SG
Department: SPM
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 4 weeks
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 14 April 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.
Submarine telecommunications cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 99 per cent of international data traffic and supporting essential economic, social and governmental functions worldwide. Recognizing the importance of strengthening the resilience of this critical infrastructure, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), established the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience (IAB) in November 2024.
As part of its work programme, the IAB established three Working Groups addressing key aspects of submarine cable resilience:
• Working Group 1: Timely Deployment and Repair of Submarine Cables
• Working Group 2: Risk Identification, Monitoring and Mitigation
• Working Group 3: Fostering Connectivity and Geographic Diversity
Each Working Group has produced a comprehensive report outlining key findings and recommendations. These reports will be consolidated into a single publication that will also include forewords, an introduction, an executive summary, a summary of recommendations, and annexes.
ITU seeks the services of a professional editor to review and harmonize the full manuscript to ensure clarity, consistency and alignment with ITU editorial standards.
The objective of this assignment is to provide professional editorial services to ensure that the consolidated report is clear, coherent and publication-ready, while maintaining consistency in language, terminology and style across all sections.
Under the guidance of the Head of Emerging Technologies Division (ETD), the consultant will undertake the following activities:
Editorial review and language editing:
Harmonization across sections:
Structural and stylistic consistency:
Technical integrity:
Final proofreading:
• Proficient knowledge in editing technical, policy or analytical publications.
• Demonstrated ability in editing multi-author reports.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy across large volumes of content.
• Excellent command of grammar, punctuation and syntax.
• Ability to work with tracked changes and collaborative editing tools.
Education:
University degree in communications, engineering, business, management, digital marketing 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 eight (8) years of experience in artificial intelligence, digital technologies or emerging technology policy, including experience in supporting international processes, multistakeholder engagement, or policy dialogue on AI or related technologies.
Proven experience in editing technical, policy or analytical publications.
Experience working with international organizations or multilateral institutions.
Demonstrated experience in editing multi-author reports.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of another official language of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.
Lumpsum of CHF 7,500 upon successful delivery of the concrete deliverables.
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.
