Unpaid Internship - HR Policy Intern (Geneva, Switzerland)

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.

Unpaid Internship - HR Policy Intern 

 Vacancy notice no: 2373 
Sector: SG
Department: HRMD
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

 Position number: [[positionNumber]] 
Grade: [[PositionGrade]] 
Type of contract: Internship
Duration of contract: 6 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 27 July 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 Human Resources Management Department (HRMD) advises the Secretary General on human resources management. It manages ITU's resources ensuring consistency with ITU strategies, policies, regulations and rules as well as UN Common System policies. It efficiently manages the human capital of the Union; creates a stimulating and supportive work environment and encourages organizational creativity and performance measurement based on results.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Under the supervision of the Senior HR Policy Advisor, the intern will:

• Conduct research for HR policies and projects, drawing on best practices from a range of sources, including the United Nations common system, well as in national public and private sectors, as applicable.
• Assist in the preparation of analytical documents, policy briefs, benchmarks, and internal guidance materials related to HR policy development and implementation.
• Support the monitoring of policy implementation and the identification of risks, proposing mitigation measures where appropriate.
  Interact with colleagues in HRMD and other areas of the organization to obtain relevant information and data.
• Provide support with the consultation process, including the review of comments for legal coherence and policy alignment, finalization and implementation of the policies and projects.
• Assist with other tasks as needed, including administrative support.

COMPETENCIES

• • Demonstrated analytical and legal reasoning skills, including the ability to interpret and synthesize regulatory texts.
  • Strong drafting skills, particularly in the preparation of formal, structured, and policy-oriented documents.
  • Strong teamwork.
  • High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive material.
  • Proficiency with AI‑related tools and applications would be considered as an asset
  • Strong communication skills and a flair for using technology to create engaging, clear, and impactful communications would be an advantage.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other relevant IT programs/applications.

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED

Education:

Completed secondary education. Enrolment in a university degree programme, preferably in Law, human resources, international administration, international relations, or a related field.

Experience:

No work experience required.

Languages:

Advanced level of English. Very good knowledge of French would be an asset.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

Please note that a non-remunerated Internship position at ITU does not carry the same conditions of employment as a Short-term or a Fixed-term position. Mandatory Medical Insurance, travel expenses, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or sponsoring institutions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The internship may be carried out on-site at ITU’s Headquarters in Geneva or remotely.

To be eligible for an internship at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), candidates must:

• • Be under 30 years of age (Exceptions may be considered for candidates pursuing a Ph.D.).
  • Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programme, or be a recentgraduate(within six months prior to the start of the internship).
  • Be a citizen of a Member State of ITU.

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.