Political and External Affairs Officer

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Head, Member State Relations & Governance Division, the incumbent is responsible for the overall planning and supervising of the full range of Member State Relations activities within ITU and will be responsible for developing and implementing a Member States outreach relations strategy and communication plan. To this extent, the incumbent performs the following duties:

• Oversees and directs Member State Relations activities and the team. Develops and maintains relations at high level of governments.
• In an effort to strengthen strategic engagements and relations with ITU Member States, coordinates, establishes, facilitates, relations with their representatives through consistent and strategic outreach; develops and implements a Member State Relations outreach strategy and implementation plan to increase Member States’ understanding of and support to the Union and strengthen the relationship; participates in projects and initiatives aiming at encouraging Member States to maintain or raise their financial contribution to the Union. Formulates political affairs strategies; develops a vision or direction for work; proposes policy directives and plan of action; analyses implications and makes recommendations on possible strategies and measures.
• Prepares various written outputs like analytical reports, briefing notes on sensitive matters of concern to ITU governing bodies, data driven analyses, strategic and position papers for the senior management, talking points, speeches and correspondence.
• Serves as an entry point for Member States in particular for newly appointed diplomats in Geneva Permanent Missions and ITU focal points in Administration; coordinates the organization of ambassadors ‘briefings, new appointed diplomats briefing, and official inductions visits at ITU Headquarters.
• In cooperation with ITU departments and Sectors as well as ITU regional offices, develops and implements relevant information toolkit and supporting presentations as well as promotion material.
• Oversees the preparation of electronic strategic VIP briefings and debriefing as well as other documents in connection with missions of the Secretary-General and official visits to ITU headquarters; pursues improvement and development of the tools.
• Oversees the maintenance of Member States Client Relations system, including records of key account and contacts, rights to vote and position of Member States in relation to the Acts of the Union.

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• Oversees the organization of consultation of Member States by correspondence; develops electronic processes and tools to support faster consultation.
• Prepares correspondence for Member States; conducts research; compiles, maintains and updates information on Member States.
• Maintains good relations with Member State Relations services in other organizations from the United Nations system.
• Keeps abreast of national, regional political developments, international relations and international diplomacy and provide advice to management.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• In-depth knowledge of diplomatic practices is required.
• Knowledge of the UN system.
• Computer literacy and ability to use effectively office technology equipment.
• Knowledge in the field of ICTs policies and digital diplomacy highly desirable.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced university degree in university degree in public relations, political science, business administration or international policy, law or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with ten years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.

Experience:

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in diplomacy and international relations, including at least three at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.

Languages:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.

Annual salary from $ 77,326 + post adjustment $ 63,562

Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to:

https://www.itu.int/en/careers/Pages/Conditions-of-Employment.aspx