International Telecommunication Union is looking for a Publications Consultant

Organisation: INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION

Location: Switzerland, Geneva

Industry: Information and communication technologies

Job Type: Consultant

Duration: 3 months with possibility of extension

Remuneration: CHF 285 per working day

About ITU

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.

Organizational Unit

The Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB) fulfils the objectives of the Union relating to telecommunication standardization, by providing secretariat support to groups studying technical, operating and tariff questions and facilitating the adoption of Recommendations in these areas with a view to standardizing telecommunications and information technology on a global basis. In order to achieve these objectives, the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau works in accordance with the instructions of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies (WTSA), Telecommunication Standardization Study Groups and the Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group. TSB, headed by an elected Director, provides the technical, administrative and logistic support for the assemblies and for the meetings of the groups mentioned.

The Operations and Planning Department (OPD) is responsible for coordinating and planning support for the activities of the Telecommunication Standardization Sector. It does this through managing the Bureau's activities for organization and planning of assemblies and logistical support to meetings. The Department oversees document processing and provides IT services and solutions for electronic working methods and the development of ITU-T databases. The Department also provides administrative and secretarial support for intellectual property matters and manages the technical editing and final production of ITU-T Recommendations and publications as well as ISO/IEC common texts. The Department collaborates closely with the Departments of the General Secretariat and the Bureaux which are responsible for providing support services.

Background Information

The Publication Unit within TSB’s Operations and Planning Department (OPD) is responsible for the preparation and release of ITU-T Recommendations and related documents. Its functions include copy-editing, formatting, and ensuring compliance with established standards for clarity and consistency. The unit manages the production workflow, coordinates with technical groups, and oversees conversion of content into accessible formats such as HTML. It also implements tools to streamline editorial processes and reduce publication timelines. By maintaining accuracy and uniformity, the unit supports the efficient dissemination of technical materials to stakeholders worldwide.

Terms of Reference

Under the guidance of the Engineer-Editor, the consultant will:

• Copy-edit drafts and approved ITU-T Recommendations (ITU technical standards) and other documents in accordance with internal editorial norms, to ensure clarity, accuracy, use of the appropriate terminology and alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Orchestrate communication with authors and counsellors, review and validate edits performed by editorial assistants, and rewrite texts when necessary, in close coordination with study group counsellors, Rapporteurs or editors.
• Monitor the performance of the editing and publication workflows.
• Suggest and assist in the implementation of tools that could increase the effectiveness or efficiency of the current editorial and publication workflows.
• Participate in activities related to the harmonization of terminology.

Concrete Deliverables

• High-quality copy-editing of ITU-T Recommendations and related documents in line with editorial norms, terminology, and ITU policies.
• Author and counsellor coordination, including managing correspondence, validating edits, and rewriting text where needed.
• Editorial oversight and workflow monitoring to ensure consistency, quality control, and timely publication.
• Process and tool improvement, proposing and supporting solutions to enhance editorial and publication efficiency.
• Terminology harmonization and unit support, including contributions to glossaries and assistance with special projects.

Competencies

• Good knowledge of computerized office tools (Microsoft Office in particular).
• Knowledge of database use and conception.
• Excellent knowledge of telecommunication standards, in particular ITU-T Recommendations.
• Familiarity with the development of standards, in particular ITU-T Recommendations, would be an advantage.

Qualifications Required

Education

Advanced university degree in electronics, telecommunications, information and communication technology, electrical engineering, science or a related field, or education in 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.

Experience

At least seven (7) years of experience in technical editing, report writing, presentations related to standards development and publication of ICT/telecommunication standards, including at least three (3) years at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for two (2) years of working experience.

Languages

Knowledge of English at an advanced level. Knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Remuneration Information

CHF 285 per working day.

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.

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