Senior Protocol Advisor Consultant

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. Senior Protocol Advisor Consultant Vacancy notice no: 2317 Sector: SG Department: SPM Country of contract: Switzerland Duty station: Geneva Position number: [[positionNumber]] Grade: [[PositionGrade]] Type of contract: Consultant Duration of contract: 25 May to 10 July 2026 Recruitment open to: External Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 18 May 2026

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.

The Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM) is organizing high-level events from 6 – 10 July and attendance is expected from Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Heads of Regulatory Authorities and other senior dignitaries. As such, the Department requires dedicated senior-level protocol expertise to ensure all engagements are conducted in line with international diplomatic standards. A Senior Protocol Advisor Consultant is needed on a short-term basis to oversee high-level coordination, manage VIP protocol arrangements, liaise with government and diplomatic counterparts, and mitigate operational and reputational risks to ensure the events are delivered professionally and seamlessly. Accordingly, ITU seeks a Senior Protocol Advisor Consultant to work autonomously and independently, reporting to the Chief, Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM) and advising and coordinating with the Head of the Member States Relations and Governance Division and her team. The objective of this consultancy is to provide advice, formulate protocol strategies, develop a vision for work and proposes the planning of actions for two significant and high profile ITU events as well as support as appropriate the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance to be held simultaneously on the week of 6 – 10 July 2026 as follows: WSIS Forum 2026 (6 – 10 July). AI for Good Global Summit 2026 (7 – 10 July). All related side and social events during the week for the above two events, as well as support, as appropriate the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance (6 – 7 July).

Under the direction of the Chief, Strategic Planning and Membership Department (SPM), and working closely with the Head of the Member States Relations and Governance Division and her team, the consultant will: Strategic planning and protocol development: Develop and implement protocol strategies in line with ITU’s diplomatic and organizational standards and the objectives of the events during the week. Outline a roadmap for execution of protocol requirements for the period. Accountable for the planning and implementation of all protocol requirements for the AI For Good Global Summit and WSIS Forum 2026, as well as all related side and social events, and as appropriate, support the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Engage and partner with host country authorities, UN agencies, VIPs and international delegations to ensure proper diplomatic courtesies and protocol compliance. VVIP/VIP engagement and logistical coordination for all the events: Oversee official invitations, confirmations, and seating arrangements for VVIP and VIP attendees, ensuring adherence to diplomatic precedence. VVIPs and VIPs include Heads of State or Government, Ministers, Head of Regulatory Authorities, UN Principals, CEOs and high-level representatives from the private sector, other international organisations, academia and civil society. Coordinate with the ITU and UN Protocol teams, as necessary, to ensure alignment of protocol strategies and measures. Coordinate with the ITU Security team for safety and security to ensure alignment of safety with protocol strategies and measures. Work with the relevant teams of each of the events to coordinate the program for each Head of State or Government, in particular. Plan and liaise with transportation providers and event managers to facilitate smooth arrival, departure, and on-site movements of high-level guests. Ensure all necessary protocol measures are followed for the ITU Secretary-General’s meetings during the week that the events will be held. Stakeholder representation: Serve as ITU’s official representative to government delegations, private sector executives and the UN Secretariat, including the UN Office at Geneva, and other UN agencies on matters related to protocol. Advise ITU staff and volunteers on protocol training. Ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches in all protocol arrangements. Protocol execution and crisis management: Lead on-site protocol execution, addressing any last-minute adjustments while maintaining efficiency and discretion. Provide briefing materials, such as background papers and replies to questions on protocol for the Secretary-General, senior staff, and other ITU Elected Officials, as necessary. Develop contingency plans to handle unexpected diplomatic or logistical challenges. Ensure compliance with ITU and UN diplomatic guidelines, addressing any protocol-related issues as they arise. Represent ITU as Head of Protocol for the duration of the conferences.

Establishment of protocol strategies related to the high-level events at a senior level. Engagement and support of government delegates, private sector executives (civil society) and UN senior level representatives. Significant planning and oversight for the coordination of the concurring events. Accountability of crisis management, assessing and mitigating risk factors and ensuing well developed contingency plans. Coordination with a team of two, supporting protocol.

Substantial and wide-ranging knowledge of issues related to ITU and UN conference management. Knowledge of protocol and/or event management in a governmental or international organizations context, including knowledge of collaborating with host governments, VIPs, civil society, executives, UN senior level representatives and dignitaries. Knowledge of norms, rules, and customs of international diplomatic protocol, including practices developed within the United Nations System or with ITU’s diplomatic and organizational standards. Familiarity with "United Nations Flag Code and Regulations", "United Nations Order of Precedence" and "General Information for the Permanent Missions to the United Nations". Ability to apply United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluation aptitude to establish high level protocol strategies. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Ability to monitor and adjust plans and actions, as necessary.

Education: Advanced university degree in business administration, international relations, political science or related fields 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. Experience: At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of the Special Service Agreement, including at least five (5) at the international level. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience. Experience in ITU conference management is required. Knowledge of the ITU Constitution and Convention would be an advantage. Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level. Knowledge of another official language of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) would be an advantage.

USD 430.00 per working day.

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.