Job Description

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is hiring a Technical Standards Editor in Geneva for a six-month assignment.

The role sits within the Editing, Publications and Documents Unit and focuses on editing ITU-T Recommendations, coordinating editorial workflows, supporting copyright processes, and helping ensure technical standards are clear, consistent, and publication-ready.

The Technical Standards Editor will work under the supervision of the Engineer Editor within the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau's Operations and Planning Department.

The position combines technical editing with editorial coordination. It also involves working closely with Study Group secretariats, Counsellors, Rapporteurs, authors, editors, and other stakeholders involved in developing and publishing ITU-T standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Copy-edit draft and approved ITU-T Recommendations and other documents.
• Improve clarity, accuracy, terminology, grammar, and consistency while following ITU editorial standards.
• Communicate with authors and Study Group Counsellors about editorial changes.
• Review work completed by editorial assistants.
• Rewrite technical content when necessary in consultation with relevant experts.
• Coordinate editorial workflows between the Editing and Publications team, Study Group secretariats, and other stakeholders.
• Work with Study Group Counsellors to maintain consistency across ITU-T Recommendations.
• Identify and flag technical issues where appropriate.
• Provide support on copyright matters related to ITU-T Recommendations.
• Follow up on copyright requests and help determine licensing terms for electronic attachments.
• Ensure approved common texts follow the required publication procedures with ISO.
• Support coordination and performance monitoring of editing and publication workflows.
• Participate in terminology harmonization activities, including work linked to the Standardization Committee for Vocabulary.
• Perform other related duties assigned by ITU.

Technical Skills

Strong candidates should have:

• Excellent technical drafting and editing skills in English.
• Excellent knowledge of English grammar and usage.
• Strong command of computerized office applications and tools.
• Knowledge of professional editing and editorial processes.
• Ability to work effectively in an international and multicultural standards environment.
• Knowledge of database concepts, XML, formal description languages, or electronic publishing formats is an advantage.
• Familiarity with standards development, particularly ITU-T Recommendations, is an advantage.

Requirements

Education

An advanced university degree in electronics, telecommunications, information and communication technology (ICT), electrical engineering, science, or a related field is required.

An equivalent advanced-level diploma from a reputable college may also qualify.

For eligible internal candidates, a first university degree combined with seven years of qualifying experience may be accepted in place of the advanced degree.

Experience

Applicants need at least five years of progressively responsible experience in:

• Technical editing.
• Report writing.
• Preparing presentations.
• Development and publication of ICT or telecommunications standards.

At least two years of the required experience must be at the international level.

A doctorate in a related field may substitute for two years of professional experience.

Languages

Applicants need:

• Advanced English.
• Intermediate French.

Knowledge of a third official ITU language — Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish — would be an advantage.

Core Competencies

The position requires strong performance in:

• Applying expertise.
• Effective communication.
• Learning and knowledge sharing.
• Organizational commitment.
• Results focus.
• Teamwork and collaboration.

Functional competencies include analysis and decision-making, client and service orientation, innovation and change facilitation, leadership, and planning and organization.

Salary and Benefits

The vacancy information provided does not specify a salary or benefits package for this six-month short-term position.

Candidates should check the official ITU vacancy notice and appointment terms for applicable remuneration and entitlements.

Application Close

5 October 2026 at midnight Geneva Time.

Important Location Requirement

This is a temporary opportunity available to individuals residing locally.

The duty station is Geneva, Switzerland.

About ITU

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the UN specialized agency responsible for telecommunications and information and communication technologies.

The position is based in the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (TSB).

TSB supports the development and adoption of global telecommunications and ICT standards. It provides technical, administrative, and logistical support for ITU-T Study Groups, assemblies, and related standardization activities.

The Operations and Planning Department supports the planning and organization of TSB activities. It also oversees document processing, IT services, ITU-T databases, intellectual property matters, and the technical editing and final production of ITU-T Recommendations and publications.

Recruitment Process

Candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information.

The evaluation may include tests or assessments and a competency-based interview. ITU may use video or teleconference, email, and other communication technologies during the assessment process.

Only selected candidates will be contacted. Candidates reaching the final selection stage may also undergo reference checks.

How to Apply

This is an ITU vacancy, not an AscendurePro position. AscendurePro is publishing the opportunity for professionals interested in international ICT and standards careers.

Applicants should apply through the official ITU Careers website and verify vacancy notice 2409 before submitting an application.