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 also organizes global Telecom events bringing together the most influential representatives of government and the private sector to exchange ideas and knowledge for the benefit of all.
Illustrator Consultant
Vacancy notice no: 2102
Sector: BDT
Department: DKS
Country of contract: Remote
Duty station: Home Based
Position number: [[positionNumber]]
Grade: [[PositionGrade]]
Type of contract: Consultant
Duration of contract: 15 September 2025 - 31 October 2025
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 13 August 2025
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for the organization and coordination of the work of the Telecommunication Development Sector of the Union. BDT deals mainly with development policies, strategies, programming, projects, as well as technical cooperation activities to enable and foster universal access to affordable, high-quality and secure telecommunications/ICTs and Foster equitable and inclusive use of telecommunications/ICTs to empower people and societies for sustainable development. To effectively and efficiently serve the needs of Member States, BDT is organized into four functional areas:
- Operations Coordination Department (Office of the Deputy to the Director) (DDR)
- Projects, Partnerships & Digital Skills Department (PPS)
- Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE)
- Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS)
The Digital Knowledge Society Department (DKS) provides expertise in the areas of Regulatory and Market environments, promoting experiences sharing and collaboration. It also has the responsibility for the international statistics standards for telecommunication/ICT indicators and compiles and disseminates valuable ICT Statistics which provide the basis for sound public policy decisions. This Department promotes innovation culture and projects to the Member States. The DKS Department leads and coordinates innovation throughout the BDT. This Department also ensures the active participation of youth and the need to guaranteeing accessibility and inclusion for all and promoting reinforcement for gender issues.
BACKGROUND
The Global Connectivity Report 2025 (GCR) will be launched at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25), to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2025. The GCR provides a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of global progress toward universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC), while addressing the opportunities and risks of an increasingly connected world.
The GCR pursues four objectives:
- Make the case for UMC by demonstrating the role of digital connectivity in advancing human development
- Take stock of where the world stands on the path to UMC, drawing on the latest data and indicators to identify progress, gaps, and disparities across regions and population groups.
- Advocate for investment in the foundations of meaningful connectivity and highlight good practices and solutions.
- Confront the harms and systemic challenges that connectivity can create, to ensure that the overall impact of digital connectivity is net positive.
The GCR aims to support evidence-based policymaking, inform global digital commitments such as the Global Digital Compact and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and promote inclusive, resilient, and sustainable digital transformation.
This publication is part of ITU’s “Measuring digital development” publication series.
Written in accessible, non-technical language, the report targets a broad audience, including policymakers, government administrations, the media, and the wider development community. It is intended to serve as a practical reference for those designing and implementing digital connectivity strategies, as well as for practitioners.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The illustrator consultant will create original artwork for the cover of the GCR. The artwork should be:
- Inspired by human connection and the importance of togetherness, without reference to telecommunication technology.
- Convey a global, positive, and universal message.
- Inclusive, avoiding any political or religious symbols or themes.
- Subtly reflect the cultural context of the region hosting WTDC-25 (Baku, Azerbaijan), where appropriate, while maintaining a universal appeal.
Additional guidance will be provided by the ICT Data and Analytics Division and the ITU Publications unit throughout the collaboration.
CONCRETE DELIVERABLES
- Delivery of one illustration for the cover in either vector file or pixel-based file. If vector file, format .ai or .eps with no embedded pixel-based file. If pixel-based file, .jpg or .png formats at resolution of 300dpi and size of 22x22cm. Since the visual may be used in different platform/formats, it is requested from the artist to ensure that the background is easily expanded to fill the required format. i.e.: allow plenty of background around the main foreground subjects (mainly above, and on the two sides).
- Submission of the first sketch with indications on how the final artwork would look like by 10 October 2025.
- Incorporation of the feedback provided by ITU and the final artwork by 24 October 2025.
COMPETENCIES
- Ability to create high-quality original illustrations and graphic artwork in both vector and raster formats.
- Strong conceptual and visual storytelling skills to translate abstract themes into compelling images.
- Ability to adapt style and composition to meet diverse audiences and publication requirements.
- Familiarity with preparing artwork for multiple formats (print and digital) and ensuring scalability and flexibility of design elements.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in fine art, visual arts with specialization in graphic design or related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of a university degree in one of the fields above.
Experience:
At least one (1) year of experience in visual arts, graphic design or commercial art and illustration can be considered as a substitute for the above-mentioned degree.
All experience must be demonstrated by providing a link to an online portfolio showcasing relevant work.
Languages:
Knowledge of English at advanced level.
REMUNERATION INFORMATION
A daily rate of 200 USD for 13 working days or Lum sump of 2,600 USD.
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 career 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.
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.
