Consultant for Internet Governance Forum

Job Posting Organization:
The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a multi-stakeholder platform established by the United Nations to discuss public policy issues related to Internet governance. The IGF Secretariat is based in the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). The forum was initiated following the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) held in Tunis in November 2005, with the aim of fostering the sustainability, robustness, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, stability, and development of the Internet. The organization operates globally, engaging various stakeholders including governments, the private sector, civil society, and technical communities to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the Internet.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in facilitating and documenting the work related to the Best Practice Forum (BPF) on Cybersecurity and the Policy Network (PN) on Internet Fragmentation. This position requires collaboration with the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) and other stakeholders to develop implementation strategies and work plans for these forums. The consultant will be responsible for synthesizing discussions, drafting outputs, and presenting findings at the 20th Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum. The role emphasizes the importance of producing tangible outputs that enhance the impact of the IGF on global Internet governance and policy. The consultant will also engage with the wider community to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that the outputs reflect a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with MAG-appointed facilitators to develop implementation strategies for the BPF on Cybersecurity and the PN on Internet Fragmentation.
• Advise on modalities and actions to respond to UN Secretary-General recommendations regarding digital policy discussions.
• Monitor and manage discussion mailing lists and conduct meetings, documenting processes and outcomes.
• Gather information on the subjects of the BPF and PN, consulting with facilitators and stakeholders.
• Support the organization of sessions at the annual IGF meeting, summarizing discussions and adjusting outputs as needed.
• Contribute to drafting the IGF 2025 Messages based on session reports.
• Prepare substantive output reports for the BPF and PN, incorporating community inputs and independent research.
• Engage the wider community for feedback on draft reports and incorporate comments into revisions.
• Prepare background materials for press and expert briefings, and conduct outreach ahead of sessions. 1
• Act as rapporteur, summarizing inputs and compiling final documents for publication. 1
• Produce publishable summaries for the IGF website and coordinate with the Secretariat on document layout. 1
• Contribute to capacity development activities by providing insights from the BPF and PN.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in information communication technologies, social sciences, development studies, management, or related fields. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas such as ICT, Internet governance, digital public policy-making, and capacity building. Strong analytical skills and experience in drafting high-level reports and synthesizing complex information are essential. A demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and participatory policy development is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess an advanced university degree in relevant disciplines such as information communication technologies, social sciences, or development studies. A first university degree may be accepted in combination with additional relevant work experience, highlighting the importance of both formal education and practical experience in the field.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional experience is required, particularly in analytical roles related to ICT, Internet governance, and digital public policy-making. Candidates should have considerable experience in drafting reports and synthesizing complex information, demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively in high-stakes environments.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, reflecting the international nature of the work and the diverse stakeholders involved in the IGF.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for 75 days. There is no fee associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. This role emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and engagement with various stakeholders in the field of Internet governance.