In an increasingly interconnected digital world, ITU cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of national stability, economic growth, and public trust. Cyber threats continue to evolve in scale and sophistication, affecting governments, businesses, and citizens alike. To address these challenges, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is inviting qualified professionals to apply for the position of CyberDrill Consultant, a home-based consultancy role focused on supporting the organization and execution of the Global CyberDrill 2026.
This opportunity is ideal for experienced cybersecurity and international development professionals who are passionate about capacity building, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and strengthening global cyber resilience—particularly in developing countries.
About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations’ specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). With a mission to connect the world, ITU plays a critical role in managing the global radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, developing international ICT standards, and supporting countries—especially developing nations—in improving their communication infrastructure.
Beyond technical coordination, ITU is a global convener, organizing major telecommunications and digital development events that bring together governments, private sector leaders, academia, and civil society. The organization is firmly committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender balance, applying a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.
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Overview of the CyberDrill Consultant Role
The CyberDrill Consultant position (Vacancy Notice No. 2238) is offered under the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), within the Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE). The consultancy is remote/home-based, open to external candidates, and has an open contract duration, with a daily remuneration of USD 280 per working day.
The consultant will play a central role in supporting ITU’s incident response and cybersecurity capacity-building initiatives, with a strong focus on the Global CyberDrill 2026—a flagship international cybersecurity exercise designed to enhance preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities among ITU Member States and partners.
Understanding the Organizational Context
The Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) is responsible for driving ITU’s development agenda, particularly in enabling universal, affordable, secure, and inclusive access to ICTs. BDT’s work spans policy development, technical cooperation, project implementation, and capacity building.
Within BDT, the Digital Networks & Environment Department (DNE) focuses on helping Member States—especially G77 countries—address challenges related to connectivity, spectrum management, broadband evolution, cybersecurity, emergency telecommunications, and the intersection of ICTs with climate and environmental issues. The CyberDrill Consultant will contribute directly to these priorities by strengthening cybersecurity readiness at national, regional, and global levels.
Background: Global CyberDrill 2026
As cyber incidents increasingly transcend borders, coordinated response mechanisms and practical exercises are essential. The Global CyberDrill is one of ITU’s key capacity-building initiatives, bringing together governments, regulators, computer security incident response teams (CSIRTs), international organizations, and private sector partners.
The CyberDrill Consultant will support the planning, coordination, and execution of the 2026 edition, ensuring that technical exercises are well-structured, stakeholders are effectively engaged, and collaboration with ITU Regional Offices and partners is seamless. This role is both strategic and operational, offering a unique opportunity to influence global cybersecurity preparedness.
Key Responsibilities and Terms of Reference
Under the guidance of the ITU Senior Cybersecurity Coordinator, the consultant will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:
1. Planning and Coordination
The consultant will support the overall planning of the Global CyberDrill 2026, including agenda development, timelines, workflows, and coordination mechanisms. This involves close collaboration with ITU Regional Offices, host countries, international organizations, partners, and service providers. Regular coordination meetings, progress monitoring, and follow-up on agreed actions will be central to ensuring smooth delivery.
2. Event Implementation
During the event, the consultant will support operational delivery, ensuring that technical exercises, panel discussions, and coordination activities run according to plan. This includes providing logistical and coordination support to speakers, panellists, moderators, and participants, as well as addressing real-time issues to maintain effectiveness and continuity.
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3. Documentation and Content Preparation
High-quality documentation is critical for large-scale international exercises. The consultant will prepare and coordinate agendas, scripts, speeches, briefing notes, correspondence, checklists, summaries, and participant guidance materials.
4. Reporting and Knowledge Products
Post-event, the consultant will develop comprehensive reports and knowledge products, such as blog articles or summaries, highlighting key discussions, outcomes, and insights. These outputs will support internal reporting and broader stakeholder communication.
5. Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement
An important aspect of the role is analyzing outcomes, identifying lessons learned, and developing practical recommendations to improve future cyber drills. This includes documenting best practices, gaps, and opportunities for enhancement.
Deliverables and Expected Impact
Concrete deliverables include support for onsite execution of the Global CyberDrill 2026, effective stakeholder engagement, preparation of documentation, production of post-event reports and summaries, and strong coordination among ITU Regional Offices, host countries, partners, and Cyber Range providers.
Through this work, the consultant will directly contribute to improving global cyber incident response readiness and fostering international cooperation in cybersecurity.
Required Competencies and Qualifications
To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate:
- Proven ability to plan and deliver complex cybersecurity events or exercises at national and international levels
- Strong stakeholder coordination skills, working with governments, international organizations, and private sector partners
- Excellent communication and drafting skills in English
- Ability to work independently in a multicultural and diverse environment
Education:
An advanced university degree in international relations, cybersecurity, information security, computer science, public policy, or a related field (or an equivalent diploma).
Experience:
At least seven years of experience coordinating complex cybersecurity events, including three years at the international level. A doctorate may substitute for three years of experience.
Languages:
Advanced knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of another ITU official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an asset.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This consultancy offers more than professional advancement—it provides a chance to shape global cybersecurity preparedness, support developing countries, and work with one of the most influential UN agencies in the digital domain. For seasoned professionals seeking meaningful, high-impact work with global reach, the CyberDrill Consultant role with ITU is a compelling opportunity.
How to Apply
All candidates must complete an online application through the ITU careers portal. Applications must be submitted by 2 February 2026 (midnight Geneva time).
