While not applying a quota system, ITU draws its staff from as wide a range of nationalities as possible, ensuring a broad representation and bringing together the different national perspectives and linguistic skills which are essential to a truly international organization.

ITU's specialist and managerial posts are advertised internationally to attract highly qualified staff in all disciplines.

At 1 January 2006, the number of ITU staff stood at 822, representing 80 nationalities both at Headquarters and in the field.

To improve access to telecommunications in the developing world, BDT manages an expert service which recruits, from the public and private sectors, specialists with high-level expertise. According to needs, missions may involve advisory services in the areas of legislation, restructuring, management and all other aspects of telecommunications, including new services such as distance learning, telemedicine, e-commerce and the Internet.

Around 300 expert missions are carried out each year.

The Union also runs a non-remunerated internship programme aimed at giving young undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to improve their skills and gain experience in an international environment.

Candidates are selected on an ad hoc basis determined by the needs of various ITU departments.

Internships are possible throughout the year, and may last from one to six months.