Communications

UNITAR is an autonomous body within the United Nations that was established in 1965 pursuant to a UN General Assembly resolution. UNITAR’s mission is to develop the individual, institutional and organisational capacities of countries and other United Nations stakeholders through high quality learning solutions and related knowledge products and services to enhance decision-making and to support country-level action for overcoming global challenges.

UNITAR Division for Peace groups together all programming in the fields of conflict prevention, peace-making, peacekeeping and peacebuilding to provide the most comprehensive support to the promotion of peace, justice and strong institutions worldwide, thereby essentially advancing the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16. In the view of promoting democratic governance and human rights, the Division focuses on offering innovative capacity-building and knowledge-management solutions for a broad range personnel (including uniformed personnel, representatives of regional and international organizations, United Nations staff, women peacemakers, minority and indigenous peoples’ representatives) working towards sustaining peace, while ensuring that these activities meet the specific needs of conflict-affected and post-conflict countries.

The trainee shall work closely with the Pre-deployment Training and Advisory (PDTA) team to support a range of communications tasks related to the development and implementation of the PDTA’s projects. This role offers hands-on experience in strategic communication within an international context, contributing to the visibility and outreach of the section’s activities.

• Support drafting, editing, and preparing communication materials such as social media posts, web page content, newsletters, and reports, ensuring alignment with UNITAR's overall communication strategy and objectives;
• Assist with the preparation of social media campaigns for international days, ensuring high engagement and visibility;
• Collect the content necessary for the preparation of communication materials;
• Collaborate with the Division for Peace communications team to develop and schedule PDTA communication materials;
• Contribute to the development and editing of internal reports, such as the quarterly report and annual report;
• Assist in the ongoing updates and improvements of the PDTA web , ensuring that all content is up to date, engaging, and of high quality;
• Provide administrative support within the communication team, including organizing meetings, managing digital files, and preparing internal documents as needed;
• Offer logistical and administrative support for the implementation of section’s communication activities;
• Support with the drafting of a communication plan around PDTA activities;
• Provide further support as requested by the supervisor.

• Support with drafting and editing communication materials is provided in a timely and quality manner;
• Assistance in the development and implementation of social media campaigns for key international days is provided;
• Support with collecting and organizing relevant content for communication purposes is provided;
• Coordination with the Division for Peace communications team to develop and schedule PDTA content is ensured;
• Contributions to the drafting and editing of internal reports such as the quarterly and annual reports are made;
• Support with updating and maintaining the PDTA web pages, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and quality of content, is provided;
• Logistical and administrative assistance for the communication team’s operations is provided;
• Support with drafting a communication plan to promote PDTA activities and initiatives is delivered;
• Additional tasks and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor are completed in a timely and professional manner.

By the end of the traineeship, the incumbent will be able to: 

• Gain a solid understanding of communication’s role in advancing the impact and visibility of UNITAR and UN peace operations;
• Draft and edit communication materials including social media content, newsletters, and web articles aligned with UNITAR’s branding guidelines;
• Collect and organize impactful content, including testimonials and media, to support storytelling and donor visibility;
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners in a multicultural environment;
• Translate UNITAR’s strategic communication goals into actionable outputs across different platforms;
• Propose creative ways to enhance PDTA’s communication reach and engagement;
• Work independently and take initiative while adapting to evolving priorities.

Timely and quality submission of the deliverables; activities implemented with a high degree of effectiveness and efficiency, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism of the Trainee and contributing to an increase in the professional image of the Institute.

Professionalism: Ability to follow up on project work-plan. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender and inclusivity perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Situational competencies: Ability to provide culture-specific deliverables that take into account the local context and culture; demonstrates flexibility and adaptability; demonstrates creativity and orientation towards solutions.

Interpersonal competencies: Ability to communicate and interact effectively with all stakeholders; is able to work both independently and as part of a team; is able to work under pressure and with limited resources; demonstrates high level of discipline.

Planning and organizing: Excellent planning, organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize own work, delivering results and quality work, including when working under pressure.

Communications: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents. Ability to evaluate information needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information accordingly.

Technology awareness: Fully proficient in computer skills, with ability to use a variety of software and applications.

Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills; ability to deal effectively with multiple constituencies and to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

The Trainee reports to Chief, Pre-deployment Training and Advisory Section, Division for Peace, PTPU.

• Hands-on experience with the United Nations.
• Work in a multicultural context.
• Inspiring and energetic working environment.
• Continuous support and guidance.

Education: University degree in communication, media studies, journalism, public relations, marketing, international relations, social science, human rights or related field;

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree or be a recent graduate with the qualifications listed above (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

The ideal candidate can demonstrate a strong interest in learning, communications, peacekeeping and research. 

Skills required: 

• The applicant has organizational skills, shows initiative and dedication, and demonstrates independence at work and attention to detail. The candidate is a self-starter, out of the box thinker, and solution oriented. In addition, good communication skills (both written and oral) are essential in order to be able to work with various stakeholders from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Motivation for continuous learning, as well as communications support to the team are essential. Knowledge of using social media and other applications is necessary.
• Interest in the work of UNITAR’s Division for Peace and peace operations;

Languages: Fluency in oral and written English and French is essential. Knowledge another official UN language would be an advantage.

Other: Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe) are required. Proficiency in writing, editing and presentation skills.