The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit (MDPU) of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) maintains a traineeship programme for students/recent graduates interested in gaining professional experience in a multicultural environment and enhancing their understanding of the United Nations system.

MDPU designs and delivers the Institute’s core diplomacy training (CDT), consisting primarily of orientation briefings and short, intensive skills development workshops which benefit cumulatively some 2,500 diplomats yearly at the United Nations Headquarters and other venues where the Organization maintains a significant presence.

Parallel to CDT, MDPU develops and delivers training activities at country and regional levels in close partnership with governments, universities and selected international organizations. MDPU’s activities also include e-Learning courses; special projects, advisory services related to the curriculum development of diplomatic academies; and the development of other training tools and publications.

MDPU welcomes qualified candidates interested to work for a period of six months, at UNITAR headquarters in Geneva. The placement is on an unpaid basis, but a monthly lump-sum of 900 CHF will be provided towards transportation and miscellaneous costs.

The main focus of this traineeship will be to support the pre-implementation design, preparation, coordination, and organizational planning for MDPU’s activities taking part in the Gulf Cooperation Council Region.

The Programme also routinely organizes tailor-made activities upon request of donors and partners. These activities target government officials involved in bilateral and multilateral negotiations, staff of non-governmental organizations, as well as students and younger generations. During the period of the traineeship, the trainee may also assist the Programme on these projects.

Under the supervision of the Training Assistant of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit, the trainee will have a primary mandate to assist in the design, preparation, and coordination of the Project’s training and hackathon components. The trainee may also assist in the coordination and implementation of face-to-face and online training activities where the trainee would assist in, inter alia, designing and managing courses and adapting training content to assessed training needs. Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:

• Compile research on justice innovation, AI and rule of law trends, youth innovation, and relevant case studies to inform session content.
• Support the identification and onboarding of trainers, keynote speakers, mentors, and judges.
• Assist in preparing logistical and administrative arrangements for experts and internal staff, including travel and accommodation coordination.
• Support the development of workshop and hackathon themes, session outlines, and methodological structures in line with UNITAR’s training standards.
• Support the compilation of training materials, and design and preparation of the online platform.
• Assist in the coordination of catering and other logistical arrangements, as well as UNITAR’s general on the ground presence in Doha, Qatar.

The tasks assigned may be reviewed during contract period to reflect changes in programme needs and priorities.

After the assignment the trainee should be able to:

• Translate strategic vision into actionable objectives;
• Work in a team and take initiative;
• Develop a professional network with UNITAR and United Nations staff;
• Propose ways to further UNITAR’s mission;
• Work in a multicultural environment.

Start date: January 2026. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.

Duration: Six months. The traineeship programme is normally on a full-time basis and trainees are expected to work five days a week. 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree (within either international relations, education, history, law, political science, languages or a related subject) or be a recent graduate of the aforementioned (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

Candidates should also have demonstrated interest in training methodologies and especially e-Learning; ability to write in a clear and concise manner; analytical and research skills; administrative and organizational skills to assist in the organization of training activities; computer skills (to deal with e-Learning tools, word processing, excel, power point, internet search, etc.) and a high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative. Candidates should furthermore have an interest in participatory training methodologies and instructional design as well as be motivated to work with monitoring and evaluation. 

Languages

A high standard in both oral and written English and Arabic is required. Proficiency in another UN language is a bonus.