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 four to six months, at UNITAR headquarters in Geneva. The placement is on an unpaid basis, but a monthly lump-sum of 700 CHF will be provided towards transportation and miscellaneous costs.

In line with the Institute’s efforts to improve its training activities, the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit has launched an Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy that offers a unique opportunity for both students wanting to pursue a career in international relations, and professionals working in international and regional organizations as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions, to expand their knowledge on international affairs and strengthen their capacities in the field of multilateral diplomacy.

In addition MDPU has launched new Masters’ Programmes in partnership with academic institutions across the world in the fields of International Affairs, Development Studies and Diplomacy, Gender and Development, and Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business as well as other post-graduate qualifications. These programmes target government officials involved in bilateral and multilateral negotiations, students and other stakeholders.

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit, the trainee will assist in the development and coordination of the Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy as well as the Masters’ Programmes.  The trainee would assist in, inter alia, designing and managing the training and academic courses and adapting training content to quality and academic standards. The trainee would also be responsible for assisting in communications and outreach activities.  Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:

• To support colleagues in the design and implementation of UNITAR’s Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy including developing the skills needed to design new courses;
• To support colleagues in the design and development of UNITAR’s Master’s Programmes as well as other related qualifications;
• To adapt online training materials and learning packages to quality and academic standards and certification criteria;
• To liaise directly with partner organisations and beneficiaries in the preparation for the delivery of the Programme;
• Tasks may include preparing key data such as programme statistics and evaluation reports.
• To undertake research that may provide necessary input into such training tools and exercises;
• To assist the Programme in its outreach and communications strategy, especially with regard to community engagement mechanisms.

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 independently and take initiative;
• Develop a professional rapport with UNITAR and United Nations staff;
• Propose ways to further UNITAR’s mission;
• Work in a multicultural environment.

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate 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 is required. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be an advantage.