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.

In line with the Institute’s efforts to continually enhance its training activity portfolio, the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme develops online and face-to-face activities offered to the diplomatic community based in Geneva, New York and elsewhere.

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, students and the younger generation.

Under the supervision of the Programme Assistant of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit, the trainee will assist in the administrative coordination of face-to-face and online training activities. Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:

• To assist with the implementation of e-learning courses, workshops, and webinars, as well as face-to-face training activities;
• To prepare key data such as programme statistics and evaluation reports;
• To provide operational and administrative support in the coordination of training programmes;
• To support procurement processes such as purchase requests and comparative statements etc;
• Maintain relevant internal databases and files for administrative actions;
• Track procurement processes up to delivery, acceptance, and payment, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services ordered, in compliance with the applicable terms and conditions in the procurement tool;
• Assist in the physical verification of office equipment and maintaining the related files and inventory records.

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 complex administrative requirements into actionable objectives;
• Develop an understanding of the procurement procedures applied at UNITAR and the United Nations;
• Work in a team and take initiative;
• Develop a professional network with UNITAR and United Nations staff;
• Work in a multicultural environment

Start date: January 2025. 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 business administration, international relations, economics or a related subject) or be a recent graduate of the aforementioned (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

Ability to write in a clear and concise manner; attention to detail; analytical 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.

Languages:

A high standard in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other UN working languages (especially French) is an advantage.