International development, project management, capacity development, partnership development - Middle East

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a leading provider of high-quality learning solutions and other knowledge products and services, intended to develop the capacities of Member States, as well as of individuals, organisations and institutions to take the lead in or meaningfully contribute to the transformational change envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its supporting documents. Guided by the contemporary plans of action and platforms agreed upon by the United Nations and its Member States, the work of UNITAR in the area of designing and delivering people-centred and results-driven products and services is structured along the four key dimensions of Peace, People, Planet and Prosperity with additional units ensuring organisation-wide cross-fertilisation of knowledge. Such composition makes UNITAR exceptionally fit for the purpose of supporting the indivisible and integrated nature of the 2030 Agenda.

The UNITAR Division for Prosperity encompasses the Technology, Finance and Trade Programme (TFTP) unit and the Hiroshima Office (HO) and covers the following six thematic areas: 1) Entrepreneurship and Private Sector Development; 2) Leadership and Empowerment; 3) Trade and Finance; 4) Anti- corruption and Financial Crime; 5) Frontier Technologies; and 6) Hiroshima and Peace. These activities contribute to a number of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Growth), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, Industry), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). UNITAR Division for Prosperity offers evidence-based learning services using latest methodologies/technologies.

The Division focuses on offering innovative capacity-building and knowledge-management solutions for personnel from a variety of sectors including national and local governments, parliaments, the private sector, civil society, academia and media. The Division will make continuous efforts to target at those who have been left behind including women, LGBTQ, youth, refugees/IDPs, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.

The trainee will assist in developing strategic partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development, as well as ensuring decent jobs for everyone. Potential partners may include a diverse range of organizations from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society across various regions, particularly in the Middle East. This traineeship requires native-level proficiency in both Arabic and English, including writing and speaking skills.

• Assist in conducting a landscape analysis of key players in sustainable and inclusive economic development, as well as in promoting decent jobs for all.
• Support and help identify organizations whose missions align with that of the UNITAR Prosperity Division.
• Establish contacts by exchanging correspondence and setting up appointments.
• Develop briefs for senior management.
• Create pitch decks and concepts.
• Support operational activities and reporting requirements, including any tasks assigned by the supervisor

• All work assignments related to the above-mentioned responsibilities have been adequately completed on a timely basis.
• Timely and quality delivery of outputs. 

• Positive feedback from staff, supervisor, partners, and beneficiaries regarding services provided.
• Challenges encountered result in proactive seeking of guidance from the supervisor.
• Suggestions on improving training delivery, course content and pedagogy are made.
• Concrete steps have been undertaken to successfully deliver assigned tasks and projects.
• Quantity and quality of outputs delivered.

• Understanding and respecting the unique cultural, social, and religious dynamics of Middle Eastern countries. This includes awareness of language, traditions, values, and how these impact development projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new skills or knowledge in unfamiliar situations.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to developed a wide range of professional relationships with people in and outside the organization.
• Effectively communicating the value of partnerships to potential collaborators, donors, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite is essential

• Gain a better understanding of the functions of a UN organization and its various capacity development activities. 
• Recognize the critical role of partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
• Learn how to identify and establish partnerships. 
• Acquire experience in concept writing. 
• Enhance their analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in international relations, political science, economics, sociology, or related areas. 

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).

Language:  Proven fluency of English and Arabic – oral and written required. Proficiency in another official UN language is an asset, but not a requirement.