Strategic project and administration support at the OED

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a leading provider of innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.

The Office of the Executive Director (OED) is the small front office supporting the Executive Director of UNITAR, who also serves as an Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. The OED provides executive support, facilitates internal coordination, drives strategic initiatives, and ensures effective communication within the Institute and with external stakeholders.

The trainee will support the work of UNITAR’s front office, namely the Executive Director (OED) and her team, in both strategic and administrative functions.

The trainee will contribute to the OED’s operations and strategic efforts through the following:

• Support the implementation of strategic projects based on the trainee’s academic or professional background.
• Assist in drafting messages, talking points, briefing notes, and statements for the Executive Director and OED team.
• Support the development and dissemination of social media and public information content related to the Executive Director’s engagements.
• Provide general administrative support, recognizing that OED is a small front office requiring flexibility and support across all functions.
• Support meeting coordination, note-taking, scheduling, and correspondence management.
• Perform other duties as required.

By the end of the traineeship, the incumbent will:

• Gain a deep understanding of how a UN front office operates and supports senior leadership.
• Acquire hands-on experience in strategic project coordination within the UN system.
• Enhance communication, drafting, and social media skills in an international institutional setting.
• Strengthen organizational, administrative, and multitasking abilities in a dynamic team.
• Learn to adapt messaging and communication to diverse audiences and channels.
• Understand UNITAR’s mission, structure, and role in the broader UN system.

• Strategic input delivered to ongoing projects (e.g. draft notes, social media content, research briefs).
• Timely and quality preparation of meeting materials and event support.
• Administrative and coordination tasks completed as assigned, meeting required deadlines.
• Clear contributions to internal communication and information flow within OED.

• Quality and timeliness of assigned deliverables and outputs.
• Proactive engagement with the team and readiness to support diverse office tasks.
• Positive feedback from supervisor and colleagues.
• Responsiveness to feedback and demonstrated improvement.
• Professionalism in communication and conduct.

Education: University degree in 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).

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.

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

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