The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations System, serving some 300,000 beneficiaries annually by conducting close to 900 training and related events around the world. The Mission of UNITAR is to develop individual, institutional and organizational capacities of countries and other United Nations stakeholders through high-quality learning solutions and related knowledge products and services to enhance decision making and to support country-level action for overcoming global challenges.

The Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit (PTPU) is part of UNITAR’s Division for Peace. The Unit contributes to the international community’s efforts towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the building of lasting peace. Recognising that peace is a prerequisite for the achievement of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, PTPU supports the development of capacities in the areas of conflict prevention, negotiation, mediation and reconciliation, restoration of the rule of law, preventing and countering violent extremism, youth and women empowerment, as well as enhancing the peacemaking capacities of minorities, indigenous peoples’ representatives and those who often face marginalization to “leave no one behind.” Through innovative and results-oriented approaches, the Programme Unit strengthens knowledge and skills of individuals, groups, and institutions.

In alignment with the Agenda 2030 as well as UNITAR’s strategic vision, the Youth and Women’s Empowerment pillar within UNITAR’s Division for Peace contributes to a world in which young people as well as women are able to participate in and contribute to, on an equal base and at all levels, to the sustaining peace agenda.

On 9 December, 2015, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2250 - its first-ever resolution on Youth, Peace and Security - thereby recognising the importance of the positive contributions which young people are making for the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security. Furthermore, it affirmed the important role that youth need to assume in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and called for the engagement of youth as partners and leaders at all levels of decision-making and peacebuilding processes. Since then, progress studies such as “The Missing Peace” and the two subsequent resolutions (UNSCR 2419 and  UNSCR 2535), have called for additional measures to increase the influence and participation of youth in peacebuilding processes. Specifically, The Missing Peace urges the international community to “invest in the capacities, agency and leadership of young people”. It has thus become clear that education, training and capacity building of both youth and their counterparts at local, national and regional levels are essential to translate the resolutions on Youth, Peace and Security from the halls of the United Nations to policymakers, actors and change-agents at the ground level.

Over the recent years, UNITAR has consolidated its offer in the thematic area of Youth Empowerment. Recognising the synergies between the SDGs (in particular SDGs 4, 5, 7, 10, 16 and 17) and in line with the priorities of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda, UNITAR supports youth and youth counterparts by developing capacities of individuals, organisations and institutions to enhance youths’ potential to meet their communities most pressing peacebuilding needs.

UNITAR PTPU is now accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in working for a minimum of six months on a full-time basis with UNITAR. Under the supervision of the Team Leader, Youth and Women Empowerment, the trainee will provide support on a wide variety of tasks linked to the development and delivery of a wide range of activities.

Individual work plans will be designed in accordance with specific terms of reference, which also highlight learning objectives as the traineeship is intended to allow trainees to develop specific skills and competences.

• Support with the development of activities and partnerships to strengthen UNITAR’s portfolio on youth, peace and security;
• Support to identifying pathways and strategies to ensure accessibility of existing youth, peace and security offers and help with its dissemination to new audiences;
• Logistical and administrative support for the implementation of trainings and other events;
• Support with the drafting of various written outputs;
• Support the pillar with cross-cutting priorities in the working area “Youth and Women’s Empowerment” of UNITAR’s Division for Peace;
• Support with any other tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Applicants should have a strong background in one or more the following fields:

• Peace studies/International relations
• Social entrepreneurship
• Inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility
• Training/Education

Skills required

The trainee should possess: a keen interest in working on training and capacity building, advanced knowledge working knowledge with the MS Office Suite, and a readiness to learn new IT skills in order to be able to efficiently work in the digital working space. Experience of working with project concept development at international level will also be an advantage. Other qualities, such as a willingness to learn, dedication and independence at work are welcome.

Languages

Fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of Arabic or Spanish is considered an advantage.