United Nations Institute for Training and Research is looking for an Associate Programme Officer - P2

Vacancy type: Fixed-term regular staff

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Duration of the contract: 1 year (renewable)

Deadline for submission of applications: 31 July 2026

Organizational Unit: Multilateral Diplomacy Programme

Number of job positions: 1

Accountabilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer of MDP, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

1. Assist in Designing, implementation and evaluation of capacity development activities, in support of Programme objectives towards overall expansion and quality development of projects and activities on training, learning, and knowledge management, by:

• Contribute to the preparation of project documents and proposals for submission to potential donors;
• Participate in developing and delivering training modules in his/her areas of expertise and as requested by the Supervisor;
• Provide substantive support in designing and developing, under the guidance of the supervisor, the Programme’s activities in the field of e-learning that are offered to diplomatic academies, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Missions of United Nations Member States;
• Participating in projects that aim at establishing diplomatic academies and the upgrading of their training curricula;
• Proposing, designing and undertaking research in view of developing training materials and contents, such as training courses, modules, exercises, simulations, best practice illustrations and other web-based training tools and devices;
• Supporting the design and development of training projects and activities in connection with the Institute’s online training curriculum targeting the diplomatic communities; demand-driven, tailor-made training.

2. Contribute to the Coordination of the delivery of projects and activities on training, learning, and knowledge management to ensure their efficiency by:

• Preparing, undertaking and conducting training needs assessments and draft assessment reports in the field of multilateral diplomacy with a primary focus on Asia, alongside other locations in line with programme requirements;
• Ensuring that best practices related to training and training methodologies are disseminated and incorporated into UNITAR programmes and initiatives;
• Monitoring developments in diplomacy and international affairs within Asia and other key locations, and liaising with diplomats, staff of international organizations and donors in view of identifying training needs and responding to requests for the design, development and funding of diplomacy-related projects, activities and initiatives within Asia and other key locations;
• Overseeing the implementation of assigned projects and activities, under the guidance of the supervisor, and liaising as required with project personnel to ensure effective and successful programming;
• Assist in Monitoring and evaluating projects and activities, and drafting and finalizing reports for submission to donors and other project partners.

3. Support the administration and coordination of the functionality of the Programme by:

• Supporting the selection, and recruitment of required personnel to assist in the development and implementation of projects, liaising with Human Resources and completing contracting requirements of consultants such as drafting and finalizing terms of reference;
• Contributing to the development of financial, budgetary and administrative arrangements, including preparing budget estimates, informing the Finance and Budget Section (FBS) on relevant financial issues, and reporting to the Supervisor or FBS on project and activity expenditures, as may be required or requested;
• Drafting short project and activity summaries and synthesizing results in view of contributing to the Programme’s outreach, visibility and public relations;
• Collaborating with programme partners, including other programmes and units within the Institute and organizations outside the Institute, as well as creating synergies, where possible, in view of maximizing impact and results;
• Performing other tasks to ensure effective programme development and implementation.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following/supervision:

• Staff in related programmes, units, sections and offices of the Institute;
• Diplomatic staff of Permanent Missions accredited to the United Nations Offices and other missions;
• Counterparts working in other international organizations, including those in the United Nations system;
• Staff in the training and professional development departments/divisions of Ministries of Foreign Affairs;
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), universities and learning institutions, the private sector and the press/media;
• In the execution of the above tasks, the incumbent supervises staff, consultants, experts and trainees.

Results Expected

Results achieved from this post will affect delivery of the Programme’s training activities, along with other Programmes where the training is of a cross-cutting nature. Actions meet corporate standards for professional delivery and behaviour and include decision making; recommendations and advice for activity development and delivery; development of partnership agreements; research into training products and topics; problem solving. The conduct of the individual serves as a role model for colleagues.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of and practical experience in the full range of training projects, tools and methodologies; experience designing and implementing professional training in diplomacy and international affairs; experience assessing needs and drafting training needs assessment reports; strong facilitation, research and analytical skills, and ability to analyze and integrate diverse information; up-to-date knowledge of contemporary topics and issues in the broad field of multilateral diplomacy, international affairs and the United Nations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently; Client Orientation.

Communications: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; Treats all people with dignity and respect; Treats men and women equally; Shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making; Examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses; Does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Minimum requirements

Education: Advanced University degree in political science, law, public administration or other social science or relevant combination of education and experience in lieu accepted.

Experience: A minimum of two years of responsible professional experience in the field of international training including within Asia, education and management in international organizations, universities, think tanks or NGOs.

Languages: Fluency in English and Chinese; knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

Special Notice

UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 12 months.

UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.

Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

No Fee

UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

How to apply

Please submit your application, along with a motivation letter, as soon as possible after the vacancy is posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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