United Nations Institute for Training and Research is looking for a Trainee - Multilateral Diplomacy Programme

Vacancy type: Trainee
Duration of the contract: Six months (in-person)
Deadline for submission of applications: 08 July 2026
Organizational Unit: Multilateral Diplomacy Programme
Number of job positions: 1
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Reference: TR/2026/011

The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme (MDP) 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.

MDP 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, MDP develops and delivers training activities at country and regional levels in close partnership with governments, universities and selected international organizations. MDP’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.

MDP 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.

Background

In line with the Institute’s efforts to improve its training activities, the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme is developing an unprecedented amount of 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, staff of non-governmental organizations, as well as students and younger generations.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Training Assistant of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme, the trainee will assist in the coordination and implementation of face-to-face and online training activities. The trainee would assist in, inter alia, designing and managing courses and adapting training content to assessed training needs. The trainee would also be responsible for assisting in communications and outreach activities. Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:

• To provide support in the coordination oftraining programmes, including preparation of training materials, coordination of logistics before, during and after courses;
• To assist subject matter experts with the development of participatory training activities;
• To conduct research and potentially draft concept notes and project proposals for further collaborations;
• To adapt training materials and learning packages to quality and academic standards and certification criteria;
• To liaise directly with partner organizations and beneficiaries in preparation for the delivery of the programmes;
• To prepare key data such as programme statistics and evaluation reports;
• To undertake research that may provide necessary input into such training tools and exercises;
• To assist the programme in its outreach and communication strategy;
• To assist with the implementation of e-learning courses, workshops, and webinars, as well as face-to-face training activities;
• To support procurement processes such as purchase requests and comparative statements, etc.

The tasks assigned may be reviewed during contract period to reflect changes in programme needs and priorities.

Learning Objectives

After the assignment the trainee should be able to:

• Translate strategic vision into actionable objectives;
• Work in a team and take initiative;
• Develop a professional network with UNITAR and United Nations staff;
• Propose ways to further UNITAR’s mission;
• Work in a multicultural environment.

Dates and Duration

Start date: Early August 2026. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.

Duration: Six months. The traineeship programme is on a full-time basis and trainees are expected to work five days a week.

Minimum requirements

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree (within either international relations, education, history, law, political science, languages or a related subject) or be a recent graduate of the aforementioned (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

Candidates should also have demonstrated interest in training methodologies and especially e-Learning; ability to write in a clear and concise manner; analytical and research 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. Candidates should furthermore have an interest in participatory training methodologies and instructional design as well as be motivated to work with monitoring and evaluation.

Languages

A high standard in both oral and written English is required. Proficiency in another UN language is a bonus.

How to apply

Please submit your application along with a motivation letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been 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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