United Nations Institute for Training and Research is looking for a Trainee - Project Implementation and Partnership Development (Russian-speaking)

Vacancy type: Trainee
Duration of the contract: 20 July 2026 – 19 December 2026
Indicative contract starting date: 20 July 2026
Deadline for submission of applications: 05 July 2026
Organizational Unit: Technology, Finance and Trade Programme
Number of job positions: 1
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Reference: TR/2026/010

Area of specialization/thematic areas

Programme delivery, monitoring and evaluation, and applied research in the context of sustainable and inclusive economic development, integration of environmental science perspectives into capacity-building design, evidence generation, and partnership development.

Programme overview

The UNITAR Division for Prosperity encompasses the Technology, Finance, and Trade Programme (TFTP) and the Hiroshima Project Office (HPO) 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.

General objectives of the contract

The trainee will support the Technology, Finance and Trade Programme (TFTP) in the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of programme activities, while gaining practical experience in programme management, partnership development, research, and capacity-building initiatives related to sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Responsibilities/description of professional services

• Support the design, delivery, and coordination of online and in-person training programmes, including the Programme on Trade and Food Security and Agriculture in Trade Agreements and the joint residential programme.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning by tracking programme results, analysing participant feedback, and preparing evaluation reports.
• Conduct research and stakeholder mapping on sustainable and inclusive economic development, with a focus on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and social inclusion.
• Identify and engage potential partners whose priorities align with the Programme objectives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with prospective partners through correspondence, meetings, and follow-up.
• Prepare research briefs, concept notes, evidence summaries, pitch decks, and programme concepts to support partnership development and resource mobilization.
• Support the development of new training programmes, including curricula that integrate sustainability and environmental considerations.
• Coordinate project implementation with partners, subject-matter experts, and stakeholders from the public, private, and civil society sectors.
• Provide operational, administrative, and reporting support, and carry out other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Learning objectives

After completing the traineeship period, the trainee will:

• Strengthen practical skills in programme management, coordination, implementation, and reporting.
• Acquire hands-on experience in monitoring, evaluation, and results-based management processes.
• Enhance research, analytical, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Develop a solid understanding of partnership development, fundraising, and resource mobilization mechanisms.
• Increase knowledge of sustainable and inclusive economic development, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and social inclusion.
• Improve written and oral communication skills through the preparation of reports, concept notes, briefing materials, and presentations.
• Gain exposure to the operations and programme delivery mechanisms of an international organization within the United Nations system.

Measurable outputs/deliverables/schedule of deliverables

• Timely delivery of research, partnership, and programme support outputs.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and coordination activities.
• Preparation of reports, concept notes, and presentations as required.
• Timely support to project implementation and reporting.
• Completion of assigned tasks within agreed deadlines.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results

• Timely delivery of assigned outputs and activities.
• High-quality research, partnership, and programme support products.
• Effective coordination with stakeholders and partners.
• Timely and accurate reporting and administrative support.
• Contribution to programme implementation and resource mobilization efforts.
• Compliance with UNITAR policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Competencies

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Results-oriented with a proactive and client-focused approach.

Minimum requirements

Education:

• Enrolled in, or recently completed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in International Relations, Economics, Business Administration, Sustainable Development, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Strong academic performance and demonstrated interest in sustainable development, partnerships, research, and programme management are desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Russian (written and spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

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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