United Nations Institute for Training and Research is looking for a Traineeship - Project Support

Traineeship - Project Support

Vacancy type: Trainee

Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland

Reference number: TR/2026/013

Duration of the contract: 3 months (with possible extension)

Deadline for submission of applications: 23 September 2026

Organizational Unit: Social Development Programme

Number of job positions: 1

Area of specialization/thematic areas: Global health, public health, health systems strengthening, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)

Overview (Quick description of the project and its context)

The Health and Development Programme of the Division for People and Social Development at UNITAR supports local and national actors in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through capacity building, policy engagement, knowledge development and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The Programme implements a range of initiatives addressing key global health and development priorities. These include Plasma4Life, a global initiative aimed at improving access to plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs), as well as activities related to dengue prevention and management, nutrition, mental health, and other areas contributing to equitable access to health services and stronger, more resilient health systems. The trainee will also contribute to activities related to UNITAR Global Water Academy’s Water, Sanitation and Health portfolio.

General objectives of the contract

The trainee will support activities across the Health & Development Programme and UNITAR Global Water Academy’s Water, Sanitation and Health portfolio. The trainee will contribute to project coordination, communications, knowledge management, and support the planning and delivery of activities related to training, stakeholder engagement, meetings, webinars and other.

Responsibilities/Description of professional services

• Assist with day-to-day project coordination and follow-up across Health & Development and WASH activities.
• Contribute to the development and review of Plasma4Life and other health- and WASH-related training, knowledge and communications materials.
• Support stakeholder engagement and outreach, including meeting organization, stakeholder mapping, correspondence and summary notes.
• Support preparation and follow-up for internal and external meetings, webinars, workshops and capacity-building events.
• Conduct background research and assist in drafting briefing notes, presentations and project updates.
• Provide general administrative and communications support as needed.

Learning objectives

• Gain hands-on experience in project coordination and programme implementation across health, development and WASH in an international environment.
• Strengthen skills in communications, research, stakeholder engagement and knowledge product development.
• Enhance understanding of health systems, access to medicines and services, WASH and capacity building strategies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
• Enhance familiarity with public health and WASH policy, advocacy, and capacity development in a UN context.
• Build experience working with global and multi-stakeholder partnerships across different thematic areas.
• Cultivate professional collaboration, time management, adaptability and intercultural communication skills.

Reporting structure

Senior Program Specialist, Division for People

Miscellaneous fee and start date

Stipend: CHF 2,700.00 (900.00 per month)

Start Date: As soon as possible. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.

Measurable outputs/deliverables/schedule of deliverables

• Drafted or edited knowledge, training and communication materials submitted according to deadlines.
• Stakeholder meetings, webinars and training events supported with timely documentation and coordination.
• Research summaries and briefings completed as requested.
• Contributions to presentations, outreach materials and other project documents prepared as needed.
• Positive feedback from supervisors and team members.
• Timely completion of internal reports, stakeholder follow-up summaries, and other assigned coordination, logistics and administrative tasks.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results

• All deliverables completed on time and to expected quality.
• Effective communication and responsiveness to feedback.
• High level of professionalism and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated initiative and attention to detail in assigned tasks.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to follow up on project work-plan. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender and inclusivity perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women.

Planning and organizing: Excellent planning, organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize own work, delivering results and quality work, including when working under pressure.

Communications: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents. Ability to evaluate information needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information accordingly.

Technology awareness: Fully proficient in computer skills, with ability to use a variety of software and applications.

Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills; ability to deal effectively with multiple constituencies and to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Minimum requirements

Education: Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate/postgraduate degree (within either public health, global health, life sciences, environmental sciences, or a related field relevant to health and sustainable development), or be a recent graduate of the aforementioned (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

Languages: Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Arabic would be considered an important asset.

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

How to apply

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

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

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