United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is looking for a Trainee – Programme Delivery and Partnerships (Japanese-speaking)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Vacancy Reference: TR/2026/009

Vacancy type: Trainee

Duration of the contract: 6 Months

Deadline for submission of applications: 14 June 2026

Organizational Unit: Technology, Finance and Trade Programme

Number of job positions: 1

Area of specialization/thematic areas

Programme Delivery, Strategic Partnerships, Youth and Women Empowerment, Public–Private Partnerships, and International Development.

Program overview

The UNITAR Division for Prosperity encompasses the Technology, Finance, and Trade Programme unit (TFTP) and the Hiroshima Project Office (HPO). Its work is organized around six thematic key pillars: (1) Empowering Entrepreneurship, SMEs, and Private Sector Competitiveness; (2) Expanding Financial Inclusion, Innovating Financial Solutions, and Upholding Financial Integrity; (3) Igniting Structural Economic Transformation and Enhancing Economic/Livelihood Resilience; (4) Advancing Decent Work and Promoting Labour Inclusion; (5) Supporting Energy Transitions for Sustainable Growth; and (6) Accelerating Technology and Innovation for Transformation.

Through these thematic areas, the Division contributes to several 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). In support of these objectives, the UNITAR Division for Prosperity delivers evidence-based learning services that leverage the latest methodologies and technologies.

The Division provides innovative capacity-building and knowledge-management solutions for personnel across a broad range of sectors, including national and local governments, parliaments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and the media. At the same time, it remains committed to ensuring that its programmes reach those who have been left behind, including women, LGBTQ communities, youth, refugees/IDPs, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.

General objectives of the contract

To support the implementation and delivery of programme and partnership initiatives aimed at empowering youth and women amid economic challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. The role contributes to strengthening public–private partnerships between Japan and African stakeholders, supporting inclusive and sustainable economic development, promoting employment and decent work opportunities, and assisting in the advancement of strategic initiatives and priorities related to TICAD9. Responsibilities may include supporting stakeholder engagement, partnership development, programme coordination, research, communication, and the successful execution of project activities.

Responsibilities/Description of professional services

The trainee will provide support through the following activities in close coordination with the team:

• Support the implementation and coordination of programme activities related to youth and women empowerment initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Assist in developing and strengthening strategic partnerships with stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, academia, foundations, and civil society organizations in Japan and Africa.
• Conduct research and gather information on economic development trends, partnership opportunities, and emerging challenges affecting target regions and beneficiaries.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities, including meetings, consultations, and communication with partners and collaborators.
• Assist in planning, organizing, and delivering events, workshops, and partnership initiatives related to programme objectives and TICAD9 priorities.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations, concept notes, briefing materials, and other programme documentation.
• Support monitoring and tracking of programme activities, deliverables, and partnership outcomes.
• Assist with administrative and coordination tasks to ensure effective programme delivery and implementation.
• Contribute to promoting inclusive development initiatives and efforts focused on employment, economic resilience, and sustainable growth.

Learning objectives

After completing the traineeship period, the trainee will:

• Develop practical skills in programme delivery, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and event management within international development initiatives.
• Strengthen the ability to build and manage strategic partnerships with governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society to support inclusive and sustainable development.
• Enhance research, analytical, communication, and reporting skills related to economic development, youth and women empowerment, and regional priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa, including TICAD9-related initiatives.
• Build professional competencies in teamwork, problem-solving, and public–private partnership approaches within multicultural and international cooperation environments, particularly in the context of Japan–Africa collaboration.

Measurable outputs/deliverables/schedule of deliverables

• Support programme implementation and coordination activities.
• Conduct research and prepare stakeholder mapping and partnership analyses.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement and partnership development activities.
• Contribute to reports, presentations, and programme documentation.
• Support the planning and organization of events, workshops, and related initiatives

Performance indicators for evaluation of results

• Timely completion of assigned tasks and deliverables.
• Quality and accuracy of research, reports, and programme documentation.
• Active participation and contribution to programme and partnership activities.
• Effectiveness in stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Ability to demonstrate learning, teamwork, and professional development throughout the internship/contract period.

Competencies

• Strong programme coordination and organizational skills.
• Excellent research, analytical, and information-gathering abilities.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to support partnership development and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report and presentation preparation.
• Preferably with experience in planning and coordinating events, meetings, and workshops.
• Ability to manage administrative tasks, track deliverables, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Demonstrated teamwork, adaptability, and ability to work in a multicultural and international environment.

Minimum requirements

Education:

• Enrolled in, or recently completed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in International Development, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Relations, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Academic background related to economic development, project management, or sustainable development is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Japanese (oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of French is desirable.

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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