United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is looking for a Traineeship - Multilateral Diplomacy Programme (Research & Tailor-Made Training Programmes)

Vacancy announcement

Geneva, Switzerland

TR/2026/001

Vacancy type: Trainee

Duration of the contract: Six months (in-person)

Deadline for submission of applications: 31 January 2026

Organizational Unit: Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit (MDPU)

Number of job positions: 1

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 Associate Programme Officer of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme, the trainee will support research, reporting, and content development activities. Typical tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Proofreading, editing, and quality control of English-language materials, including training content, reports, concept notes, publications, and communications materials;
• Conducting desk research on topics related to multilateral diplomacy, international cooperation, and capacity-building;
• Drafting and contributing to analytical reports, background papers, concept notes, and evaluation summaries;
• Supporting the preparation of training materials and learning packages in line with academic and institutional quality standards;
• Assisting in the preparation of programme statistics, analytical summaries, and internal or donor-facing reports;
• Providing support to the coordination of training activities, including selected logistical and organizational tasks;
• Assisting with outreach and communication activities, including written content development;
• Supporting e-learning courses, webinars, workshops, and face-to-face training activities, as required.

The tasks assigned may be adjusted during the contract period to reflect programme priorities and evolving needs.

Learning Objectives

After the assignment the trainee should be able to:

• Apply advanced research and analytical skills in a professional context;
• Produce high-quality written outputs aligned with institutional standards;
• 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: Mid-February 2026. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.
• Duration: Six months. The traineeship programme is normally on a full-time basis and trainees are expected to work five days a week.

Minimum requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD programme (within either international relations, education, international development, 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 be native English speakers, with excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, and the ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured written materials for diverse audiences. They should demonstrate strong research and analytical skills, including experience in drafting reports, analytical papers, concept notes, or academic publications.
• Candidates should also have a demonstrated interest in training methodologies, particularly e-learning, as well as strong administrative and organizational skills to support the coordination of training activities. Proficiency in computer applications, including word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, internet research, and e-learning tools, is required.
• In addition, candidates should display a high level of individual responsibility, commitment, and initiative, and have an interest in participatory training methodologies and instructional design, as well as motivation to contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities.

Languages

A high standard in both oral and written English is required. Proficiency in Chinese 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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