The Division for Multilateral Diplomacy of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) designs and delivers learning and capacity-building initiatives for the diplomatic community at United Nations Headquarters in New York, including briefings, workshops, fellowship programmes, and knowledge exchanges on multilateral diplomacy, the UN system, and key global policy priorities, with particular emphasis on supporting representatives from developing and least developed countries. In collaboration with Permanent Missions, UN entities, and academic institutions, the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy in New York develops targeted training and outreach activities aligned with UNITAR’s strategic objectives and contributes to scalable learning approaches that strengthen inclusive participation in multilateral processes and support implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
In line with the Institute’s efforts to continually enhance its training activity portfolio, the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy develops 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, students and other stakeholders.
Under the supervision of the Programme Officer of the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme in New York, the trainee will assist in the establishment of new partnerships and the administrative coordination of face-to-face and online training activities and events. Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:
- Organise official meetings, visits and events, ensuring appropriate preparation and adherence to diplomatic protocol;
- Liaise with UN entities, diplomatic representatives, international organisations, external partners and other beneficiaries;
- Support the planning and implementation of training activities, projects and events, including scheduling, logistics, stakeholder liaison and follow-up;
- Draft and contribute to project proposals, concept notes and presentations, and support donor engagement and partnership development;
- Prepare briefings, correspondence, presentations and reports, while promoting effective information-sharing and the use of digital tools to enhance coordination and operational efficiency;
- Adapt online and in person training materials and learning packages to quality and academic standards;
- Undertake research that may provide necessary input into developing new programmes and partnerships;
- Assist with outreach and communications strategy, especially with regard to community engagement mechanisms;
- Support colleagues with the admissions process, preparation and implementation of UNITAR’s masters’ programmes.
The tasks assigned may be reviewed during contract period to reflect changes in Division needs and priorities.
After the assignment the trainee should be able to:
- Translate strategic vision into actionable objectives;
- Work independently and in a team as well as take initiative;
- Develop an understanding of the administrative procedures applied at UNITAR and the United Nations;
- Develop a professional rapport with UNITAR and United Nations staff;
- Work in a multicultural environment.
Start date: December 2026 - January 2027. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.
Duration: 6 months. The traineeship programme is normally on a full-time basis and trainees are expected to work five days a week. Requests for part-time arrangements are possible and should be agreed before the start of the traineeship.
The Division for Multilateral Diplomacy of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) designs and delivers learning and capacity-building initiatives for the diplomatic community at United Nations Headquarters in New York, including briefings, workshops, fellowship programmes, and knowledge exchanges on multilateral diplomacy, the UN system, and key global policy priorities, with particular emphasis on supporting representatives from developing and least developed countries. In collaboration with Permanent Missions, UN entities, and academic institutions, the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy in New York develops targeted training and outreach activities aligned with UNITAR’s strategic objectives and contributes to scalable learning approaches that strengthen inclusive participation in multilateral processes and support implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
BackgroundIn line with the Institute’s efforts to continually enhance its training activity portfolio, the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy develops 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, students and other stakeholders.
Under the supervision of the Programme Officer of the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme in New York, the trainee will assist in the establishment of new partnerships and the administrative coordination of face-to-face and online training activities and events. Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:
- Organise official meetings, visits and events, ensuring appropriate preparation and adherence to diplomatic protocol;
- Liaise with UN entities, diplomatic representatives, international organisations, external partners and other beneficiaries;
- Support the planning and implementation of training activities, projects and events, including scheduling, logistics, stakeholder liaison and follow-up;
- Draft and contribute to project proposals, concept notes and presentations, and support donor engagement and partnership development;
- Prepare briefings, correspondence, presentations and reports, while promoting effective information-sharing and the use of digital tools to enhance coordination and operational efficiency;
- Adapt online and in person training materials and learning packages to quality and academic standards;
- Undertake research that may provide necessary input into developing new programmes and partnerships;
- Assist with outreach and communications strategy, especially with regard to community engagement mechanisms;
- Support colleagues with the admissions process, preparation and implementation of UNITAR’s masters’ programmes.
The tasks assigned may be reviewed during contract period to reflect changes in Division needs and priorities.
Learning ObjectivesAfter the assignment the trainee should be able to:
- Translate strategic vision into actionable objectives;
- Work independently and in a team as well as take initiative;
- Develop an understanding of the administrative procedures applied at UNITAR and the United Nations;
- Develop a professional rapport with UNITAR and United Nations staff;
- Work in a multicultural environment.
Start date: December 2026 - January 2027. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.
Duration: 6 months. The traineeship programme is normally on a full-time basis and trainees are expected to work five days a week. Requests for part-time arrangements are possible and should be agreed before the start of the traineeship.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree (within either international relations, education, history, law, political science, languages, business administration 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: the ability to write in a clear and concise manner in English; analytical and research skills; proven administrative and organizational skills; the ability to follow complex guidelines and processes; strong attention to detail; ability to communicate in a clear, concise and accurate manner; analytical skills; computer skills including online tools, AI, Adobe, Excel, Word, power point, internet search, etc.; and a high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative. Candidates should furthermore have an interest in training methodologies, 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. Native English speaker would be an advantage. Knowledge of other UN working languages is also an advantage.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree (within either international relations, education, history, law, political science, languages, business administration 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: the ability to write in a clear and concise manner in English; analytical and research skills; proven administrative and organizational skills; the ability to follow complex guidelines and processes; strong attention to detail; ability to communicate in a clear, concise and accurate manner; analytical skills; computer skills including online tools, AI, Adobe, Excel, Word, power point, internet search, etc.; and a high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative. Candidates should furthermore have an interest in training methodologies, 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. Native English speaker would be an advantage. Knowledge of other UN working languages is also an advantage.
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.