Duration of the contract: Six months

Deadline for submission of applications: 07 Jan 2021

Number of vacancies: 1

Organizational Unit: Multilateral Diplomacy Programme

Remuneration

The placement is on an unpaid basis, but a monthly lump-sum of 700 CHF will be provided towards transportation and miscellaneous costs.

The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme (MDPU) 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.

MDPU 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, MDPU develops and delivers training activities at country and regional levels in close partnership with governments, universities and selected international organizations. MDPU’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.

MDPU welcomes qualified candidates interested to work for a period of six months, at UNITAR headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland (flexible/remote working conditions available in consideration of COVID19).

BACKGROUND

In line with the Institute’s efforts to improve its training activities, the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme is developing an unprecedented amount of activities offered to the diplomatic community based in Geneva, New York and elsewhere.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Specialist of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit, the trainee will assist in the development and coordination of a number of online training activities. The trainee would assist in, inter alia, designing and managing these activities and adapting training content to quality and academic standards. The trainee would also be responsible for assisting in communications and outreach activities. Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:

• To provide support in the coordination of Core Diplomatic and tailor-made training activities, including preparation of training materials, coordination of logistics before, during and after courses;
• To assist subject matter experts with the development of participatory training activities;
• To conduct research and draft project proposals for further collaborations;
• To adapt training materials and learning packages to quality and academic standards and certification criteria;
• To liaise directly with partner organizations and beneficiaries in preparation for the delivery of the Programme;
• To prepare key data such as programme statistics and evaluation reports;
• To undertake research that may provide necessary input into such training tools and exercises;
• To assist the unit in its outreach and communication strategy.
• The tasks assigned may be reviewed during contract period to reflect changes in programme needs and priorities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After the assignment the Trainee should be able to:

• Translate strategic vision into actionable objectives.
• Work independently and take initiative.
• Develop a professional rapport with UNITAR and United Nations staff.
• Propose ways to further UNITAR’s mission.
• Work in a multicultural environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree (within either international relations, education, 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 also have demonstrated interest in training methodologies; ability to write in a clear and concise manner; analytical and research skills; administrative and organizational skills to assist in the organization of training activities; computer skills (to deal with e-learning tools, word processing, excel, power point, internet search, etc.) and a high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative. Candidates should furthermore have an interest in participatory training methodologies and instructional design, as well as being motivated to work with monitoring and evaluation.

Excellent knowledge in both oral and written English are required.

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of other UN working languages (especially French) are an advantage.

DATES AND DURATION

Start date: 15 – 30 January 2021

Duration: six 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and motivation letter to Silvia Vacchi at diplomacy@unitar.org with the following subject line: “UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme: Traineeship – CDT and tailor-made activities”. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Job Email id: diplomacy(at)unitar.org