The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit (MDP) of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) maintains a traineeship programme for students and recent graduates interested in gaining professional experience in a multicultural environment and enhancing their understanding of the United Nations system. MDP develops and delivers training activities in close partnership with governments, universities and selected international organisations, including online training programmes, special projects, advisory services and the development of training tools and publications.
The placement is at UNITAR headquarters in Geneva, full-time (five days a week, office-based), starting January 2027 for 3 months (extendable to 6 or even 12 months). It is unpaid, but a monthly lump-sum of 900 CHF is provided towards transportation and miscellaneous costs.
Background: The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme is developing training activities delivered face-to-face and online. Field Visits (1-2 weeks, mostly January and February 2027) let participants experience Geneva's multilateral environment first-hand through expert lectures, workshops, guided tours, visits to UN agencies and cultural activities. Online Training Programmes (2-4 weeks, mostly January and February 2027) run on UNITAR's e-Learning platform with e-learning modules, live webinars, e-workshops and virtual guided tours.
Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Associate Programme Officer, the trainee will assist in preparing and implementing Field Visits and Online Training, including liaising with partner institutions, collecting information about participants, preparing documents, managing content on the e-Learning platform, preparing arrangements for participants' arrival in Geneva, facilitating live components of online programmes and accompanying groups during field visits. Typical tasks include:
- Coordination of logistics before, during and after the training programmes
- Facilitation and monitoring of face-to-face and online training sessions
- Support of the programme's outreach and communication strategy
- Creation and improvement of online and other training material
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate degree (international relations, education, history, law, political science, languages or a related subject) or be a recent graduate (the traineeship must start within two years of graduation). Candidates should have strong organizational capacity (time-management, logistics, planning); experience organizing field visits, tour guiding or related activities; familiarity with implementing online training programmes or events; strong interpersonal skills; knowledge of the UN system and international affairs; and adherence to UN values. Strategic marketing, partnership management, digital marketing and social media expertise, and strong networks are assets.
Languages: Excellent written and oral English required; French or another official UN language is an asset.
Closing date: 15 November 2026
Closing date: 2026-11-15
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit your application along with a motivation letter through the UNITAR e-recruitment tool as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline. Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
https://e-recruitment.unitar.org/vacancies/traineeship-multilateral-diplomacy-programme-field-visits-and-online-training-0