Internship/Traineeship - Multilateral Diplomacy Programme

Internship/Traineeship Multilateral Diplomacy Programme

The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme (MDP) of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) maintains an internship/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 designs and delivers Core Diplomatic Training activities (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 face-to-face training activities at country and regional levels in close partnership with national training institutes, universities and selected international organizations. 

MDP activities also include e-Learning courses and activities; special projects, including advisory services related to the curriculum development of diplomatic academies; and the development of other training tools, including the much acclaimed Glossary for UN Delegates and a Manual on United Nations Conference Processes, Procedures and Negotiations.

MDP welcomes qualified interested candidates to apply for two separate internships/traineeships, for a period of four and six months respectively, on an unpaid basis at UNITAR headquarters in Geneva. A monthly stipend for transports will be provided. The first internship/traineeship will start in June, and the second one in mid-August 2014. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The interns/trainees will assist in the development, coordination and implementation of on-line and face-to-face training events for the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme. 

Tasks assigned to the interns/trainees will include the following:

- To provide support in the coordination of Customized Training activities, including preparation of training materials, coordination of logistics before and during workshops.
- To assist subject matter experts with the development of participatory training activities. 
- To support the monitoring and evaluation processes, including compilation of evaluation results and evaluation report writing. 
- To facilitate e-Learning courses and help customize selected e-Learning courses to support the face-to-face training.
- To maintain and develop UNITAR’s communication database to ensure the efficient and effective dissemination of information and coordination amongst the global diplomatic community.
- To draft programme proposals for further corporations.
- To assist the MDP Team for core and specific activities 

The tasks assigned may be reviewed during contract period to reflect changes in programme needs and priorities.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

Candidates should possess a university-level undergraduate qualification (Bachelors degree, licence or other) in relevant field such as; communications, human rights, education, political science, social science, international relations or event management.

Candidates do not necessarily need to be enrolled in a post-graduate programme at the time of application and during the internship/traineeship. Please note that the status of intern is granted to candidates still enrolled in a post-graduate programme, while candidates having completed their education are considered as trainees. 

Candidates should have: a good knowledge of the United Nations; ability to write in a clear and concise manner; strong analytical and research skills; administrative and organizational skills to assist in the organization and coordination of training activities; average computer skills (to deal with e-learning tools, word processing, excel, power point, internet search, etc.) and a high level of individual responsibility, commitment, creativity and initiative.

Excellent knowledge in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage. Candidates should furthermore have an interest in participatory training methodologies and instructional design as well as be motivated to work with monitoring and evaluation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After the assignment the intern/trainee should be able to:

- Translate strategic visions into actionable objectives; 
- Work independently and take initiative;
- Propose ways to further UNITAR’s mission; 
- Work in a multicultural environment.

DATES AND DURATION

Starting dates: 

Internship 1: June 2014 (four months).
Internship 2: mid-August 2014 (six months).

The internship/traineeship programme is normally on a full-time basis and interns/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 internship/traineeship. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV and motivation letter to andreas.holtberget@unitar.org with the following subject line: “UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme: Internship–Training opportunity”. Please also indicate which of the two internship positions (June or mid-August) you are applying for.

The deadline to apply for the first internship is Sunday 18 May 2014.

The deadline to apply for the second internship is Sunday 20 July 2014.