Traineeship – Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit (Communications)

Overview

The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit (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 also partners with universities around the world to offer high-quality Master’s Programmes in a variety of areas related to Multilateral Diplomacy and International Law. These programmes target government officials involved in bilateral and multilateral negotiations, students and other stakeholders.

In line with the Institute’s efforts to improve its training activities and special events, the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit is enhancing its outreach and communication strategy and products.

MDPU welcomes qualified candidates interested to work for a period of four to 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

As MDPU has expanded its training programmes and offerings and launched new Masters’ Programmes in partnership with academic institutions across the world in the fields of Diplomacy and International Law, as well as other post-graduate qualifications, online programmes, and immersion programmes, it is looking to enhance its outreach and communications efforts. 

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit, the trainee will assist with the development and design of UNITAR’s external products (i.e. social media ads/organic posts, flyers, landing pages, website, emails, testimonials, videos).  The trainee will assist in designing and developing communications materials, adhering to UNITAR’s branding guidelines, and supporting the MDPU Communications Team with regard to strategy, identifying new opportunities to promote programmes and reach new audience(s).

Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:

• Assist with the communications strategy for the Unit:
• Support colleagues in the development of MDPU’s external communication products, such as brochures, advertisements, mass mailings (email marketing), web design, and videos;
• Update landing pages and website pages;
• Manage review and submission of news articles or written overviews for past and future activities and programmes;
• Develop and maintain communications plans and schedules to promote the Unit’s training programmes, events and initiatives;
• Research specific subject areas, and/or promotional opportunities;
• Help identify opportunities to reach a particular audience, such as student fairs, etc. and manage related details, such as budget, timelines, and creation of materials required.
• Monitor MDPU’s LinkedIn Alumni Group and develop content drafts for Communication Team’s review and approval, as well as other information platforms;
• Edit and subtitle videos for UNITAR’s social media channels, website, or courses, using dedicated software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Canva); 
• Take photographs and shoot short videos at various events and training activities;
• Manage internal and external mass mailings using Mailjet.

The tasks listed above may vary and those assigned may be reviewed during the contract period to reflect changes in programme needs and priorities.

Learning Objectives

After the assignment the trainee should be able to:

• Work independently and take initiative;
• Be familiar with UNITAR’s branding guidelines;
• Develop a professional rapport with UNITAR and United Nations staff;
• Propose ways to further UNITAR’s mission;
• Work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment on a variety of projects simultaneously

Minimum requirements

Education: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree (within either communication, public relations, graphic design, video production/editing, marketing, or international relations or related field), or be a recent graduate of the aforementioned (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

Languages: Excellent knowledge of both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other UN working languages (especially French) is an advantage.

Candidates should also have:

• A demonstrated interest in the United Nations and UNITAR, specifically
• A strong interest in communications and outreach activities
• The ability to write in a clear and concise manner
• Analytical and research skills
• Basic computer skills (online tools, word processing, excel, power point, internet searches, etc.) at a minimum
• The ability to work collaboratively as well as independently
• The ability to work in a multi-cultural, fast-paced environment
• A high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative
• The ability to prioritize and manage multiple project deadlines simultaneously
• An exceptional attention to detail (critical)
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills
• A strong sense of storytelling is a plus

Dates and Duration

Start date: end of August or early September. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.

Duration: Four to 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, at times, possible, and should be agreed before the start of the traineeship.