Traineeship – Division for Multilateral Diplomacy - New York Office (Finance & Administration)

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 the younger generation. 

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer of the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy in New York and in close coordination with the Programme Assistant of the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme in Geneva, the trainee will assist in the administrative coordination of face-to-face and online training activities and events. Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following:

• Provide operational and administrative support in the coordination of training programmes and events;
• Support financial processes, such as activity budgets and reconciliation of payments;
• Support procurement processes, such as purchase requests and related invoices;
• Monitor office and training supplies;
• Maintain internal databases, spreadsheets, trackers and files for administrative actions;
• Support the admin coordination between the Divisions’ New York and Geneva offices;
• Assist in the physical verification of office equipment and maintaining the related files and inventory records;
• Support internal reporting processes;
• Support the coordination of travel;
• Assist with internal meeting arrangements.

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 complex administrative requirements into actionable objectives;
• Develop an understanding of the administrative procedures applied at UNITAR and the United Nations;
• Work in a team and take initiative;
• Develop a professional network with UNITAR and United Nations staff;
• Work in a multicultural environment.

Start date: November/December 2026. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.

Duration: Six months. The traineeship programme is normally on a full-time basis, and trainees are expected to work five days a week. 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree (within either business administration, finance, or a related subject) or be a recent graduate of the aforementioned (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

Proven administrative and organizational skills; 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, etc.; a high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative. Prior experience in financial administration or knowledge of Quantum is a strong advantage.

Languages

A high standard in both oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other UN working languages is an advantage.