Introduction: The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) announces an exciting opportunity for a traineeship in the field of Youth, Peace, and Security. This six-month position, based in either Geneva or as a home-based assignment, aims to support UNITAR’s Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit (PTPU) in advancing the global agenda on sustaining peace through youth and women’s empowerment.
Overview of UNITAR: UNITAR is the dedicated training arm of the United Nations System, annually benefiting around 300,000 individuals through nearly 900 training and related events worldwide. UNITAR’s mission is to enhance the capacities of countries and other United Nations stakeholders, fostering individual, institutional, and organizational development to address global challenges.
The PTPU, a part of UNITAR’s Division for Peace, actively contributes to international efforts for conflict resolution and peace-building. Emphasizing the importance of peace for achieving Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, PTPU focuses on conflict prevention, negotiation, mediation, reconciliation, rule of law restoration, countering violent extremism, and empowering youth and women.
Thematic Context: Resolution 2250, adopted by the UN Security Council in 2015, acknowledges the positive contributions of young people to international peace and security. Subsequent resolutions emphasize the need to increase youth participation in peacebuilding processes. UNITAR, aligning with Agenda 2030, prioritizes youth and women’s empowerment to create a world where they can actively contribute to sustaining peace.
The Traineeship: UNITAR PTPU is seeking qualified individuals for a full-time, six-month traineeship starting on January 15, 2024. Under the guidance of the Team Leader, Youth and Women Empowerment, the trainee will engage in various tasks related to the development and delivery of activities in the youth, peace, and security domain.
Specific Working Areas Include:
- Strengthening UNITAR’s portfolio on youth, peace, and security through activity development and partnerships.
- Identifying pathways to enhance accessibility and disseminate existing offers to new audiences.
- Providing logistical and administrative support for training and events.
- Drafting various written outputs.
- Assisting with cross-cutting priorities in the working area of “Youth and Women’s Empowerment.”
Minimum Requirements: Applicants should have a strong background in one or more of the following fields:
- Peace studies/International relations
- Social entrepreneurship
- Inclusion, diversity, equality, and accessibility
- Training/Education
Skills Required: The trainee should possess a keen interest in training and capacity building, advanced knowledge of the MS Office Suite, and a readiness to learn new IT skills for efficient work in the digital space. Experience with project concept development at the international level is advantageous. Other desirable qualities include a willingness to learn, dedication, and independence at work.
Languages: Fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of Arabic or Spanish is considered an advantage.
Status: Trainees can be based in either the UNITAR Office in Geneva or work from home. A monthly stipend of 900 CHF in Geneva or 700 USD for a home-based position will be provided. Trainees are not staff members and shall not represent the Institute in any official capacity.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their applications, including a motive letter, as soon as possible and before the December 5, 2023 deadline. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.