Area of Specialization / Thematic Areas
Strategic project and administration support at the OED
Overview
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a leading provider of innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.
The Office of the Executive Director (OED) is the small front office supporting the Executive Director of UNITAR, who also serves as an Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations. The OED provides executive support, facilitates internal coordination, drives strategic initiatives, and ensures effective communication within the Institute and with external stakeholders.
General Objectives of the Contract
The trainee will support the work of UNITARโs front office, namely the Executive Director (OED) and her team, in both strategic and administrative functions.
Responsibilities / Description of Professional Services
The trainee will contribute to the OEDโs operations and strategic efforts through the following:
- Support the implementation of strategic projects based on the traineeโs academic or professional background.
- Assist in drafting messages, talking points, briefing notes, and statements for the Executive Director and OED team.
- Support the development and dissemination of social media and public information content related to the Executive Directorโs engagements.
- Provide general administrative support, recognizing that OED is a small front office requiring flexibility and support across all functions.
- Support meeting coordination, note-taking, scheduling, and correspondence management.
- Perform other duties as required. Learning Objectives
By the end of the traineeship, the incumbent will:
- Gain a deep understanding of how a UN front office operates and supports senior leadership.
- Acquire hands-on experience in strategic project coordination within the UN system.
- Enhance communication, drafting, and social media skills in an international institutional setting.
- Strengthen organizational, administrative, and multitasking abilities in a dynamic team.
- Learn to adapt messaging and communication to diverse audiences and channels.
- Understand UNITARโs mission, structure, and role in the broader UN system. Measurable Outputs / Deliverables / Schedule of Deliverables
- Strategic input delivered to ongoing projects (e.g. draft notes, social media content, research briefs).
- Timely and quality preparation of meeting materials and event support.
- Administrative and coordination tasks completed as assigned, meeting required deadlines.
- Clear contributions to internal communication and information flow within OED. Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results
- Quality and timeliness of assigned deliverables and outputs.
- Proactive engagement with the team and readiness to support diverse office tasks.
- Positive feedback from supervisor and colleagues.
- Responsiveness to feedback and demonstrated improvement.
- Professionalism in communication and conduct.