Women’s Leadership

UNITAR’s Division for Peace contributes to the international community’s efforts towards the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the building of lasting peace. Recognising that peace is a prerequisite for the achievement of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Division supports the development of capacities in the areas of peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention as well as resolution. Through innovative and results-oriented approaches, the Division strengthens knowledge and skills of individuals, groups, and institutions. 

In alignment with the Agenda 2030 as well as UNITAR’s strategic vision, the Youth and Women’s Empowerment pillar within UNITAR’s Division for Peace contributes to a world in which young people and women are able to participate in and contribute to, on an equal base and at all levels, to the sustaining peace agenda.

UNITAR’s Women’s Leadership for Peace programme draws on extensive experience at the intersection of women’s empowerment, leadership, and peacebuilding. Through its work, UNITAR has consistently observed the underrepresentation of women in formal and informal peace processes, alongside growing demand from women and women-led organisations for targeted capacity-building opportunities to advance gender equity and parity in the peace and security fields.

The programme was developed to address this gap by responding to the specific challenges women face in peace and security contexts and by reinforcing the importance of women’s meaningful participation in leadership and decision-making. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of learning and capacity-building activities designed to equip participants with relevant knowledge, practical skills, and professional exposure to support their progression into leadership roles and their contributions to inclusive, sustainable peace.

Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist, Division for Peace, PTP, the trainee will provide support on a wide variety of tasks linked to the development and delivery of this programme.

• Support with the preparation and organization of the SheLeads summer school as well as the Emerging Leaders programme;
• Support with the further development of the Women’s Leadership for Peace programme;
• Support with desk research connected to the Women’s Leadership for Peace programme;
• Support with the creation of outreach materials connected to the Women’s Leadership for Peace programme;
• Development of content highlighting the Women’s Leadership for Peace Programme for social media channels;
• Logistical and administrative support for the implementation of trainings and other events linked to the Women’s Leadership for Peace programme;
• Support with the drafting of various written outputs;
• Support the team with cross-cutting priorities in the working area “Youth and Women’s Empowerment” of UNITAR’s Division for Peace;
• Support with any other tasks as requested by the supervisor.

By the end of the traineeship the incumbent will be able to:

• Identify terms and frameworks related to peace and security, as well as UN terminology;
• Review and recommend improvements for activities within the Women’s Leadership for Peace programme.

Timely and quality submission of deliverables; activities implemented with a high degree of effectiveness and efficiency; excellent coordination with Division for Peace team members is ensured throughout the duration of this contract.

Professionalism: Ability to follow up on project work-plan. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender and inclusivity perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and 

Interpersonal competencies: is able to communicate and interact effectively with all stakeholders; is able to work both independently and as part of a team; is able to work under pressure and with limited resources; demonstrates high level of discipline.

Planning and organizing: Excellent planning, organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize own work, delivering results and quality work, including when working under pressure.

Communications: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents. Ability to evaluate information needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information accordingly.

Technology awareness: Fully proficient in computer skills, with ability to use a variety of software and applications.

Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills; ability to deal effectively with multiple constituencies and to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

• Hands-on experience with the United Nations.
• Work in a multicultural context.
• Inspiring and energetic working environment.
• Continuous support and guidance.

Trainees for this position at UNITAR will be based in the UNITAR office in Geneva, Switzerland. The trainee will receive a monthly stipend of 900 CHF. Trainees are not staff members and shall not represent the Institute in any official capacity. 

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree in peace and conflict studies, gender studies, international relations or be a recent graduate (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

The ideal candidate can demonstrate a strong interest in learning project management, training development on women’s leadership, and capacity building for youth and women’s empowerment. 

Skills required:

The applicant has excellent organizational skills, shows initiative and dedication, and demonstrates independence at work and attention to detail. The candidate is a self-starter, out of the box thinker, and solution oriented. In addition, good communication skills (both written and oral) are essential in order to be able to work with various stakeholders from different cultural and professional backgrounds. 

Motivation for continuous learning, as well as administrative and logistical support to the team are essential. Knowledge of using social media and other applications is desirable. 

Languages: Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Working knowledge of another official UN language, especially French would be an advantage.

Other: Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite) are required. Proficiency in writing, editing and presentation skills.