🇺🇸 Finance and Administration Trainee 🧮 UNITAR Division for Multilateral Diplomacy Internship in New York, United States 🗽

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is recruiting a Finance and Administration Trainee for its Division for Multilateral Diplomacy in New York. The six-month, in-person traineeship (reference TR/2026/015) is open to degree students and recent graduates in business administration, finance or a related subject, and applications close on 04 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub we went through the full vacancy announcement and set out every task, requirement and application step below.

Vacancy at a Glance

Here are the core details of the traineeship as listed by UNITAR.

🔖 Reference: TR/2026/015

📋 Vacancy type: Trainee

⏱️ Duration of the contract: six months, in person

📅 Deadline for applications: 04 November 2026

🏢 Organizational unit: New York Office

🔢 Number of job positions: 1

UNITAR: The Training Arm of the United Nations

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research is the training and capacity-development arm of the United Nations. Its mission is to bridge knowledge and skills gaps through impactful training, research and innovative learning solutions across peace, diplomacy, sustainable development and effective governance.

Vision and Mission

UNITAR pictures a world where empowered individuals and institutions advance peace, security and sustainable development. Through strategic partnerships and learning platforms, it builds the skills of individuals and strengthens the capacities of institutions and organizations, particularly those in vulnerable contexts, to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future.

From 1965 to Today

UNITAR started its operation in 1965 to train and equip young diplomats from newly independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the diplomatic environment. As global challenges become more interconnected and complex, the Institute continues to adapt its work to evolving country needs and emerging priorities. Through modernization, innovation and scaling of its training and learning initiatives, it places emphasis on strategic foresight, futures skills and evidence-based approaches to enhance agility, digital capacity, system-wide coherence and results-orientation.

Five Interconnected Workstreams

UNITAR advances its mission through five workstreams:

📚 Learning & Skills Development

💻 Knowledge Platforms & Systems

🤝 Collaborative Knowledge Exchanges

🧩 Advisory & Institutional Support

🗺️ Research & Geospatial Solutions

Who UNITAR Trains

The Institute provides training and capacity development activities mainly to developing countries, with special attention to the groups below.

🌍 Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

⛰️ Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

🏝️ Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

🫶 Other groups and communities who are most vulnerable, including those in conflict situations

UNITAR's Reach in 2025

In 2025, UNITAR reached more than 570,000 professionals and students through training and learning-related activities.

👥 Over 370,000 learners took part in structured learning events with specific learning objectives

🔀 94% of those learners were trained through activities delivered in partnership

📈 78% of those learners came from developing countries, including LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS

🤲 314 partners: the number of partners the Institute worked with in 2025

Activities are delivered both in person and online, at global, regional and country levels, and most of the in-person programmes are delivered in the field.

────────────────────────────────────────

🌍 All opportunities in United States →

────────────────────────────────────────

How UNITAR Is Funded and Governed

UNITAR is a project-based organization and does not receive funds from the regular United Nations budget. It relies on voluntary contributions from UN Member States, other UN agencies, international and intergovernmental organizations, foundations, NGOs and the private sector. The Institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and is headed by an Executive Director.

A Four-Year Strategic Framework

UNITAR is guided by a four-year Strategic Framework that sets out the Institute's vision, mission, core values and strategic direction, and serves as a foundation for planning, partnerships, resource mobilization and measuring results. Approved by the Board of Trustees, it is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and strengthens the Institute's focus on innovation, digital learning and practical, forward-looking solutions that help individuals, institutions and countries build the knowledge and skills needed to advance peace, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.

The Division for Multilateral Diplomacy in New York

The Division for Multilateral Diplomacy designs and delivers learning and capacity-building initiatives for the diplomatic community at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Its work includes 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.

Partners and Scalable Learning

In collaboration with Permanent Missions, UN entities and academic institutions, the Division develops targeted training and outreach activities aligned with UNITAR's strategic objectives. It also contributes to scalable learning approaches that strengthen inclusive participation in multilateral processes and support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Background: Activities for Diplomats, Officials and Students

In line with the Institute's efforts to continually enhance its training portfolio, the Division 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.

Who You Will Work With

The trainee works under the supervision of the Programme Officer of the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy in New York, in close coordination with the Programme Assistant of the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme in Geneva. The role is to assist in the administrative coordination of face-to-face and online training activities and events.

Your Typical Tasks as Finance and Administration Trainee

Typical tasks assigned to the trainee may include the following.

🎯 Operations: provide operational and administrative support in the coordination of training programmes and events

🧾 Finance: support financial processes, such as activity budgets and reconciliation of payments

🛒 Procurement: support procurement processes, such as purchase requests and related invoices

📦 Supplies: monitor office and training supplies

🗄️ Records: maintain internal databases, spreadsheets, trackers and files for administrative actions

🌉 Two offices: support the admin coordination between the Division's New York and Geneva offices

🏷️ Inventory: assist in the physical verification of office equipment and maintain the related files and inventory records

📝 Reporting: support internal reporting processes

✈️ Travel: support the coordination of travel

🗓️ Meetings: assist with internal meeting arrangements

Tasks May Change During the Contract

The tasks assigned may be reviewed during the contract period to reflect changes in Division needs and priorities.

Learning Objectives: What You Should Be Able to Do Afterwards

After the assignment, the trainee should be able to do the following.

🔄 Translate complex administrative requirements into actionable objectives

🧠 Understand 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 and Full-Time Schedule

📆 Start date: November/December 2026, with the exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate

⌛ Duration: six months

🕘 Schedule: the traineeship programme is normally on a full-time basis, and trainees are expected to work five days a week

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate degree within business administration, finance or a related subject.

🎓 Currently enrolled: an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate degree programme

📖 Field of study: business administration, finance or a related subject

🏁 Or a recent graduate of the programmes above

The Two-Year Rule for Recent Graduates

Recent graduates can apply as well, but if selected they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation.

Skills the Division Is Looking For

The announcement lists the following skills and qualities.

🗂️ Administrative and organizational skills, proven

📑 Ability to follow complex guidelines and processes

🔎 Strong attention to detail

💬 Clear, concise and accurate communication

📐 Analytical skills

🖱️ Computer skills including online tools, AI, Adobe, Excel, Word and similar

🌟 A high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative

A Strong Advantage: Financial Administration and Quantum

Prior experience in financial administration or knowledge of Quantum is listed as a strong advantage.

Language Requirements

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

How to Apply

Submit your application along with a motivation letter as soon as possible after the vacancy is posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Always apply through the official UNITAR vacancy page, and read how we verify every opportunity on Youth Works Hub to see the checks behind each listing we publish. You can find more internships and traineeships like this on Youth Works Hub, and our guide to how internships and funded traineeships abroad work explains the difference between a stipend and a traineeship grant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UNITAR New York Finance and Administration traineeship?

It is a six-month, in-person traineeship (reference TR/2026/015) in the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy at the UNITAR New York Office. The trainee assists in the administrative coordination of face-to-face and online training activities and events.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate degree within business administration, finance or a related subject, or be a recent graduate of these. The announcement sets no nationality requirement.

Can recent graduates apply?

Yes. Recent graduates can apply, but if selected they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation.

When does the traineeship start and how long does it last?

The start date is November/December 2026, with the exact date agreed with the selected candidate. The traineeship lasts six months.

Is the traineeship full-time?

It is normally on a full-time basis, and trainees are expected to work five days a week.

What tasks will I do?

Typical tasks include supporting the coordination of training programmes and events, activity budgets and reconciliation of payments, purchase requests and invoices, office and training supplies, internal databases and trackers, travel coordination and internal meeting arrangements.

Who will supervise me?

You work under the supervision of the Programme Officer of the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy in New York, in close coordination with the Programme Assistant of the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme in Geneva.

Do I need experience in financial administration?

Proven administrative and organizational skills are required. Prior experience in financial administration or knowledge of Quantum is a strong advantage rather than a requirement.

Which languages do I need?

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

What documents do I need to submit?

Submit your application along with a motivation letter.

Will every applicant be contacted?

No. Due to the high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

What will I learn?

You should be able to translate complex administrative requirements into actionable objectives, understand the administrative procedures applied at UNITAR and the United Nations, work in a team, develop a professional network with UNITAR and UN staff, and work in a multicultural environment.