Trainee - Proposal and Grant Writing, Geneva

Vacancy announcement

Geneva, Switzerland

TR/2026/012

Trainee - Proposal and Grant Writing

Vacancy type Trainee

Duration of the contract

4 - 6 Months

Deadline for submission of applications

29 July 2026

Organizational Unit

Technology, Finance and Trade Programme

Number of job positions

1

AREA OF SPECIALIZATION/THEMATIC AREAS

Concept development, Programme and project design, research and analysis, proposal writing, grant applications, sustainable development (SDGs), and strategic planning.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The UNITAR Division for Prosperity encompasses the Technology Finance and Trade Programme (TFTP) and the Hiroshima Project Office (HPO) and covers the following six thematic areas: 1) Entrepreneurship and Private Sector Development; 2) Leadership and Empowerment; 3) Trade and Finance; 4) Anti-corruption and Financial Crime; 5) Frontier Technologies; and 6) Hiroshima and Peace. These activities contribute to a number of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Growth), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, Industry), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). UNITAR Division for Prosperity offers evidence-based learning services using latest methodologies/technologies.

The Division focuses on offering innovative capacity-building and knowledge-management solutions for personnel from a variety of sectors including national and local governments, parliaments, the private sector, civil society, academia and media. The Division will make continuous efforts to target at those who have been left behind including women, LGBTQ, youth, refugees/IDPs, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE CONTRACT

To support the Programme in the development of innovative concepts, project proposals, and grant applications through research, analysis, and drafting. The trainee will contribute to concept development, programme design, and grant applications while gaining practical experience in an international and multicultural environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DESCRIPTION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

• Support the development of concept notes, project proposals, and other resource mobilization documents in English, ensuring clear, well-structured, and accurate content under the guidance of the supervisor.
• Conduct research and compile evidence, best practices, and relevant data to contribute to programme design, project concepts, proposals, and grant applications.
• Support internal coordination and administrative processes related to proposal development, including the timely submission of documents for financial review, budget validation, and institutional clearance.
• Provide general support for programme development, partnerships, and resource mobilization activities, and perform other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Gain practical experience in concept and programme development.
• Develop skills in research, proposal writing, and project design.
• Strengthen analytical, communication, and drafting skills.
• Learn about partnership development and resource mobilization.
• Gain exposure to UN programme management and sustainable development initiatives.

MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES/SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES

• Research briefs and background papers prepared, as assigned.
• Timely preparation and submission of high-quality concept notes and project proposals aligned with donor requirements and UNITAR priorities.
• Assigned tasks completed on time and in accordance with programme requirements.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR EVALUATION OF RESULTS

• High-quality research and concept development outputs.
• Timely completion of assigned tasks and deliverables.
• Quality of concept notes, proposals, and supporting documents.
• Accuracy, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Effective collaboration and communication with the team.
• Initiative, creativity, and responsiveness to feedback.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent writing and drafting skills.
• Creativity and innovative thinking.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Minimum requirements

EDUCATION:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor's or master's degree in international relations, Languages, Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Communications, Social Sciences, or a related field.

LANGUAGE:

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

How to apply

How to apply

Please submit your application along with a motivation letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been 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.