Work Location
ITC Headquarters-based or home-based
Expected duration
3 months (with possible extension) - from ASAP
Duties and Responsibilities
The United Nations has expanded its gender, diversity, and inclusion efforts through frameworks like United Nations System Wide Action Plan for Gender Equality and the Advancement of Women (UN- SWAP) and United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS). Additionally, initiatives like the Geneva Alliance Against Racism have offered recommendations to create a zero-tolerance discrimination environment and ensure a diverse UN workforce. Further, a new UN-wide strategy for the United Nations Secretariat Strategy on Protection from Violence and Discrimination of LGBTIQ+ Persons is being developed. ITC will also be implementing elements of the Secretary General’s Gender Equality Acceleration Plan to strengthen gender equality and gender parity at ITC. ITC's Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit, under the direction of Chief, Strategic Planning, Performance and Governance Section (SPPG), aims to drive progress towards ITC’s GDI mainstreaming goals and promote an inclusive organizational culture through enhancing staff capacity and accountability at all organizational levels. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Associate Programme Officer in charge of supporting the Gender, Diversity and Inclusion unit by: • Engaging UNSWAP 3.0 Business Owners and UNDIS Business Owners and assisting with reporting requirements and the implementation of these and other GDI-related frameworks. • Strengthening organizational culture and employee capacities regarding GDI and well-being through awareness raising work and supporting the development and delivery of tailored training. • Enhancing organizational accountability towards an enabling work environment through supporting the implementation of ITC’s GDI strategy, GDI action plans as well as the working parameters and pledges of the Geneva Alliance Against Racism. • Support the re-working, tailoring, and finalization of Safeguarding Awareness materials—including safeguarding, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), non-discrimination, and risk-reduction content—for immediate dissemination across relevant internal and external platforms. • Provide support to the GDI Unit in the initial planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement required to launch the ITC Mentorship Programme, including preparatory activities, concept development, and early implementation arrangements. • Supporting the GDI unit with the creation and updating of its internal and external communication materials and platforms. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.
Qualifications/special skills
Education: either: a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or b) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation. The GDI unit welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds. Possible areas of study include Psychology, Public Policy, Law and Human Rights, Gender and Women’s Studies, Development Studies, Organizational Behaviour or related subjects supporting Diversity and Inclusion. • Clear understanding of gender, diversity, and inclusion concepts, with the ability to apply them in policy and programmatic contexts. • Ability to handle sensitive topics with discretion, cultural awareness, and a high level of empathy. • Proficiency in managing and organizing data related to GDI initiatives, with attention to detail and accuracy. • Demonstrated interest in GDI-related issues, particularly in global trade and sustainable development contexts, would be an asset. • Demonstrated interest in trade as a vehicle of sustainable development will be considered an asset. • Proficiency in the use of MS Office Suite (ideally intermediate to advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills). • Ability to work with infographics (Canva) and statistics would be advantageous.
Languages
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
Additional Information
LEARNING ELEMENTS 1. Develop proficiency in diversity and inclusion initiatives by supporting the coordination of GDI-related working groups, including UN Geneva-based gender focal points, the Geneva Alliance Against Racism, and disability-related initiatives. Enhance organizational and project management skills by assisting in the planning of meetings, events, and advocacy efforts. 2. Deepen knowledge of gender equity, anti-racism, and disability inclusion within international organizations by engaging in research, attending hybrid conferences (e.g., UN Women’s Gender Equity sessions and UN-SWAP discussions), and contributing to policy- related projects. 3. Build a foundational understanding of safeguarding standards, prevention mechanisms, and ethical conduct in the UN system by engaging with zero-tolerance policies, accountability frameworks, and organizational risk-mitigation measures, and by observing how these are operationalized across programmes and internal processes. Geneva-based internship is preferred. Student work plans can be adjusted to align with academic requirements or accommodate academic obligations.
Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
