UNITAR is offering a six-month in-person traineeship in finance and administration in New York. Eligible business, finance and related-degree students and recent graduates can apply by 4 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is inviting applications for a six-month Finance and Administration Traineeship at its New York Office. The opportunity is based within the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, which delivers training and capacity-building activities for diplomats and other participants at United Nations Headquarters.
The selected trainee will support the administrative and financial coordination of training programmes, workshops and events. The placement offers practical exposure to administrative procedures within UNITAR and the United Nations, as well as opportunities to develop professional skills in an international and multicultural environment.
The traineeship is full-time and takes place in person in New York, United States. The expected start date is November or December 2026, with the exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.
Applications close on 4 November 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) |
| Opportunity | Finance and Administration Traineeship |
| Location | New York, United States |
| Department | Division for Multilateral Diplomacy |
| Duration | Six months |
| Start date | November/December 2026 |
| Work arrangement | Full-time, in person |
| Positions available | 1 |
| Application deadline | 4 November 2026 |
| Salary or stipend | Not specified in the announcement |
| Official application | UNITAR vacancy announcement |
Tasks and Programme Benefits
The trainee will work under the supervision of the Programme Officer in New York and coordinate closely with the Multilateral Diplomacy Programme team in Geneva.
Responsibilities may include supporting the administrative coordination of training programmes and events, preparing activity budgets, reconciling payments and assisting with procurement processes. The trainee may also maintain spreadsheets, internal databases, administrative records and office equipment inventories.
Additional tasks include supporting travel arrangements, monitoring office and training supplies, assisting with internal reporting and organising meetings.
The experience is intended to help the successful candidate develop a practical understanding of UNITAR and UN administrative procedures, improve organisational and analytical skills, take initiative and build professional connections with staff in an international working environment.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate degree programme in business administration, finance or a related subject.
- Be a recent graduate in one of these fields, provided the traineeship begins within two years of graduation.
Candidates should also demonstrate strong administrative and organisational abilities, attention to detail, analytical thinking and the ability to follow complex procedures. Good communication skills and a high level of personal responsibility, commitment and initiative are required.
Computer skills are important, including familiarity with online tools, AI tools, Adobe applications, Microsoft Excel and Word. Previous experience in financial administration or knowledge of Quantum is considered an advantage.
Language Requirements
A high standard of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of additional United Nations working languages is an advantage.
Additional Information
The traineeship lasts six months and is normally full-time, with trainees expected to work five days per week. It is an in-person opportunity based in New York.
UNITAR advises applicants to submit their applications and motivation letters as soon as possible after the vacancy is published and well before the deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to apply: Visit the official UNITAR vacancy page, review the application instructions and submit your application with a motivation letter before 4 November 2026.
The vacancy announcement does not specify a salary or stipend, so applicants should consult UNITAR directly if they need clarification about financial arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNITAR New York Finance and Administration Traineeship?
It is a six-month traineeship within UNITAR’s Division for Multilateral Diplomacy, supporting the financial and administrative coordination of training programmes and events.
2. Where is the traineeship based?
The placement is based at UNITAR’s New York Office in the United States.
3. How long does the traineeship last?
The traineeship lasts six months and is normally full-time, with five working days per week.
4. When does the traineeship start?
The expected start date is November or December 2026. The exact date will be agreed upon with the successful candidate.
5. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate programme in business administration, finance or a related subject, or be recent graduates who can commence the traineeship within two years of graduation.
6. Is previous financial administration experience required?
Previous financial administration experience and knowledge of Quantum are advantages, but the announcement does not list them as mandatory requirements.
7. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 4 November 2026.
8. Is the traineeship paid?
The supplied vacancy announcement does not specify whether a salary or stipend is provided. Applicants should contact UNITAR for clarification.
9. How many positions are available?
The vacancy announcement lists one available position.
10. How can I apply?
Submit your application and motivation letter through the official UNITAR vacancy page.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNITAR Finance and Administration Traineeship may suit students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in UN administration, financial processes and international programme coordination. Applicants should ensure they meet the academic requirements and consider the in-person location and six-month commitment before applying.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNITAR and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should confirm all requirements and application details through the official UNITAR website.
SEO Keywords: UNITAR traineeship 2026, UNITAR New York internship, United Nations traineeship 2026, UN finance traineeship, UN administration internship, UNITAR careers, United Nations internship opportunities, finance graduate traineeship, business administration traineeship, UN opportunities in New York, international organisation traineeships
