Italy Online Career Support Programme
Support UNHCR professionals in career development and transitions.
Overview
Support UNHCR professionals in career development and transitions.
You have:
- At least two years’ experience in the related field, with preferred exposure to career development and organizational change management activities.
- Relevant education such as a degree in education, pedagogy, psychology, HR or specialized courses.
- Familiarity with the UN working system and the Italian labor market.
- Proven experience in complex organizations and international companies.
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
Due to the global financial crisis, in 2025 the Italian operation - like others worldwide - underwent a significant restructuring exercise. To support the staff impacted by organizational changes, and to complement the resources already provided by Headquarters, the Italian operation launched a career coaching programme specifically tailored to the Italian context, which received positive feedback from participants.
In light of the continued uncertainty expected in 2026, it has been decided to renew the initiative, with the aim of supporting UNHCR professionals in Italy in advancing their career development and managing transitions effectively. The program shall equip participants with a comprehensive set of tools, career guidance, resources, and practical skills designed to enhance access to job opportunities – both within the Organization and across the broader UN system – as well as in external sectors, including private-sector environments.
The online volunteer will be asked to support staff members working in a significantly changing environment, and to help them translate their skills into new contexts and consider new professional opportunities.
Scope of the task(s): 1. Interview simulations: Conducting interview sessions and providing personalized feedback. 2. Skills development: Identify key skills for career growth (e.g. project management, leadership, effective communication) and develop them using relevant tools and methods. 3. Career coaching: Providing career plans based on participants’ competencies and objectives. 4. Curriculum design: reviewing and providing feedback on CVs/resumes and cover letters. 5. Facilitating job search strategies, focusing on the local labor market and/or effective use of professional networks (e.g. LinkedIn).
Audience size: one-on-one or small-group sessions (on one or more of the five listed topics).
Expected duration of each session: min. 60 minutes.
Frequency of delivery: weekly or ad hoc basis, depending on the task and the number of participants per session.
Audience: UNHCR Italy personnel, regardless of contract type. Participants may vary in seniority, specialization, and professional background. Each online volunteer will be expected to provide support to at least two participants, depending on personnel expression of interest.
Required:
- The candidates should be experienced professionals, trainers, coaches, with relevant education (i.e. a degree in education/ pedagogy/ psychology/ HR or specialized courses) is required.
- At least two years’ experience in related field, with preferred exposure to career development and organizational change management activities.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with the UN working system and knowledge of the Italian labor market, and proven experience in complex organizations and international companies will be considered an asset.
Potential interview questions
| Can you provide an example of how you helped someone develop their career planning? | The interviewer wants to assess your experience with career coaching. | Discuss a specific case, the methods you used, and the impact on the individual. |
| Describe a time you conducted interview simulations. What feedback did you provide? | This question aims to understand your hands-on experience with interview coaching. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to develop key skills in your clients? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you design a curriculum for career coaching? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss your familiarity with the Italian labor market? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a complex organization you've worked with and the career coaching challenges faced. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to facilitate job search strategies? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain how you would help a participant unsure about transitioning to a new field. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |