Francesca Eustacchi
The UN Fellows Orientation workshop is an integral part of the Italian Fellowships Programme for Technical Cooperation Capacity Building and Human Resources Development, which is sponsored by the Government of Italy and implemented by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA). Through this Programme, young skilled professionals are selected for a one-year placement in the field offices of International Organizations. The workshop is customised to the professional development needs of UN fellows irrespective of their future duty stations and functions.
The goal is to provide UN fellows relevant information, knowledge, tools, skills and resources to strengthen their operational capacities in the field of bilateral and multilateral international cooperation and to raise their awareness about various situations they might encounter during their placement.
The Workshop combines self-guided study of on-line modules, plenary instruction sessions associated with group work.
OBJECTIVES
In terms of competences, UN fellows have:
Deepened their knowledge of the core substance and processes related to the 2030 Agenda;
A good understanding of the UN reform process and priorities;
Acquired insights into the UN programming approaches and tools at country level;
An improved knowledge and skills on project cycle management including analysis, design, monitoring and evaluation;Acquired an understanding of the UN compact of Digitalisation and the skills to use Artificial Intelligence tools in PCM in a responsible and ethical way
Acquired competences in communication for development;
Acquired personal competences for self-leadership in this phase of their career;
Developed behavioural skills for safety and health in their duty stations.
CONTENT
The Orientation Workshop has been an opportunity to increase knowledge and to facilitate a better understanding of the following topics:
Understanding the UN System & Career Pathways: Explored the structure of the UN, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and personal career journeys within the UN system—featuring mapping exercises and talks from Resident Coordinator Office and UNDP representatives.
Development Actors on the Ground: Included interactive sessions with Italian NGOs (AVSI, COOPI, CESVI), insights into the diversity of cooperation actors
Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Development: Lecture and participation in the UN Virtual Worlds Day 2025—focusing on how AI-powered virtual environments can support global governance, digital inclusion, and delivery of the Pact for the Future.
RBM, PCM, Change Management & Communication: Core technical training on project planning tools (problem tree, strategy selection, TOC, results chain), managing resistance to change, and communication for development and project delivery; included the ethical and safe use of AI tools in project management.
Self-Empowerment & Group Coaching: Sessions on psychological safety, self-leadership, and relationship management, supported by optional group coaching to strengthen confidence and professional growth.
Health & Safety in the Field: UN staff safety and security protocols, and health management in development settings, with expert input and medical professionals.