Customized Solutions

The Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) specializes in designing, developing and delivering personalized training solutions in all six official UN languages. These services are available on demand and operate on a cost-recovery basis.

We collaborate closely with learning and programme managers to gain a deep understanding of their requirements, allowing us to create tailored training products that enhance staff capacity in language use and communications skills. These skills are honed specifically to address substantive UN-related topics and skill areas across all six UN official languages.

Our training frequently covers a range of essential subjects, including fundamental writing principles, effective correspondence, report writing and presentation and communication skills. We also address inclusive language, specifically gender-inclusive use of language recommendations and strategies. Customized training very often targets managers, who are responsible for editing the writing of others, and adopts a “train the trainers” approach. Delivery methods can be in person, online, or a combination of both.

We also partner with client entities to provide comprehensive training to their staff. This can involve multiple training sessions, a specially-designed training programme, or the development of toolkits and online content.

It is important to note that customized solutions typically require an average lead time of three months, along with pedagogical and financial agreements.

To assist entities aiming to provide their teams with standardized training to enhance communication skills, we offer readily available courses on demand. We set up a dedicated course schedule and deliver the same content as in our standard language and communications skills courses.

Here are examples of the most frequently requested "off-the-shelf" courses and webinars:

  • Correspondence Writing in English
  • Summary Writing in English Webinar
  • La rédaction stratégique à l’ONU : applications
  • Using gender-inclusive language in English, French, Spanish Webinar

Customized training is highly valued by both the requesting entities and participants, who consistently express high satisfaction levels and report they enhanced their communication skills. Success can also be attributed to fulfilling the training requirements established for customized training, which typically include:

  • Active participation in "live" sessions
  • Completion of individual activities
  • Submission and subsequent revisions of individual written or oral productions
  • Active engagement in coaching and feedback sessions

Here are some illustrative examples of written communications skills training that we have designed and developed in a variety of specific topics and delivered in person, online or in hybrid modes:

  • Drafting Correspondence and Briefing Materials (English, French, Spanish) for the Department of Operational Support (DOS)
  • Writing Effective Audit Reports for the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS)
  • Drafting for Political Analysis (English) in partnership with the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)
  • Writing for Security Officers Module (English) in partnership with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)
  • Strategic Writing (French) in partnership with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • Strategic Writing Skills for Resident Coordinators Offices (English) with the Development Coordination Office (DCO), including Strategic Writing for UN Country Reports (English) for the Resident Coordinator Office in Iran
  • Training of Trainers for the United to Respect Dialogues (English, French) in partnership with the Department of Management Strategy and Policy Compliance
  • Effective Report Writing (Spanish and Arabic) in partnership with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC, and the Economic and Social Commission for West Asia, ESCWA
  • Effective Report Writing for Verification Purposes (Spanish) in partnership with the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, UNVMC
  • Training for Interpreters and Translators (Russian) in partnership with the Department of General Assembly and Conference Management
  • Military Terminology (French) in partnership with the Department of General Assembly and Conference Management and the Department of Peace Operations
  • Training for Female Police Officers (French) in partnership with the Department of Peace Operations
  • Training of Trainers for the United to Respect Dialogues (English, French) in partnership with the Department of Management Strategy and Policy Compliance