Human Resources Intern
Support HR functions and processes within UNOPS Sri Lanka
Overview
Support HR functions and processes within UNOPS Sri Lanka
You have:
- A first level University Degree in HR, Psychology, Business administration or related area would be ideal.
- Enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. or graduated from such studies within three years.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Working knowledge of a local language is highly desirable.
- Some work experience in an international environment, especially within an HR unit, is an asset.
- Excellent English writing skills.
- Experience in handling web-based systems (Applicant Tracking Systems, Performance review systems, etc.) is an asset.
Contract
This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.
Background Information - Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability and accountability of Projects. Key projects in Sri Lanka include the Technical Project Management support for the Maternal and Newborn Health Care Strengthening Project in Matara District, Sri Lanka funded by KOICA.
UNOPS Sri Lanka also facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Support Service and HR Associate within the Sri Lanka Multi Country Office, the intern will be exposed to all UNOPS' HR functions and will be supporting the team providing HR services and advice to the various programmes for the office.
Summary of Key Functions:
- Recruitment
- Project support
- Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
Provides support to recruitment, focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Support to outreach efforts
- Assistance in longlisting and shortlisting
- Assistance with the administration of written assessments
- Administrative and logistical support to general recruitment processes
- Participation in interview panels and minutes taking
Ensures efficient HR support to the Portfolio Team, focusing on:
- Administration of contracts within UNOPS' ERP system
- Research and contribution to the competency-based interview questions library.
- Coordination and monitoring of payments for retainers.
- Contribution to existing templates used to communicate with candidates
- Supporting the HR Senior Officer on a daily basis facilitating HR policy advice to the portfolio and/or hosted entity personnel.
- Contribution to other research projects
Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing and contribution to product/process efficiency, focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Contributions to knowledge management projects;
- Provide suggestions for policy improvements;
- Support process efficiency initiatives;
- Provide input to the development and maintenance of corporate systems and tools.
- Other tasks as required by the HR officer or Portfolio Manager.
Training opportunities for the HR intern
- The intern will be trained in Competency Based Interview Methodology (the methodology used in all UN agencies).
- The intern will also be trained in the use of UNOPS ERP system, with special access to the HR module.
- The intern will gain an understanding of the different contract modalities within UNOPS.
- The intern will also be exposed to different hiring processes and to all the different policies and regulations related to the HR function in UNOPS.
- The intern will also be able to have access to the different training opportunities offered within the UNOPS Geneva office.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education: - A first level University Degree in HR, Psychology, Business administration or related area would be ideal. - The intern should be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.
Experience: While no previous work experience is required for the internship, it will be considered an asset if the intern has:
- Some work experience in an international environment, specially within an HR unit.
- Excellent English writing skills.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.
- And experience in handling web-based systems (Applicant Tracking Systems, Performance review systems, etc.).
Language: - Fluency in written and spoken English is required. - Working knowledge of a local language is highly desirable.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Internship Contract level: Intern Contract duration: One Year
For more details about the Intern modality, please follow this link: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/About/WhatWeOffer.aspx
Additional Considerations
- This position is open to Nationals ONLY.
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
This position is open to Nationals ONLY.
This position is open to Nationals ONLY.
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.
Working with us We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.
Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.
Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to handle a challenging recruitment process? | This question evaluates your experience in recruitment challenges and problem-solving skills. | Share a specific instance, describe your approach, and the outcome you achieved. |
| What strategies would you use to improve the efficiency of HR processes? | Interviewers look for your ability to think critically and advocate for process improvement. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you handle a conflict between team members during a project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What do you think is the most important aspect of maintaining employee relations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you go about developing a competency-based interview framework? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |