Infrastructure and Project Management (IPM) Intern

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UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services

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Application deadline 11 months ago: Tuesday 4 Apr 2023 at 23:59 UTC

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Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

Background information - Implementation Practices and Standards (IPS)

Background information - IPMG

UNOPS strategic focus places increased emphasis on national capacity development and sustainable approaches to project management, procurement and infrastructure services. A key objective is to be recognized as an organization that delivers world-class infrastructure and project management, which is both economically and socially sustainable, even in the most challenging environments. To achieve this goal, UNOPS has established the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG).

Within UNOPS, it is IPMG’s objective to serve the organization’s personnel and partners by broadening their infrastructure and project management capabilities, while disseminating best practices in both of these areas. Through this work, the group helps facilitate the successful delivery of programs and projects around the world.

To achieve its objectives, IPMG has established three interrelated and interdependent work streams, namely, Strategic Initiatives, Standards, and Engagement Acceptance. IPMG is managed overall by the Deputy Director of IPMG.

The Strategic Initiatives (SI) team works to develop methodologies and tools to improve development outcomes as well as assist in the positioning of UNOPS at the highest levels in related fields, including various global agenda focus areas, such as sustainability, climate change, inclusion and resilience.

Functional Responsibilities

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Senior Infrastructure and Project Management Analyst, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting a variety of tasks and work packages as a part of her/his internship period. We are seeking qualified applicants who may have a background in project management, infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, resilience, and inclusion; and who are extremely structured, organized and detail-oriented, as well as have the ability to communicate complex ideas well. The main support areas will be in (but not limited to) research, technical knowledge as well as communication and administration tasks.

At the end of this internship, the successful candidate will have gained in:

  • Experience through exposure to UNOPS project management and infrastructure corporate standards and activities;
  • Experience in linking Infrastructure and Project Management impacts to corporate strategies as well as practical applications to achieve high level goals.
  • Experience dealing with a wide range of practitioners experienced in inclusive, resilient and sustainable infrastructure across UNOPS, other development partners, donors, government and wider civil society, as well as private sector and academia;
  • Understanding of the key role Infrastructure in sustainable, resilient and inclusive development through linkages in Humanitarian, Development and Peace keeping sectors;
  • Exposure to international personnel in the Head Office and through interaction with field offices.
  • Exposure to research and knowledge product development within UNOPS IPMG related to Infrastructure, Sustainable Construction, Project Management and Climate Change, from a sustainability, inclusion and resilience perspective.
  • Exposure to an international and diverse team of professionals, and working within an intercultural background.

The internship is expected to start in June 2023 and last for 6 months (extendable to 12 months upon satisfactory performance and subject to budget availability).

The successful candidate may be required to work on the following:

Research coordination support

  • Support data collection and analysis for SI research activities;
  • Conduct literature reviews for SI team initiatives;
  • Support research on strategic infrastructure and project management areas for cooperation with key partners that support UNOPS initiatives. These areas would include the environmental, social and economic impact of infrastructure, with specific focus on areas such as sustainable buildings and construction, climate adaptation and mitigation and building paths towards achieving the international agendas, SDGs, and the Paris Agreement;
  • Prepare materials and post-event summaries for a variety of workshops, missions and discussions with both internal and external partners; and
  • Liaise with key academic partners on areas of research.

Technical Support

  • Support a variety of tasks as outlined and assigned in the annual work plan for the SI team;
  • Maintain, update, and support all relevant documentation for SI initiatives;
  • Providing analysis and reporting as required for SI team by ensuring compliance with all policies, guidelines, and instructions set out by IPMG and the organization;
  • Assist with monitoring and reporting of SI team performance.

Administrative and Communication Support

  • Support in advocating and communicating SI initiatives to different stakeholders;
  • Support all training/event initiatives within SI/IPMG as required, this includes but not limited to training/events set up, administrative support, and logistics;
  • Support monitoring of the SI task list; and
  • Day to day tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

  • Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required.
  • The candidate must be currently enrolled in, or have recently completed (within three years prior to the application date of the internship) a Bachelor/Master’s/Ph.D. Degree in a relevant area, preferably in Engineering, Architecture, or Planning. Also International Development and, International Relations would be preferred, if in combination with some experience in the areas of engineering, architecture and planning.

Language Skills

  • Fluency in English is required;
  • Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be considered an asset.

Internship-related experiences

While no prior work experience is required the following experience is highly desirable:

  • Knowledge of Google suite (Google Drive, Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Google slides)
  • The ideal candidate would have experience in one of several of the following areas. Please highlight which one/ones within your application and ideally cover letter:

    • Academic research;
    • Infrastructure development and management;
    • Sustainable construction, circular economy.
    • Climate adaptation and mitigation
    • Development activities in both Humanitarian and Development settings;
    • Data analysis;
    • Website and intranet development;
    • Database development;
    • Client/donor research; and
    • Business acquisition/development.

Competencies

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: N/A

Contract duration: 6 months

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend of USD $1,300 from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of USD $500. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

  • 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: jobs.unops.org