Intern - Policy & Communications

Contract

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

Background information- ECR

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices in the region, providing management and financial/programmatic oversight of Global and Country specific Portfolios, Clusters and Operations Centers including hosting services, fund management, management advisory services, implementing projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources. ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region

Background Information - Job-specific

The Nansen Initiative Agenda for the Protection of Cross-Border Displaced Persons in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change (Protection Agenda) was endorsed by 109 delegations during an intergovernmental global consultation on 12-13 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland, which marked the end of the Nansen Initiative.

The Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) was established on 1 July 2016 to follow up on the work started by the Nansen Initiative and to implement the recommendations of the Protection Agenda.

PDD has entered its second phase in July 2019 and embarks on its Strategic Framework 2019-2023 with the overall objective: to support States and other stakeholders to strengthen the protection of persons displaced across borders in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change, and to prevent or reduce disaster displacement risks in countries of origin. To enable the work of the Platform, the following structure has been put in place:

1) Steering Group, 2) Advisory Committee 3) Secretariat and 4) Group of Friends.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Policy Officer, the Intern will:

• Assist the Policy Officer with relevant disaster displacement research, analysis and policy review.
• Assist with the collection and documentation of examples of effective practices in addressing cross-border disaster-displacement and effective practices on managing disaster displacement risks in countries of origin.
• Assist in mapping of areas and regions most at risk of disaster displacement, including those regions vulnerable to slow-onset events associated with the adverse effects of climate change.
• Assist the Communication Officer to develop content material for the website and social media.
• Support dissemination of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda.
• Assist with the preparation of, and reporting from, meetings organized by the Secretariat of the Platform on Disaster Displacement (e.g. Steering Group meetings, meetings of the Advisory Committee, side events etc.).
• Assist with the collection and documentation of examples of effective practices in addressing cross-border disaster-displacement and effective practices on managing disaster displacement risks in countries of origin.
• Perform other research and administrative tasks as required

The position is full time and will be based in Geneva, Switzerland.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Candidates should be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) in law, humanitarian affairs, international relations, or another related field, ideally with a specialization in international human rights law and/or the protection of displaced persons or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.

Experience

• At least 1 year of professional experience in government, diplomatic, non-governmental or international civil service with experience in the field of law, human rights, and/or protection of displaced persons is preferred.
• A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite Applications is desirable

Language

• Fluent oral and written English is required. A working knowledge of French is desired.

Other Requirements

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT A LETTER OF MOTIVATION ALONG WITH THEIR DETAILED APPLICATIONS.

Contract type, level and duration - Internship

Contract type: Internship Contract level: N/A Contract duration: 3 months initially (immediate start)

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 from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum as per applicable policies. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel, Swiss health and accident insurance coverage and any necessary visas.

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.
• Geneva, Switzerland is a family duty station.

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.