Intern (Project Management)

Contract

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

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. 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.

The New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management. The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement to implement the project activities for Small Grants Programme (SGP)

SGP grantmaking supports community-based innovation in addressing global environmental issues and improved, more sustainable livelihoods through initiatives led by civil society and community organizations, with special consideration for indigenous peoples, women, youth and persons with disabilities. SGP has supported over 25,000 community-based projects in over 125 countries aimed at biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable land management, protection of international waters, and sound chemicals and waste management. Over the years, SGP has developed extensive partnerships at global, national and local levels. See http://sgp.undp.org for further background information.

The Samoa Sub-Region Programme includes Cook Islands, Samoa, Niue, and Tokelau, and currently developing and implementing a portfolio of numerous community-based projects. Lessons learned from communities and civil society organization (CSO) projects will be leveraged to promote replication of successful community and civil society practices, and integration of lessons learned into policies that promote increased environmentally sustainable capacity. The Samoa Sub-Region Programme will assist in responding to GEF-7 Strategic Priorities for concrete experience with local-scale sustainable resource use, as well as the local benefits of participating countries for ground-level experience and clear policy lessons.

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS, under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Programme Management – Senior Officer (National Coordinator), the intern will help the team to:

• Review all SGP on-going project files in the Samoa Sub-Region Programme in close liaison with the Programme Associate working to:

1. Assist the SRC in compiling project by project success stories and lessons learned for wider sharing globally.
2. Through progress reports and based on monitoring site visit reports, the intern is expected to assist the SRC in documenting possible ways for making improvements on identified weaknesses and challenges of the SGP portfolio.
3. Review all Knowledge Management products such as participatory videos, draft case studies, project information sheets, press releases, SGP website, project progress reports, Samoa National Environment Forum Paper etc. to distill portfolio lessons, practices and challenges.
4. He/She is also expected to assist the Sub-Regional Coordinator in administration/operational tasks performed by the PA.
5. Update the SGP Database with relevant data, docs, case studies pertaining to all project grantees in Samoa, Niue and Tokelau.
6. Compare the progress results with what is effectively achieved on the ground by each respective project and recommend project-based solutions to overcome challenges.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - All applicants must be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters, or PhD (or equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application of the internship. Fields related to environment, climate, or sustainable development are an asset.

Work Experience: No prior working experience is required to apply for the internship but the following skills and experiences are desirable. - Experience in finance and administration, sustainable development, including risk management, energy, environment, climate change, policy, or international development will be an added advantage. - Training and research experience in sustainable development, particularly with a focus on GEF Focal Areas in developing countries, is an advantage.

Language: - Excellent English oral and written communication skills. - Excellent oral and written communication skills in local language.

Computer Literacy

• Experience in standard programmes (MS Office, social media platforms);

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: Intern Internship duration: one year - subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance

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.

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 Considerations

• 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.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.

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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Sustainable Development Cluster

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.