Intern - Project Management Support (Part-time)

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.

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. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

The seventh Operational Phase (OP7) of the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Sri Lanka aims to build upon the long-standing achievements of SGP in the country, specifically involving strengthening civil society organizations and improving socioeconomic conditions for local communities through implementation of participatory conservation, restoration, and sustainable livelihood interventions.

Expanding upon the integrated approaches initiated during the Sixth Operational Phase in the target landscapes of the Knuckles Conservation Forest, Mannar coastal region, and the urban wetlands of Colombo, the OP7 project aims to achieve broader impacts at scale and ensure sustainability of results achieved.

The three project landscapes cover expansive and complex rural and urban geographies. Globally significant biodiversity in these regions faces a variety of threats influenced by a variety of drivers. These factors, many of which have been exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, have led to biodiversity loss, degradation of fragile ecosystems, and restricted opportunities for local communities to sustain nature-based livelihoods. The project strategy addresses the threats and barriers in the target regions to generate multiple benefits for biodiversity, land degradation, climate change and the well-being of local communities through participatory, integrated land and resource management approaches implemented across socio-ecological production landscapes.

Reaching an estimated 4,000 direct beneficiaries, 50% of whom are women, the project will facilitate community-driven interventions that generate global environmental benefits, including bringing an estimated 18,000 ha under improved landscape management practices, and restoring 10,000 ha of degraded forest, agricultural, shrubland, and wetland ecosystems. The durability of the results achieved will be ensured through implementation of integrated landscape approaches, supported by multi-stakeholder governance platforms that foster enabling partnerships among civil society organizations, national and local government entities, private sector enterprises, and academic research institutions.

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

Functional Responsibilities

The Project Management Support – Intern will be hired on full-time basis to provide necessary documentation, information gathering and backstopping activities for the SGP secretariat pertaining to projects in the landscapes of Knuckles, Mannar and Colombo.

Under the direct supervision of the National Coordinator, the intern will be expected to provide support to the UNDP-GEF/SGP Team. - Assist designated NGOs, CBOs and community groups in identifying, formulating, monitoring and evaluation of projects and formulation of lessons learned. - The intern will assist the National Coordinator and the Programme Assistant in the compiling of data of all SGP implemented projects past and present and updating the electronic database - Assist the National Coordinator in the organization of stakeholder workshops and project development sessions for NGOs, CBOs, and other stakeholders to explain the programme, and to assist designated potential applicants in making the link between local environmental problems and the global concerns of the GEF focal areas and operational programs. - Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Currently enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) preferably in Environmental Science or related areas or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.

Experience - While no professional is required for an intership, previous experience with SGP is an added advantage

Language - Fluency in Sinhala and English (read, write and speak) is required

Computer Literacy

• Knowledge on basic computer skills including Microsoft Office packages or Google suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required.
• Knowledge on handling virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams is needed.

Participation in missions or training courses

• The selected candidate may be required to travel with the national coordinator to visit project sites located in the three landscapes, namely, Knuckles, Mannar and Colombo.

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 - Internship

Contract type: Internship Contract level: N/A Contract duration: Six (6) months. This is a part-time internship and the selected candidate will work 50% of the time.

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.

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 Training components and learning elements

Selected candidate will be exposed towards diverse elements involved in the GEF/ Small Grant Programme where s/he will have an opportunity to learn on project identification, development, and management, grant making, project financing, administration and logistics and event management.