# Internship – Disability Inclusion

HQ, Disability Inclusion Team, PRO, Homebased for Rome, Italy

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. 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, HIV status, disability.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. We are currently seeking to fill a disability inclusion intern position in our Disability Inclusion Team of the Programme – Humanitarian and Development Division (PRO), based in Rome, Italy.

Brief description of the Disability Inclusion Team, PRO:

In November 2020, WFP approved a disability inclusion road map along with a resource and implementation plan with the Asia Pacific as the initial pilot region. The road map supports the implementation of the Secretary General’s 2019 UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) and WFP’s obligations more broadly regarding disability inclusion. On 17 November 2021, the road map was officially extended until the end of 2022. Beyond 2022, WFP has incorporated disability inclusion into its strategic plan for 2022-2025 outlining three goals: to realize the meaningful participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all operations and programming; to integrate disability inclusion as a key consideration for management and support functions; and to become an employer of choice for persons with disabilities.

The DI Team works in close consultation with the different technical focal points of the DI Working Group at Headquarters, specifically across different key result areas reflected in the road map. The DI Team is further supported by an official Partnership with researchers from Trinity College Dublin, who are providing technical advice relating to disability data disaggregation. WFP is also partnering with CBM Global Advisory Group who are operating a Disability Inclusion Helpdesk for WFP; and Diversity & Ability who are developing and conducting capacity development trainings on DI.

General Information

• Title of Post: Internship
• Supervisor: Disability Inclusion Officer
• Unit: PRO Division – Disability Inclusion Team
• Country: Italy
• Duty Station: Homebased for Rome
• Duration of internship: 6 months
• Expected Start Date: February/March 2022

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Disability Inclusion Officer, the candidate will perform the following duties:

Workstream 1: Support the DI Team Operations at Headquarters

• Support with the preparation of the bi-monthly DI Working Group meetings and quarterly DI Steering Committee meetings (i.e. drafting Notes for the Records, preparing presentations).
• Support with the coordination and organization of relevant DI-related webinars, workshops and events (i.e. WFP’s partnerships consultations on DI; workshops with Regional Bureaux; thematic webinars…).
• Support with coordinating the Disability Inclusion Affinity Group and the establishment of an External Advisory Group.
• Support in project management and timelines for tasks, projects and initiatives run by the DI Team. Develop internal tracking tools to monitor progress against the road map and on-going activities in WFP Country Offices.
• Support with the creation and implementation of communication plans and products such as newsletters, webinars, etc.
• Perform other related tasks as requested by the DI Team.

Workstream 2: Support the Asia Pacific Disability Inclusion Initiative (Pilot)

• Directly work with the Regional Disability Inclusion Advisor in Bangkok to support with knowledge management activities; documenting best practices/case studies and lessons learned from the pilot initiative; drafting minutes.

Workstream 3: Support the Programme and Field Support Team on Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

• Knowledge management: including supporting annual workshops / learning exercises on developing action plans with local partners (i.e. organizations of persons with disabilities); support in documenting processes including linked to ‘WFP Community Engagement Strategy for Accountability to Affected Populations (2021-2026)’ implementation; support in developing community engagement guidance; support in measuring the effectiveness of tools/guidance.
• Change management: support with relevant activities to be determined with the candidate.

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled with at least two years undergraduate studies completed, or recently graduated (within the past six months) in International Relations, Human Rights, Political Science, Economics, Information Management, Disability Studies, or other relevant fields;
• University course attendance in the past 12 months and;
• Excellent command of English and working knowledge of a second UN language is required;
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook);
• Lived experience of disability is an asset;
• Experience in graphic design, accessible formatting, and knowledge of the WCAG2.0 standards is an asset.

Required soft skills/WFP Competencies

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems.
• Ability to work in multicultural and diverse settings.
• Proactiveness and excellent interpersonal skills and team spirit.
• Initiative, enthusiasm, creativity, and flexibility.

Working Languages

Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) and a second UN language is required.

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of the Disability Inclusion Officer, the incumbent will be provided with close mentoring, guidance and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews as well as learning and development discussions will be elemental part of the supervision. The Senior Disability Inclusion Advisor will be the second-level supervisor. With the support of a comprehensive induction package and assignment of a buddy/mentor, the intern will rapidly become a productive member of the team.

Training components

Throughout their assignment WFP interns have access to an industry leading learning platform, weLearn. Depending on opportunities and availability of funds, he/she may participate in WFP workshops or seminars, as appropriate.

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in Rome, Italy: not applicable – remote internship

Other relevant information

VA Reference no: 155972

Closing Date: 31 January 2022

Please note that the deadline is at 11:59 pm Rome time (GMT + 1)

Terms and Conditions:

• Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment.
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
• WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognised institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
• Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.

Persons with a disability, female applicants and applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

For candidates who experience problems accessing WFP E-recruitment platform and need accommodations in applying, please contact wfprecruitment@wfp.org mentioning the VA number (155972) in the subject line.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

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