Policy and Programme Intern – Reintegration/DDR/PRR
Contract
This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.
Background
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. Within the GPN, the Crisis Bureau guides UNDP’s corporate crisis-related strategies and vision for crisis prevention, response and recovery.
Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind, the UNDP vision for the Strategic Plan (2018-2021) is to help countries achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shocks. The current Strategic Plan is accompanied by the Integrated Result and Resource Frameworks which includes as outcome 3 to Strengthen Resilience to Shocks and Crisis and more specifically output 3.2.1: “National capacities strengthened for reintegration, reconciliation, peaceful management of conflict and prevention of violent extremism in responses to national polities and priorities”.
The Crisis Bureau (CB) Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility Team (RSHM) is working towards the implementation of this Strategic Plan outcome and output, by specifically supporting the reintegration of ex-combatants through the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of members of armed forces and groups and prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration (PRR) of members of armed groups designated as terrorist organizations. The CB/RSHM provides both technical support to regional and country programmes where reintegration of ex-combatants/fighters, associated groups and their families is required both in the context of peacebuilding and/or stabilization initiatives. CB/RSHM also liaises and coordinates with other UNDP teams and offices to support the broader goal of outcome 3.
UNDP also co-chairs the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) on DDR together with DPO. The IAWG was established in 2005 to develop and provide cutting-edge policies and resources to DDR practitioners. In 2006 the IAWG launched the Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Standards (IDDRS) providing guidance for the planning and implementation of DDR programmes. In 2016, the IAWG took the decision to review and update the IDDRS to ensure it reflects the current contexts in which DDR programs are being implemented. In November 2019, the IAWG-DDR launched the revised UN approach to DDR and in 2023 completed the revision of the IDDRS.
UNDP also engages with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact (CGTCC) aimed at strengthening a common UN action approach to support Member States in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and other relevant United Nations resolutions and mandates, in relation to issues related to PRR. Finally, UNDP also coordinates contributions to the United Nations inter-agency task forces on Boko Haram and on the situation in Al-Hol and other camps in Iraq and Syria as it related to PRR.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the UNDP Global Focal Point on Stabilization and Reintegration who acts as IAWG-DDR Co-Chair, the Intern will support UNDP’s roles and responsibilities related to:
- Country programme formulation, planning and follow up;
- Policy development, including UNDP guidance and the revision of the IDDRS;
- Knowledge management and communication at UNDP and inter-agency levels.
During the internship, the successful candidate is expected to undertake and complete the following tasks:
- Support the organization of meetings and events such as publications launches (draft agenda, ensure establishment of phone bridge/VTC connection, participation of members, minutes, as relevant);
- Prepare drafts of relevant background documents for meetings (terms of reference, concept notes, reports, as relevant);
- Prepare and update mappings of actors, programmes or relevant issues/topics;
- Prepare drafts of communication materials for the website and other relevant means of communication;
- Conduct desk reviews and research on relevant topics in support of policy development and strategic advice;
- Participate in internal meetings and provide overall support in preparation of minutes;
- Participate in missions and trainings as appropriate; and
- Carry out all other related tasks assigned by the supervisor as agreed.
Due to the nature of the thematic areas to be covered, the duties of the intern may vary and change during the course of the internship. A high degree of flexibility and independence is required.
Competencies
- Effective communication skills with staff at all levels of the organization;
- Strong research, analytical and writing skills;
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diversity;
- Ability to pay great attention to detail and exercise sound judgment;
- Ability to work well in a team and project a positive image;
- Self-motivation and ability to recommend options for resolution of issues;
- Strong service orientation.
Required Skills and Experience
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as master’s programme , or higher) in development studies, international relations, political science, economics, law and relevant the social sciences;
- Experience conducting research and policy analysis in the field of reintegration of ex-combatants, DDR and/or PRR;
- Knowledge of thematic areas related to peacebuilding, security, rule of law, violent extremism, counter terrorism and/or organized crime.
Full working knowledge of English; fluency in French, Spanish or Arabic will be an asset.