Project Management Intern (Political Affairs)
Support monitoring, research and analysis for UN Global Pulse.
Overview
Support monitoring, research and analysis for UN Global Pulse.
You have:
- Currently enrolled in a university programme or graduated within the last 3 years in related fields.
- Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required
- Fluency in Russian is highly desirable
- Experience in drafting policy documents is desirable
- Experience in quantitative or qualitative research is desirable
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is an asset
- Experience in data analysis and visualization skills is a strong advantage
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 has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for UN Global Pulse.
UN Global Pulse UN Global Pulse (UNGP) is an initiative of the Executive Office of Secretary-General (EOSG) founded in 2009. We work in support of the Secretary-General’s priorities, in advancement of the UN Charter. UNGP serves as a cross-pillar lead and hub for experimentation and digital innovation. We have a globally distributed team in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. The teams work with digital innovation, strategic foresight, real-time data and artificial intelligence to further sustainable development, humanitarian and peace outcomes. Our vision is ‘A world in which responsible and inclusive digital innovation serves to empower people and protect the planet’. Our mission is to work at the intersection of digital innovation and science to inform, inspire and support the entire UN and those it serves, to anticipate and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
The goals of the UNGP Network are: i) to generate knowledge, capabilities and approaches that support the transformation of the United Nations into a more agile and resilient ‘next-generation’ institution; ii) to create and accelerate the development of globally accessible approaches that help communities and partners anticipate and address emerging global challenges; and iii) to advocate for the global transformation of policies, practices and culture required to maximize the impact of digital innovation, minimize its risk of harm, and ensure pathways to scale and sustainability.
The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Analyst and embedded in the Global Pulse New York team. The incumbent will execute the following duties:
- Support monitoring, research, and analysis (quantitative and qualitative) of political and security developments, human rights, economic and social developments, and humanitarian issues aligned with UN system-wide activities and priorities
- Assist in identifying sources of data, maintaining established records and data sets and the further development of responsive sets of data/indicators
- Assist in preparing visual slides and analytical briefs for cross-pillar and integrated-reporting outputs for senior UN leadership using standard methodology and templates
- Assist in the development of concept notes, project reports, and other high-quality documents on innovation projects and activities
- Participate in meetings and draft minutes/meeting summaries as required
- Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the applications date of the internship. Areas of study include Human Rights, International relations, International Security, and other related disciplines
****Internship related experience: (The following skills and experiences are desirable but not required)****
- Experience in drafting policy documents and external communication are an asset
- Experience in quantitative or qualitative research are desirable
- Excellent and effective writing skills are an asset
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are an asset
- Experience in data analysis, visualization skills and proficiency of related software applications (e.g. Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Adobe Illustrator) are a strong advantage.
Language
- Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
- Fluency in Russian is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
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
** This position is available both as full time and part time role, depending on the candidate's preference. Applicants are advised to include a letter of interest indicating their preference: (part time or full time or both)
Contract type: Internship Contract level: N/A Contract duration: 3 months (Possibility of extension subject to 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.
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 of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.
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
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
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.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to analyze complex data to inform a decision? | The interviewer wants to assess your analytical skills and attention to detail in a relevant context. | Provide a specific example of the data you analyzed, the decision it influenced, and the outcome. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects simultaneously? | They are interested in your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Give an example of a situation where you had to communicate complex information in a simplified way. What was the context? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time when you encountered a conflict while working in a team. How did you handle it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What motivates you to work in the field of international relations and digital innovation? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |