UNDP Jobs - 55427- Internship Post-2015

Internship Post-2015

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

11-May-2015

Application Deadline :

27-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

While the UN’s continues to focus on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the UN has also started to engage on the development agenda for the period following the expiry of the MDGs in 2015.

Following the outcomes of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by the 69th UN General Assembly, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched his synthesis report, “The Road to Dignity by 2030”, in December 2014, setting the stage for the intergovernmental negotiations in the UN General Assembly which started in January 2015. These negotiations will also consider improvements in the collection, use and dissemination of data to help achieve the new development agenda and monitor progress against internationally agreed goals.

Within the UN system, UNDP is playing a lead role in the process of defining the post-2015 agenda as an advocate for a bottom up approach defined by national, thematic and global consultations. More information on the post-2015 agenda and UNDP’s work can be found on worldwewant2015.org

The interns should be enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme in international relations or related field, with a focus on development studies. They will provide substantive and administrative support to the work of the UNDP’s Strategic Policy and Global Positioning Team, which aims to build and lead a strategic coalition of partners that can shape the post-2015 development agenda through global mobilisation and engagement and exploratory research on the use of data for enhanced development delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern’s main tasks will include:

Tracking of UN and non-UN activities on the post-2015 development agenda;
Liaising with post-2015 actors for an overview of their prospective activities;
Monitoring overall post-2015 processes within the UN and any relevant major meetings/conferences on the post-2015 development agenda;
Supporting the implementation of the UNDP-led initiatives and projects
Assisting in setting up online discussions and actively managing content on platforms like worldwewant2015.org and myworld2015.org
Undertaking background research on related topics;
Providing support in the organisation of events/seminars etc. and any administrative duties as required.

Expected Output:

A hands-on experience in working with the United Nations Development Programme in fostering an inclusive stakeholder dialogue to shape the future development framework.

Competencies

Interest in the work of the UN, and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter;
Interest in the post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development;
Computer literate in standard software applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Power Point) and familiarity with Internet-based research;
Social Media experience (Twitter) would be an asset;
Energetic self-starter with multi-tasking abilities and discipline with deadlines;
Ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views;
Excellent analytical skills;
Detail oriented.

Required Skills and Experience

Eligibility:

Candidate must be enrolled in a graduate-level degree program in international relations or related fields with a focus on development studies. Only those students that are currently enrolled are eligible;
Candidates that have graduated are not eligible for internship.
Demonstrated interest in the field of development.
Candidate must have medical and life insurance coverage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (written and oral);
For one of the intern positions, fluency in Korean (written and oral) would be an asset.

Duration:

May – July 2015 (New York)
The start date is flexible. Please indicate availability in the application form.
Internship can last for 3 to a maximum of 6 months.
Internship can be part time or full time.

Subsequent Employment:

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Conditions:
In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:

Updated resume or curriculum vitae;
A letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
A copy of his/her school transcript;
Proof of medical and life/accident insurance coverage;
A letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised him/her in the recent past and who is fully acquainted his/her performance; and a brief letter (one page maximum) setting out the reasons why s/he is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience.
Insurance.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. As interns are not covered under any insurance, including MAIP, they should not travel to hazardous locations in the course of their internship with UNDP. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which requires transportation to the home country or country of Residence for further treatment; or results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

Please note that UNDP internships are not remunerated. For details on UNDP Internships Policy, please see relevant information athttp://www.undp.org/internships/.

Interested candidates should upload their one-page CV and cover letter by 27 April, 2015. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.