Background
The UN’s journey towards climate neutrality began on 5th June 2007 when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon publicly called on all UN agencies, funds and programmes to ‘go green’ and become climate neutral. Sustainability is seen not only as an area where international development institutions committee to increasingly investing more time and resources to, but is also gaining higher priority on the UN Global Agenda and has the potential to replace the Millennium Development Goals post-2015. In order to drive green procurement practices in the health sector using the members’ market power in the global health aid market, members focus on the following three outputs:
The iIATT-SPHS has an existing forum where documents, links, blogs, articles, photos etc. have been uploaded regularly after each of the iIATT-SPHS meetings. However, there is an increased necessity of launching a new online platform, which is one of the key iIATT-SPHS milestones for 2015, and will be the main task of this internship. Internship offers a small group of outstanding graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP's work on integrating sustainability agenda into its practices and fostering the global sustainability agenda. Besides the fact that the primary objective of this internship will be that an intern develops, launches and maintains an online iIATT-SPHS platform (webpage/blog), the intern will also have the chance to participate in various communications and designing tasks (report outlines, logos, etc.) regarding the overall iIATT-SPHS communication strategy. |
Duties and Responsibilities
UNDP is seeking a graduate student with an interest in global issues to assist in strengthening our communication strategy as well as designing and setting up an online platform for the iIATT-SPHS.
This internship includes networking with iIATT-SPHS members, as well as researching input for the making, launching and maintaining of the online iIATT-SPHS platform. Particular emphasis will be given to creating a platform that is appealing to end-users and coherently communicate aims and achievements of the iIATT-SPHS.
The interested candidate will report to the international consultant supporting the iIATT-SPHS Secretariat (Supervisor). The candidate will have the opportunity to develop from scratch the online iIATT-SPHS platform and be part of a dynamic and fast growing initiative for driving sustainable procurement in the health sector.
Moreover, the intern will be expected to:
- Translate iIATT-SPHS’ objectives and achievements into a virtual platform with proposing different ways in which this platform (webpage/blog) can be set-up;
- Act as the focal point for the designing, setting-up of the platform and maintaining it during the initial pilot phase;
- Monitor and respond to end-users comments and emails regarding online content and user friendliness.
- Research available photograph information as metadata and determine the intellectual property rights;
- Assist with planning and posting articles, photos, videos and other materials;
- Propose which strategies and new tools can be developed and implemented for the new platform;
- Provide research-based strategic advices on the development and use of new tools for online campaigning;
- Other duties falling within the scope of these responsibilities, as required.
The aim of the internship will be to enhance the theoretical knowledge of the intern through substantive and operational engagement with sustainability practices and policies of the Organisation while assisting with the initiatives and plans that are already in place and those that are in the pipeline. The internship will also span broader aspects related to sustainability in procurement of goods and services for the health sector. This will be in terms of further research into the innovations being carried out globally in this field as well as aspects such as Corporate Social Responsibility. The ways in which UN policies and practices for sustainability can promote economic and social development in developing countries rather than pose obstacles to economic growth in emerging markets is also an important area of consideration that the intern will be encouraged to explore.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
- Solid IT and communications abilities - keen interest in web-design and interactive platforms and awareness of Internet communications, marketing and outreach activities;
- Knowledge of desktop publishing tools, particularly Microsoft Office; knowledge of design programmes will be an advantage (e.g. Photoshop, InDesign);
- Good understanding of standard and emerging web technologies, especially social networking tools and channels;
- Good team worker;
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task;
- Able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities;
- Responsible, responsive, and enthusiastic;
- Willing to work within the framework of UNDP’s internship policies.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme in a field such as brand management, public relations, strategic communications, marketing communications, graphic design or similar;
- Interested candidate will be eligible to undertake this internship only if he/she is currently enrolled in the graduate level course.
Experience:
- Knowledge of communications strategies, blogging best practice, social media trends, techniques and information architecture;
- Experience editing images or preparing graphics for the web and email communications;
- Experience in the use of the content management systems, HTML coding, photo editing tools and other web publishing tools desirable;
- Experience in developing and implementing online campaigns and/or marketing strategies would be an asset;
- Experience in blogging tools (e.g. WordPress), blogging software and content management systems would be an asset.
Languages:
- Written and spoken proficiency in English and at least one other working language used by UNDP - French or Spanish;
- Fluency in Arabic, Portuguese, Russian or other Eastern European language is an asset.
Candidate must be available at least 20 hours a week for a period of at least 3 months, preferably 6 months;
Application procedure
The application should contain:
- Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post; (Please indicate in your cover letter, your motivation, actual dates of availability including number of hours per week, and any relevant work experience);
- Current and complete CV in English;
Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.
Candidates who are selected for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:
- Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme;
- Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.
UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.
Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. The costs associated with the latter must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, etc.
UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan.
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.
It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance.