UNDP Jobs - 67950- UN System Affairs/BERA

UN System Affairs/BERA - Internship

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

06-Sep-2016

Application Deadline :

19-Aug-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 Months

Languages Required :

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

The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is responsible for UNDP’s external relations and advocacy functions. The Bureau leads and supports the organization in cultivating, building and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances that are essential for advancing and successfully achieving the mission of UNDP. These relationships encompass a wide range and number of key constituencies and development partners such as programme countries, existing and prospective donor countries/emerging economic powers, multilateral institutions such as the IFIs, the European Commission, civil society and the wider UN system.

The UN System Affairs Group (UNSAG) is responsible for managing UNDP’s relations with the UN and its many inter-agency and inter-governmental bodies (DOCO, DESA, ECESA, DPA, CEB and its 3 pillars, HLPF, GA, ECOSOC and subsidiary bodies). It supports the leadership of UNDP by positioning, protecting and promoting UNDP in inter-agency and intergovernmental affairs and is responsible for scanning and anticipating trends that influence UNDP policy and prepares proactive strategy options for coherent multi-stakeholder engagement.
UNSAG is comprised of two teams: the Intergovernmental and Multi-stakeholder Engagement Team and the UN Coordination and Coherence Team, working collaboratively to leverage resources within the group to advance advocacy, strategic positioning, reporting and operations.

The Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Intergovernmental Engagement Specialist or UN Coherence Specialist, providing support to the UNSAG team in close collaboration with other team members.

Duties and Responsibilities

Attend intergovernmental meetings and processes (formal and informal consultations) and provide timely report on issues of relevant importance to UNDP.
As assigned, monitor, identify trends, positions and priorities of Member States in regional institutions and regional commissions.
Support and organize events and consultations.
Support both intergovernmental and in interagency teams in the preparation of UNDP’s participation in meetings, events and conferences related to intergovernmental and interagency and processes.
Support UNDP participation in key inter-agency fora including the Chief Executives Board, the UN Development Group and other inter-agency working streams as required.
Monitor and analyze interagency guidance and policy documents, synthesizing information and key points relevant to UNDP’s mandate and activities.
Provide research support in the preparation of briefing notes, talking points, analysis, and speech inputs for the UNDP Senior Management, BERA ASG, Deputy Director, and UNSAG Director and Team Manager on relevant issues, as required.
Support with the implementation of workplan priorities.
Support knowledge building and experience exchanges within the team.
As assigned, support the work of other groups within BERA in any area as required by UNSAG and BERA Senior management.

Competencies

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Knowledge of the UN intergovernmental bodies (such as the General Assembly and its main committees, ECOSOC, Functional Commissions etc.), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the UN Development System is an asset.
Strong research, analytical, writing, communication, and organizational skills.
Attention to detail and proven ability to work independently and effectively with minimum supervision.
Strongly motivated, self-starter, organized, and the ability to multitask and balance multiple responsibilities. Have the ability to successfully interact with individuals and partners of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Working knowledge of at least one other UN language desirable.

Required Skills and Experience

Eligibility (Applicants must fulfill one of the following requierements):

Currently enrolled in a Master’s / postgraduate university in international relations, political science or related field.
Enrollment in graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher).
Enrollment in the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent).

A university degree (as defined above) within one year of graduation.

Experience:

Knowledge in development-related areas, multi-stakeholder engagement, international or multilateral organizations.
Prior relevant experience is an asset, including experience in drafting meeting notes and reports, as well as organizing meetings and collaborative events.

Conditions:

UNDP may accept interns provided the following conditions are met:

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP.
The costs associated 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, visa, etc.
UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship.
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.

Once the candidate has been selected, the following additional documents will be requested:

Submit an Internship Application Form.
Copy of updated CV/resume.
Official letter from University confirming enrollment in graduate program & graduation date.
Copy of school transcript.
Letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised the student in the recent past and who is fully acquainted with the student's performance.
A brief paper setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience.

In addition, selected candidate will need to:

Provide a “Medical Certificate of Good Health” from a recognized physician

For more information on UNDP Internship, please visit:

http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/operations/jobs/types-of-opportunities/internships.html