Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) envisions to contribute to Africa’s efforts to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion through implementation of UNDP’s Strategic Plan.

In view of the transforming development cooperation landscape and the ambitious goals set out by the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, it is more than ever crucial to mobilize a variety of sources for development finance and implementation of national development priorities. In this sense, South-South Cooperation has become an opportunity on the rise for technical and financial cooperation for partners from the South, whereas the respect of Development Effectiveness related principles can ensure that the available resources are used effectively.

UNDP’s South-South Cooperation and Development Effectiveness Team (SSC&DE Team) in the Africa Region covers activities related to regional and country level support in the implementation of the African development priorities with a particular focus to its alignment with South-South Cooperation & Development Effectiveness principles as per UNDP’s South-South Cooperation Strategy and the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC). The team collaborates closely with the other units in order to establish linkages between these cross-cutting principles and programme achievements and works with the GPEDC UNDP/OECD Joint Support Team in the region, including in the organization of the upcoming GPEDC High Level Meeting.

The team at the Regional Centre for Africa is looking for a competent intern who will support the South-South Cooperation and Development Effectiveness specialist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

For additional information see:

http://www.africa.undp.org/rsc.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the South-South Cooperation and Development Effectiveness Specialist, the intern shall perform, inter alia, the following tasks:

Research, Policy Analysis and Knowledge Management:

  • Assist in the mainstreaming of Development Effectiveness and South South/Triangular Cooperation Principles into national development programmes and strategies, including through the SDGs domestication process;
  • Provide support to countries in the codification of good practices and in their dissemination through South-South exchanges to other countries;
  • Support SSC&DEC team in the research and policy analysis of African trends and challenges on the implementation of Development Effectiveness principles at country level, on opportunities of innovative financing for development and emerging South South/Triangular Cooperation partnerships;
  • Maintain regional needs assessment mappings and databases Development Effectiveness and South South/Triangular Cooperation in a structured way;
  • Draft, review and edit concepts notes, knowledge products and presentations;

Support to workshops and events:

  • Support the team in organizing webinars and online Communities of Practice;
  • Provide substantive, administrative and logistic support to regional and global events related to South-South Cooperation and the upcoming GPEDC Kenya High Level meeting;

The more specific focus will be decided in consultation with the intern taking into account his/her skills development interests.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback;
  • Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners;
  • Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical/Functional Competencies/Skills:

  • Research, communication, partnership and organization skills;
  • Good writing and researching skills;
  • Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills;
  • Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines;

Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Be enrolled in a relevant graduate school programme (e.g. an area related to international development, social sciences, economics or law) second university degree or           equivalent, or higher or;
  • Be enrolled in a relevant final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • Have graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation

Experience:

  • Understanding of Development Effectiveness, South-South/Triangular Cooperation and/or Development Finance would be beneficial;
  • Africa experience or know-how is beneficial;
  • Computer literate in standard software applications;
  • Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose  and to the ideals of the UN Charter; and
  • Demonstrated 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.

Language:

  • Proficiency in English and working knowledge of French;
  • Knowledge of Portuguese would be an asset.

Intern requirements:

  • Applicants should indicate which months they are available part- and/or full time and when they complete their studies;
  • UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
  • All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
  • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship or for six months immediately following the expiration date of internship;
  • The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan;
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible.

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.