UNDP Jobs - 16558- Intern - Business Call to Action (BCtA)

Intern - Business Call to Action (BCtA)

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

10-Jul-2010

Application Deadline :

21-Jun-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six (6) Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Six (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

Business Call to Action (BCtA) is a joint initiative of the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF), the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) and the UN Global Compact (UNGC).

The overall goal of the BCtA is to reduce poverty and accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by encouraging companies operating in or trading with developing countries to adapt their core business models, competencies and approaches to help improve the lives of people through innovation, investment and creation of decent jobs while leveraging their core business expertise and realizing commercial success. The Partnership aims to develop the BCtA into a globally recognized, respected and a quality-driven platform for companies to inform stakeholders of what they are doing and to significantly increase the delivery of development and poverty-reduction benefits resulting from their commercially profitable operations in or with the developing countries.

The credibility of and value added by the BCtA is established by its ability to (i) influence the companies to undertake initiatives that offer real development outcomes and commercial success, and (ii) recognizing, validating and disseminating meaningful reportedresults. This will help ensure that having their initiative(s) accepted onto the platform and regularly reported upon is viewed by companies as being of reputational and marketable value.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern is requested to provide support in the following tasks:

Company Information Management

BCtA is currently building a new company data base, for the purpose of storing and updating relevant information on member companies. This will include contact information, as well as company initiative data. The intern’s tasks will include:

Populating the database with contact information from available sources
Uploading relevant information and uploading documents relevant to company initiatives
Supporting the BCtA Business Outreach Specialist on company engagement and recording relevant conversations and information on company initiatives to be included in the data base.

BCtA Communications

The BCtA is building its brand through various social media networks, discussion boards, and blogs. The intern will work with BCtA staff to leverage existing social media tools and online platforms to raise awareness of the Secretariat and member company activities, attract new members, share information on inclusive business, and foster a community of practice. Requires strong writing and editing skills.

Other tasks as may be agreed upon by the BCtA Secretariat, including assistance to financial/administrative functions, or the organization of BCtA events and outreach activities.

Competencies

Fluent in both written and spoken English.
Demonstrated interest in the field of development, especially in issues related to the private sector and knowledge of “pro-poor” business and their potential to contribute to development.
Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines.
Effective communications and interpersonal skills.
Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

Available for working on a part time or full time basis in the Business Call to Action for a period of 3-6 months. (Applicants available for six months are preferred. Applicants must state their availability).
Currently enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme as a full-time student in development related fields.

Other Information:

The candidates who are shortlisted for an interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme (and graduation date).
Copy of school transcript.
Duly completed UNDP Internship Application form.

Before receiving a contract, the selected candidate will have to provide the additional documents:

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.
A Medical Certificate of Good Health from a recognized physician. If the intern is expected to travel outside the country of their residence, other than to Europe and North America, the physician must indicate whether he/she is fit to travel and has had the required inoculations for the country or countries to which the intern is to travel.
Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location(s) in which the internship will be carried out. Click here for a list of insurance carriers offering expatriate individual health and life/accident insurance plans for students.

Selection Process

UNDP is not responsible for any financial support (travel, accommodations and transportation). Candidates must present proof of medical insurance coverage during the internship period. For more information about the application process and UNDP's internship terms and conditions, visit: www.undp.org/internships

Please submit your application online: www.undp.org/jobs