Background

The Africa Union Agenda 2063 envisions an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven and managed by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena. A prosperous and peaceful Africa is indispensable for its peoples. The UNDP Regional Programme for Africa, has similarly outlined key achievements, opportunities and challenges towards advancing sustainable human development – the process of enlarging space and inclusivity, transforming the economy to deliver for people and building a robust social contract in Africa. This is direct contribution of the UNDP to the attainment of the AU Agenda which envisions a prosperous and peaceful Africa under which meaning sustainable development can take place.

The Governance and Peacebuilding programme seeks to ensure that ‘citizens’ expectations for voice, development, the rule of law and accountability are met by stronger systems of democratic governance’. Specifically, the programme will be addressing key issues of increasing space for public participation, increasing capacity for public and civil society engagement, deepening legitimacy and interaction between state and the society and strengthening economic governance. Others include improving and coordinating regional peace architecture through policies and strategies and strengthening regional preparedness to prevent disasters and managing risks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director, Governance and Peacebuilding Cluster, the intern will  perform, inter alia, the following tasks in support of the Governance and Peacebuilding Programme:

Research and Data Management:

  • To explore and generate technical inputs to the Governance and Peacebuilding programme;
  • To support the development frameworks and indicators on governance, peace and security, corruption and overall economic governance;
  • To support consultation and contact with Governance and Peacebuilding cluster stakeholders;
  • Perform policy-oriented research on governance, peace and security, economic governance and local governance and gender;
  • Compile literature reviews on issues related to governance, peace and security, human rights, gender, anti-corruption and gender;
  • Assist in preparing for events and staff travel pertaining to the project;
  • Undertake research related  to donors intelligence both at regional and country levels.

Knowledge Management and Communication:

  • Draft, review and edit concepts notes, knowledge products and presentations;
  • Review and shape resources mobilization and partnership concepts;
  • Participate in meetings and perform other support tasks as required.

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

Competencies

Technical / Functional Competencies:

  • 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.

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Enrolled in a degree programme (related to political and social science, peace and conflict studies) in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) at the time of application and during the internship (if a candidate is graduating before the internship period begins, they are no longer eligible) or;
  • Have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree, if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages;
  • Not have graduated prior to the beginning of the internship.

Experience:

  • Understanding and experience in governance and peace building;
  • 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;
  • Demonstrated the 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;
  • Knowledge of French would be an asset.

Intern requiements:

  • 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.