Presentation of UNCDF

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is a center of excellence in local government finance and economic development for the world’s poorest countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.

UNCDF’s financing models work through three channels: 1) building inclusive digital economies by providing financial tools to climb out of poverty and connecting individuals, households, and small businesses with financial eco-systems to catalyze participation in the local economy; 2) boosting local development finance through designing innovative municipal finance systems, structuring project finance to drive local economic expansion and sustainable development, and supporting fiscal decentralization which lends localities greater autonomy and capacity to make change within their communities, and; 3) advancing investment finance by providing catalytic financial structuring, de-risking, and capital deployment to drive SDG impact and domestic resource mobilization. Through these three financing models, UNCDF strengthens how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels. Our work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal-SDG 1 on eradicating poverty and SDG 17 on the means of implementation. By identifying market segments where innovative financing models can have transformational impact, UNCDF aims to reach the last mile in ending poverty, and address exclusion and inequalities of access. Through this work, UNCDF contributes to a broad diversity of SDGs.

Background

UNCDF Local Transformative Finance Unit in Western and Central Africa is dedicated to partner with Freetown City Council (FCC - the municipal government of the city of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, established in 1893) to enable its access to market financing for its development plan “Transform Freetown”, thereby contributing to transforming the City of Freetown for the benefit of Freetown’s residents. UNCDF and FCC partnered through the Blue Peace Financing initiative set up within the framework of UNCDF partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and Geneva Water Hub.

The Blue Peace Movement is a global movement led by the Government of Switzerland that aims to develop a culture of peace and preserve freshwater resources, while achieving equitable and sustainable use of water across boundaries, sectors, and generations. Blue Peace Movement promotes solutions from international organisations, governmental agencies, the private sector, NGOs, research institutes, artists, and young people. Using a variety of diplomatic, political, technical, and financial tools, the Blue Peace Movement advocates for creative and innovative thinking on how to use, manage and invest in water resources.

The Interns reporting directly to the FCC Focal Point/Investment Officer based in Sierra Leone will provide technical and administrative support to the project, under the supervision of UNCDF, in support to FCC, for the implementation of this innovative project – implemented within the Blue Peace Financing initiative - aimed at developing and mobilizing innovative financing for the implementation of “Transform Freetown” for the benefit of Freetown’s resident. They will be working from FCC offices.

More specifically, within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the FCC Focal Point/Investment Officer, the interns will:

• Support the implementation and monitoring of ongoing projects;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the annual work plan;
• Support/contribute to the development and monitoring of partnerships (government agencies, TFPs/UN agencies, civil society, private sector (SMEs), financial institutions, local authorities, others);
• Support the organization of scoping/formulation and technical assistance missions;
• Assist in drafting project/framework documents, technical reports, performance reviews and country annual reports;
• Support the organization of meetings and participation in meetings/workshops, coordination and consultation frameworks with project stakeholders by ensuring the writing and sharing of minutes;
• Support the carrying out of a financial study on the financing needs of projects and enterprises participating in the economic empowerment of women and youth in the agriculture sector;
• Provide analytical support to the conduct of research on local development financing;
• Contribute to the development of communication and monitoring and evaluation tools (reports, briefing notes, etc.);
• Provide support to UNCDF to ensure the generation and dissemination of program knowledge;
• Support the writing and development of tailor-made materials, publications, brochures to enhance promotional activities;
• Any other task required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active UNCDF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to UNCDF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, the expected outputs of the interns are as follow:

• A system to monitor project activities established;
• Project activities monitored and progress tracked;
• Stakeholders identified and engaged;
• Project is operational;
• Communication and knowledge management products developed and available (supports, notes, PP, concept notes, press articles, etc.);
• A final report on the achievements during the mission, for example participation in activities and capacities developed, financing mobilization strategies developed, resources mobilized, partnership agreements signed, etc. realized;

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.

Work Arrangements:

• The interns will be based in Freetown, Sierra Leone;
• The interns will work under the supervision of the UNCDF FCC Focal Point/Investment Officer;
• The position is open to candidates from all nationalities, Sierra Leoneans included;
• UNCDF Internship programme is governed by the UNDP Internship Policy Framework & Rules;
• Under the new revised UNDP Internship Policy, UNCDF will provide a modest monthly internship stipend to its interns, in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity/institution. Stipends are available only for full-time/on-site internships at this time;
• Selected Interns must be able to share proof of education enrolment and/ or graduation, medical/ health and life/accident insurance, valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out and be able to provide insurance documentary proof at the time of their selection;
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNCDF but to complement an Intern’s studies and learning growth;
• There is no expectation of employment at the end of these internships.

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Budget monitoring and operations skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national staffs;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Have affinity with or interest in local development, inclusive economic growth, Public Private Partnerships, gender equality.
• A good knowledge of Sierra Leone and its socio-economic context is required;
• Creative and innovative;
• Works well under pressure;
• Fair and transparent decision-making;
• Sensitivity and adaptability to cultures and genders;
• Time management and ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously;

Education:

You must meet one of the following requirements:

• You are currently in the final year of your Bachelor’s degree; or
• You are currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
• You have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies in a relevant area, e.g. project management, portfolio management, project administration, or area related to Economics, Administration, Public Finance or related fields.

Experience:

• Experience in Sierra Leone regarding project management, public policies, project administration, or other relevant fields would be desirable;
• Experience with gender equality / support to SMEs / financial mechanism / local economic development is an asset, as an experience working in the UN or other international development organization.

Language:

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Conditions

• In accordance with the UNCDF Internship policy, UNCDF interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with the rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNCDF will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or a third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNCDF stipend.
• Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions.
• Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNCDF in any official capacity.
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNCDF and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNCDF will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNCDF, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
• UNCDF 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 UNCDF during the period of the internship.
• The intern must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNCDF in any official capacity.
• You are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for your education programme.