Since 2001, the UNDP programme in Cyprus has been delivering mainly EU funded interventions, to support Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on confidence building measures by encouraging dialogue and cooperation, and supporting the development of environmental, economic and social infrastructure on the island.

As such UNDP in Cyprus provides a diverse package of programmatic services to a range of partners which contribute to building a conducive environment for the peace process. In particular, the implementation of confidence building measures contributes to the building of trust between the two communities while demonstrating to the public at large that the communities can work together on critical issues that are of importance to all inhabitants of Cyprus across three focus areas:

• Empowering communities to protect cultural heritage
• Strengthening inter-communal mechanisms
• Improving environmental, social and economic infrastructure

Two interns will be hired through this process.

Description of Responsibilities

• Support requests for background notes, talking points, briefing materials to support the development of the programme
• Provide support to the programme team including preparing materials, organization of meetings, consultations, workshops etc;
• Participate in meetings, conferences/workshop/roundtables, training, etc. prepare summary of events
• Collect and sort existing studies and official data;
• Support in analytical work (collecting existing analytical documents and developing new ones) related to the specific tasks;
• Provide support in compiling experiences and stories on key thematic areas;
• Provide support in identifying and developing liaison with other agencies and organizations
• Provide technical support in organizing training, events, conferences and any other project related activities/initiatives;
• Draft, edit, and format news, press release, blogs;
• Support the team’s knowledge management efforts, including the external website and the intranet;
• Provide support in the monitoring and evaluation process and reporting;
• Flag relevant new research and publications;
• Works with team members on new initiatives and existing processes to support her/his learning and building necessary skills and competencies.
• Provides full support to unit’s tasks and follows up with different teams to meet deadlines.
• Supports administrative and logistical services including conferences, workshops, retreats.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Learning Elements:

• Increased understanding of UNDP’s work both in Cyprus and the region;
• Learning different aspects of knowledge management;
• Meeting and networking (virtually or in person) with other UNDP colleagues.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate commitment to UNDP mission, vision, and values;
• Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to think and work logically and work precisely with attention to detail;
• Ability to write clearly and concisely;
• The initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines;
• An interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP in particular, and to the ideals of the UN Charter;
• Demonstrated interest in the field of development;
• Excellent computer knowledge (Microsoft Office applications);
• Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in Peace and Conflict, International Political Economy, Politics and/or International Relations, Economy, Project Management, Innovation, Social Policy, Social Administration, Sociology, Information Technology Media and Communications or any equivalent studies; OR
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent); in Peace and Conflict, International Political Economy, Politics and/or International Relations, Economy, Project Management, Innovation, Social Policy, Social Administration, Sociology, Information Technology Media and Communications or any equivalent studies;  OR
• Have recently graduated with a university degree Peace and Conflict, International Political Economy, Politics and/or International Relations, Economy, Project Management, Innovation, Social Policy, Social Administration, Sociology, Information Technology, Media and Communications or any equivalent studies; (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

Experience:

• Experience in data collection and analysis in the field of social sciences is an asset
• Proficient writing and communication skills, for a range of different audiences and media is an asset;
• Experience working collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment is an asset.

Language skills:

• Excellent communication skills, and writing capabilities in English, with proven ability to take complex ideas and messages and communicate them effectively and creatively to a multitude of stakeholders and audiences;
• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively
• Knowledge of Turkish or Greek or  UN languages is an advantage.

IT skills:

• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools, including Excel is an asset;
• Knowledge of mapping, information and GIS systems and information management data bases is an asset.

Financial Issues

Internships within the UN system are subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement.

Starting from January 2020 interns will receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations.

Any further costs associated with the internship 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 arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs.

Application procedure

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
• Current and complete CV in English;

• Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.
• Candidates who are selected for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:
• Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme;
• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.

Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance.

Subsequent Employment

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.

More information available at: http://www.undp.org/internships/.