UNDP through the Regional Programme promotes political participation and leadership among women; their economic empowerment; and their engagement in peace and security. UNDP works to advance gender equality and empower women as agents of change and leaders in the development processes that shape their lives towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient world. Gender equality and women’s empowerment is integrated in the organization’s work in promoting sustainable development pathways, inclusive and effective governance systems and resilience building.  UNDP’s framework for engagement is drawn from the four interconnected pathways identified in the Africa Human Development Report on accelerating gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa: a) supporting implementation of existing legal reforms for improved gender equality; b) engaging women in decision-making at all levels, including in conflict resolution and peace consolidation; c) eliminating discriminatory social institutions that block women’s health and education; and d) providing equitable access to economic, financial and natural resources.

The 2022-25 Strategic Offer for Africa, focusing on six impact areas (structural economic transformation, natural resource governance, climate change, affordable and sustainable energy, women and youth empowerment, and peace and security) prioritizes the region’s economic and developmental transformation. Aligned with these overarching priorities, the Regional Programme for Africa (2022-25) is a flagship UNDP programme that contributes to regional development by addressing challenges facing Africa and amplifying opportunities related to the priorities and aspirations defined by the African Union and other regional entities.

As a strategic tool of UNDP Africa, the Regional Programme underpins UNDP Africa’s regional development priorities in four key priority areas: People, Planet, Peace and Prosperity. It also operates as an integrated continental coordination mechanism, and links regional, sub-regional and country development planning for greater effectiveness and results. Through its robust partnerships with regional actors, the Regional Programme also acts as an incubator for innovation, a driver of development and transformational change in Africa.

UNDP Regional Service center for Africa, through the Regional Programme, seeks to recruit a Governance and Peacebuilding intern to support the implementation of the regional programme governance, peacebuilding, stabilisation portfolios. The intern will work under the direct and/or matrix supervision of the Regional Programme Advisors pertaining to the portfolios and works closely with the three hubs in Africa, HQ, relevant thematic teams in the RSCA and external/internal partners.  

The Governance and Peacebuilding intern shall perform, inter alia, the following tasks:

Support to conflict prevention and peacebuilding:

• Provide analysis, policy and programme support to the broader effort in supporting and strengthening of key governance institutions.
• Assist in developing and disseminating policy issue papers in areas of conflict prevention and management, conflict sensitive planning and development
• Review of literature supporting relevant teams in areas of infrastructures for peace, reconciliation, national dialogue, and social cohesion.

Support to inclusive political processes:

• Participate and contribute to the regional programmes various integrated approach to supporting inclusive political processes programmatic interventions;
• Prepare relevant analysis, outcome documents and research on comparative advantages of the regional programme in supporting and strengthening the capacities of political processes and institutions in order to improve citizen participation, voice and accountability and rebuild a stronger and more inclusive social contract
• Identify entry points to support policy development and programmatic approaches to enhance the capacities of key political institutions and groups

Research, communication and support to governance portfolio:

• Conduct context analysis, research and compile information on how best to support member states to deliver quality services, improve accountability and expand the opportunities for inclusive economic and social progress;
• Draft, review and edit concepts notes, knowledge products and presentations for the relevant teams; 
• Participate in meetings, contribute and perform other tasks to support the governance, peacebuilding, and inclusive transition portfolios.
• Specific task and focus will be further detailed and articulated in consultation with the intern taking his/her skills development and interests into account. 

Education:

• Be enrolled in a relevant under-graduate school/programme with good academic standing and GPA.
• Field of study related to governance, peacebuilding, global affairs/global issues or conflict prevention

Experience:

• Understanding of conflict prevention and peacebuilding
• Computer literate in standard software applications.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in English and working knowledge of French is an asset.

Intern requirements:

• The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed.
• Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by UNDP.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the 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.
• Additional information regarding the UNDP Internship Programme may be obtained at http://www.undp.org/internships.

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.