Background

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

  • Sustainable development
  • Democratic governance and peacebuilding
  • Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2) is a continuation of the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiative – ReLOaD1 implemented in the four-year period 2017 - 2020.

The project will continue with strengthening participatory democracies and the European Union (EU) integration process in the Western Balkan through empowerment of civil society and youth to actively take part in decision making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for CSOs during the period 2021-2024. Building on earlier efforts, ReLOaD2 is scaling up its activities through the involvement of new beneficiaries (municipalities and CSOs) and by including new activities such as support to youth initiatives and more tailored approach to capacity building in supporting CSOs.

ReLOaD2 is a regional initiative financially supported by the EU and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Western Balkan countries/territories (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia).

ReLOaD2 in Kosovo through competitive process has selected and signed MoUs with 7 new partner local governments (Dragash/š, Fushë Kosovë/Kosovo Polje, Mitrovicë/a South, Podujevë/o, Rahovec/Orahovac Skenderaj/Srbica, Shtërpcë/Štrpce), and will focus on institutionalization of interaction between local governments and CSOs. It will incite partner local governments to use public funding for CSOs in a transparent and development-oriented manner, recognising local needs and embracing a project-based approach.

In accordance with the main project objectives is the national Strategy for Cooperation with Civil Society 2019-2023 that has identified among major areas, the relevance of the civil sector participation in policy making, increasing accountability and transparency in public financing of CSOs. Furthermore, with the implementation of the Regulation MF – NR – 04/2017 on Criteria, Standards and Procedures on public Funding of NGOs, project aims to ensure municipal support for CSOs is in place and provides the Manual for distribution of public funds to CSOs which shall reflect also the recommendations from the LOD1 methodology. Nevertheless, there is still lack of application and capacity from municipalities and CSOs to properly implement such mechanism.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the ReLOaD2 Project Manager, the Communication Intern is expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Support the development of the Visibility and Communication Plan for Kosovo by using project’s regional knowledge and know-how techniques practiced in line with the visibility guidelines of the Action and the communication strategy of ReLOaD2;  
  • Prepare materials for delivery of specific session on visibility (for representatives of partner municipalities and partner CSOs);
  • Promote the Visibility and Communication Guidelines for CSOs that will implement projects under ReLOaD2 in Kosovo;
  • Support content development for stories, op-eds, talking points, press releases and/or social media posts;
  • Provide support to partner CSOs of ReLOaD2 project on implementation of Visibility and Communication Guidelines;
  • Assist in development of videos featuring project beneficiaries and highlighting project results by disseminating them through the relevant channels, including social media;
  • Prepare final communication report;
  • Assist the team in admin activities and processes;
  • Assist in preparing the evaluation matrix/documents related to the work of evaluation commissions;
  • In charge of filling and maintaining the folder on received CSOs/Youth project proposals;
  • Provide assistance in updating tables on CSOs/Youth participation in info, training and mentoring sessions;
  • Perform any other duties within the scope of work assigned by the ReLOaD2 Project Manager.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

  • Very strong communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated the ability to build trust.
  • Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding the position.
  • Ability to carry out tasks independently as well in a team environment.
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines;
  • Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
  • Detail-oriented way of working;
  • Innovative and creative approach to tasks;
  • Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.

Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrating/safeguarding UN’s values, ethics, and integrity.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Actively promotes gender equality in all assignment activities.
  • Self-development, initiative-taking.
  • Acting as a team player.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
  • Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Field of study: communications, marketing, international affairs, public policy, journalism, economics, social sciences or equivalent.

Experience:

  • Previous experience in in the area of communications is an asset.
  • Experience in social media management and monitoring: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc. is an asset.
  • Experience in website editing and management tools would be a distinct asset.
  • Experience in organization of events, conferences etc. is an asset.

Language skills:

  • Proficiency in English and Albanian, both written and verbal is required. Knowledge of Serbian is desirable.

LEARNING

The intern will have the opportunity to: 

  • Participate in in-house training opportunities as applicable. 
  • Learn the structure, mechanisms, policies and practice areas of UNDP. 
  • Strengthen his/her effective writing. 

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS - Stipends, insurance and interns’ expenses

Status

Interns are not considered as having the status of a staff member. During the internship with UNDP, interns are subject to the Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission (ST/SGB/2002/9).

Interns must not represent UNDP in any official capacity or commit resources on its behalf.

Duration:

The normal duration of internship is no less than six weeks and no more than six months. Internship assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns.

The envisaged duration of this Internship is 6 months full-time working status.

Medical Insurance

Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP 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.

Expenses

The stipend will include a monthly remuneration.                                                                                                                  

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 the receiving office.

Subsequent Employment

There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.

Termination

The internship can be terminated by either UNDP or the intern for any reason upon giving two weeks’ notice.

Responsibilities and obligations of the office and the supervisor:

The receiving office and supervisors must create a working environment conducive to interns’ substantive learning and professional development.

Offices must:

  • Ensure that an intern’s assignment is at the appropriate level of complexity and variety;                                           
  • Ensure proper supervision of the intern;                                                                                                                                
  • Ensure that the intern is informed of UN’s policy on Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Abuse of Authority and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse                                                                                                                                 
  • Prepare terms of reference describing the tasks of interns in the office; and                                                                             
  • Provide constructive feedback to the intern regarding their performance.

Applicants will be required to submit the following documentation:

  • Copy of his/her most recent resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date or copy of diploma if already graduated.
  • Copy of his/her school transcript.
  • Endorsement letter or letter of reference in English language from a faculty member with University heading, signed and stamped.

The successful candidate will be asked to provide, prior to commencing work, the following documentation:

  • A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
  • Medical Certificate of Good Health.
  • Proof of medical insurance valid for Kosovo throughout the duration of the Internship.

Applications not in accordance with the mandatory requirements will NOT be considered.

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.

Application:

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

  • Download and complete the the UNDP PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P11) - P11 Form
  • Click on the "Apply now" button;
  • Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box;
  • Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11);
  • System will only allow one attachment. All docs (P11, academic qualifications/diploma) should be included as one attachment.