Background

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a Communications Strategy for the CWGER to underpin the activities listed below, recommending ways to promote the early recovery message, communicate the work that is being done, strengthen advocacy to IASC partners and within UNDP, and any other issues where communications can support the role of the CWGER;
• Develop a communications and information management platform; developing communications materials for the CWGER; and draft ‘key messages’ that clearly define what early recovery is for the CWGER, UNDP, and other humanitarian and development actors;
• Draft short papers on UNDP’s role in the humanitarian environment (linking with the Strategic Plan, and with humanitarian policy issues e.g. Transformative Agenda, Humanitarian Programme Cycle, Cluster Coordination Module etc.). The intern will produce a series of short and accessible papers on the different roles UNDP and/or the CWGER has in the humanitarian arena: early recovery (particularly UNDP’s leadership role in early recovery); accountability and early recovery; early recovery and the importance of national authorities and local capacity; early recovery and information management; early recovery and monitoring; early recovery in inter-cluster coordination; transition; solutions for protracted displacement; preparedness and risk reduction; resilience;  programmes (signature products). Much of the information for these products will be based around the newly revised IASC Guidance Note on Early Recovery;
• Some (conservative) creativity is required for layout and design, and liaison with BCPR Communications (NY) may be needed in relation to templates and formatting for any official products;
• Develop a new, or build upon and maintain the existing web platform for the CWGER to host its information materials, and also provide a space for deployed ERAs and CCs to input text and upload materials from countries where they are deployed. This task will include researching web-based options (website hosting services and costs; in-house experience with web development) and designing a user-friendly interface for CWGER staff to use and for deployed ERAs and CCs to use remotely (access rights and training would need to be provided to the deployed ERAs). The CWGER currently uses a Wordpress platform and would consider other options based on usability and aesthetics;
• Support the Inter-Agency Early Recovery Advisor with commitments to the Information Management Working Group;
• The intern will have the opportunity to participate in numerous inter-agency meetings, member states briefing occasionally, and other relevant fora that will help the intern build their knowledge of humanitarian policy issues, and particular situation in countries affected by crises;
• The intern, with the support of his/her supervisor, must develop a strong understanding of the distinct roles of early recovery between the coordination support to the humanitarian system (CWGER, run from Geneva) and the programmatic support (signature products run out of NY and from Country Offices); and
• The CWGER will be organizing numerous trainings this year which will include an on-line element, and will require some on-line organizational skills. The intern may also be utilized by the training team for technical support on such matters.

Competencies

• Some understanding of, and ability to use, web design programmes and / or other graphics applications;
• Ability to teach other team members how to use new systems for information management, information sharing, and website management;
• Good understanding of, and ability to utilise IT infrastructure for information management and information sharing;
• Knowledge of digital film making, audio recording, and editing would be an advantage.
• Strong writing ability in English;
• Ability in layout and design to create aesthetically pleasing in-house publications; and
• Other languages would be an advantage.

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of the UN and UNDP; and
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.

• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
• Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships with UN Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies.

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Promotes knowledge management and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
• Sound time management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks; and
• Capacity to work under tight deadlines, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations.

Required Skills and Experience

• Enrolled in an advanced degree (masters level) in political science/international relations, or field related to the specific of the TOR; or the equivalent combination of education and the extensive relevant professional experience in a related area.

• Experience working in international development and/or humanitarian assistance would be an asset; and
• Some knowledge of inter-agency coordination, needs assessment, humanitarian policy development, strategy formulation, programme planning and monitoring & evaluation in crisis and post-crisis settings.

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this post;
• French language skills would be an advantage.

The applicants who are shortlisted for an interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

• Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme (and graduation date);
• Copy of school transcript;
• Duly completed UNDP Internship Application form;
• 2 relevant writing samples.

• Letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised the student in the recent past and who is fully acquainted with the student's performance;
• A brief paper setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience;
• A Medical Certificate of Good Health from a recognized physician. If the intern is expected to travel outside the country of their residence, other than to Europe and North America, the physician must indicate whether he/she is fit to travel and has had the required inoculations for the country or countries to which the intern is to travel;
• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location(s) in which the internship will be carried out.
  

• Interns are not staff members;
• Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. The costs associated 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 own arrangements for travel, accommodation, visa, etc;
• Candidates must present proof of medical insurance coverage during the internship period.