Background

The UNDP Oslo Governance Centre (OGC) is UNDP’s Global Policy Centre for policy development and applied research with an overarching focus on democratic governance and peacebuilding in crisis, conflict and transitional contexts. The Oslo Governance Centre sits within the Governance and Peacebuilding Cluster, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support. It engages with Norwegian, Nordic and other partners from the South in undertaking applied research and developing policy options and tools for governance support in post-crisis and post-conflict environments, in order to find practical solutions on the ground.

 One of the thematic focus areas for the Centre is governance of extractive industries in post-crisis and post-conflict settings and its impact on sustainable development and progress towards more inclusive institutions. The thematic work-area focuses on governance mechanisms of the EI sector, and looking at possible mechanisms for mitigating conflict such as decentralisation of the EI sector and revenue-sharing arrangements; multi-stakeholder initiatives and dialogue mechanisms; international mechanisms such as the Kimberley Process and the EU directive; the role of the private sector in fragile contexts; and the role of the EI sector in achieving the SDGs.

 As a global policy centre on governance and peacebuilding, the OGC undertakes applied research and disseminates knowledge on how countries take different pathways to develop more inclusive economic and political institutions, in post-crisis settings and transitions. Of direct importance in analysing these trajectories is the way in which countries evolve in the governance of natural resources and in addressing inequalities in society, in particular gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the relevant Policy Analyst of the OGC, the intern will be expected to provide support to the Centre’s work in the following thematic area: conflict and extractive industries.

Tasks will include:

  • Undertaking desk based research as required for ongoing and pipeline initiatives;
  • Compiling literature reviews on issues related to the thematic topic;
  • Drafting, reviewing and editing concepts notes, reports and presentations;
  • Supporting the organisation of events, webinars, meetings and other OGC outreach related activities;
  • Participating in meetings and perform other support tasks as required;
  • Media monitoring

Competencies

  • Good communication, writing/drafting (in English) and researching skills;
  • Strong analytical aptitude
  • Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
  • Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively.
  • Knowledge of the UN/UNDP and commitment to UN mission and UNDP mandate is an advantage;
  • Computer proficiency: MS Office; presentation skills and ability to effectively organise and present information.

Required Skills and Experience

Experience:

Relevant knowledge and experience in democratic governance in crisis and transition contexts including the gender dimensions.

Education:

Master’s programme or graduate-level degree programme in a development-related field such as economics, international relations, sociology, public or business administration, political sciences.

Eligibility:

  • Applications to the UNDP Internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
  • Please apply via the link in this advertisement and upload your CV and Letter of Motivation.  In addition, long-listed candidates will be asked to submit:
  • Letter from the candidate’s university confirming current enrollment and graduation date, if applicable;
  • Copy of the candidate’s school transcript;
  • Endorsement letter or letter of reference from a faculty member, if requested.

Interns are considered gratis personnel and are not financially remunerated by UNDP. They are not staff members however, they are bound by the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:

  • The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or
  • The intern, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence through private sources.

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.

 Applicants for internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For applicants which are neither nationals or residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

  • Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;
  • Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship.

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.