Background

The UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017 advocates for the effective enhancement of the capacity of UNV Field Units based at the country level with high quality programme advisory support through a regional office. The Strategic Framework informs the Global Programmes in the following focus areas: a) Access to Basic Services, b) Community resilience for environment and disaster risk reduction, c) Peacebuilding, d) Youth and e) National capacity building through volunteer infrastructure.

Within the context of the UNV Strategic Framework and through the Global Programmes, the UNV Regional Offices are to provide high quality programmatic support and establish strategic partnerships at the regional level to promote volunteerism for peace and development in their respective regions. Currently, the team consists of a Regional Programme Manager, five International UN Volunteers Specialists with thematic profiles based on the five Global Programmes: Securing Access to Basic Social Services, Community Resilience for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction, Peace Building, Youth and National Capacity Development through Volunteer Schemes, and one Fully-Funded International UN Volunteer – Report and Conference Coordination Specialist. The team is supported by a Programme Associate.

The UNV Regional Office in Nairobi ensures strategic, focused and high-quality programmatic UNV partnerships to respond to country (25 UNV field units in East and Southern Africa) and regional programming needs in the five aforementioned areas of global programmes.

  • Programme and project development;
  • Technical advice on programmatic best practices at the global and regional levels;
  • Resource mobilization initiatives for peace and development projects;
  • Support regional partnership building with a spectrum of stakeholders among UN agencies, governments, private sector and civil society;
  • Support the integration of evidence and knowledge generated by UNV programmes, knowledge and innovation management systems, and UNV flagship publications into the UNV programme development;

Map UNDAFs and recommend priority UNDAFs to engage each year using critical entry points in the UNDAF timeline.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Associate and support from the HQ UNV Communications Unit in Bonn, the intern shall work with the UNV Regional Office team to perform, inter alia, the following tasks: -

  1. Engage with the UNV Regional Office team in strategic communications planning and processes that support the organization’s mission, strengthen the visibility of the regional office activities and raise public awareness on volunteer mobilization.
  2. In collaboration with the UNV RO team, design and produce relevant knowledge management products and communication packages.
  3. Engage with the UNVRO team in writing and disseminating of external-oriented content for the UNV website, social media, newsletters, and other outreach mediums, in line with corporate guidelines.
  4. Review and edit success stories, blogs, etc. from Country Office field unit’s teams and, in line with corporate guidelines, ensuring they demonstrate UNV’s added value and thought leadership, and are ready for publishing and dissemination.
  5. Monitor and improve communication tools (including communications products and online channels) to ensure clear communication of results and UNV positions on key issues to advance the development agenda.
  6. Assist the ESARO team in the organisation of key events and communication opportunities, such as major regional conferences, discussions and report launches.
  7. Promote key events and results of the Regional Ofice and Field Units within the Region
  8. Identify sources of information related to volunteerism and development from countries in the region and facilitate sharing and replication of practices and lessons learned;

Participate in meetings and perform other communications/advocacy support tasks as required.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
  • Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners;
  • Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical/Functional Competencies:

  • Excellent writing and researching skills;
  • Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills;
  • Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines;
  • Attention to detail and ability to work independently and effectively;
  • Fluency in both written and spoken English;
  • Experience in maintaining social media channels and using communication tools

Development and Operational Effectiveness;

  • Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
  • High degree of self-motivation and initiative;
  • Willingness to learn and apply new analytical approaches.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Be enrolled in a relevant graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or;
  • Be enrolled in a relevant final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • Have graduated with a university degree as defined below and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation
  • Field of study related to communications, journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, and/or related fields.
  • Knowledge in production of advocacy material will be an advantage.

Experience:

  • UN or UNDP experience or know-how beneficial;
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in communications, media relations and/or advocacy campaigns, using traditional and social media;
  • Work experience considered as an asset.
  • Sound computer skills and experience using the Internet and web based applications and content management systems

Conditions of the Internship:

  • Interns are considered gratis personnel. They 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 transport, accommodation, etc.

Working Arrangement:

  • The Intern is expected to report for work in UNV Regional Office. 

Application procedure:

The application should contain:

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

Candidates selected for interview must submit the following documents prior to the interview:

  • Official letter from the University confirming enrolment 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.

A written test might be conducted as part of the interview process. 

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.