Background

The UNDP’s Gender Equality Strategy (2014-2017) mission is to contribute to the eradication of poverty and the significant reduction of gender inequalities by empowering women and promoting and protecting their rights. By advancing gender equality and empowering women as agents of change and leaders in the development processes that shape their lives. UNDP envisages a more inclusive sustainable and resilient world. Thus, the Gender Equality Strategy provides strategic guidance to UNDP business units to mainstream gender as they operationalize the UNDP Strategic Plan 2014- 2017. For a long time gender mainstreaming has been part of UNDP’s policy and all the UN country offices are expected to strengthen gender mainstreaming in all of their programmes and operations. In this regard, the South Africa Country Office has developed a Gender Equality Strategy and Action Plan to help it advance the goals of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in all its Programmes and Operations. The Action Plan is ready for implementation and monitoring.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Gender Intern will have the opportunity to learn and explore various aspects of mainstreaming gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in programmes and operations. Under the guidance of the Gender and HIV Programme Manager, the Programme Associate and the Gender Focal Team (GFT), the Gender Intern will provide support and assistance and gain experiential learning in some or all aspects related to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

Key Functions:

  • Participate in and take minutes during to the Country Office Gender Focal Team meetings;
  • Participate in and contribute to the Country Office Gender Seal Certification process;
  • Document and file all evidence of progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in country office programmes and operations both electronically and in hard copy;
  • Assist in monitoring the Implementation of all the 7 Result Areas of the Gender Equality Action Plan and alert the Gender and HIV programme Manager and the Gender Focal Team on any bottlenecks;
  • Assist HR to develop an orientation pack for new staff that incudes key gender messages and information about UNDP’s commitment to gender equality;
  • Capture and document any gender-related knowledge product that is being prepared by programme staff;
  • Assist the Communications manager to ensure that gender and women empowerment work is clearly depicted on the website in the appropriate space;
  • Assist the communications officer to develop a database of all gender and women empowerment-related partnerships;
  • Under the supervision of the Gender and HIV Programme Manager, provide administrative support to the Women in the Judiciary project;
  • Perform any other duties that may be assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism:

  • Shows pride in work and in achievements;
  • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Show persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication:

  • Speaks and write clearly and effectively;
  • Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
  • Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
  • Tailors language, form, style to suit audiences;
  • Demonstrates openness in keeping people informed and sharing information;
  • Ability to communicate clearly the links between UNDP global Gender Equality Strategy and the CO’s goals on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Commitment to Continuous Learning:

  • Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession;
  • Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally;
  • Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates;
  • Shows willingness to learn from others;
  • Seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants must, at the time of application, have one of the following:

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher)
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of the first degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or above)
  • Have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree
  • If selected, must commence the internship immediately
  • Official proof from the university in support of one of the above options has to be attached to the application.

The cover note must include:

  • Name of university and the name of degree you are currently pursuing;
  • Graduation date – when you expect to graduate from the programme;
  • A listing of IT skills and programmes you are proficient in;
  • An explanation of your interest in the work of UNDP.

Language:

Applicants must, at the time of application have one of the following:

  • Fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency is required;
  • Knowledge of another of another United Nations language will be an advantage.

Conditions:

  • UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
  • All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
  • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship or for six months immediately following the expiration date of 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;
  • Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible.

Subsequent Employment:

  • The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.