Background

UNDP Malawi works in close collaboration with the government of Malawi and other partners to build national capacity to combat the widespread and deep-rooted poverty in Malawi. UNDP programmes are aligned to the national development priorities as drawn from the Malawi Development Strategy (MGDS) and supports national development efforts addressing Pro-Poor Policy, Economic and Social Empowerment, Monitoring and Evaluation, Private Sector Development (Trade and Investment), Information Communication and Technology for Development (ICTD), Energy and Environment, and Disaster Preventions and Recovery and Democratic Governance.

The Resilience and Sustainable Growth (RSG) Portfolio within UNDP Malawi is the section that works closely with the government of Malawi and other developing partners to ensure that the country benefits from the effective management of environment, natural resources, climate change and disaster risk reduction.  The RSG portfolio also spearheads innovative initiatives through its private sector development programmes.  Advocacy and policy level is also one of the core functions of RSG which promotes the implementation and climate-proofing of policies, strategies and plans of key sectors particularly those directly affected by climate change, thus creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment within which vulnerable communities can be empowered to adapt to climate change induced challenges.

The RSG portfolio is growing in number of programmes and partnerships for resource mobilization and is therefore seeking the services of an intern for a total of six months. Under the guidance of RSG Portfolio Manager, the intern will:

  • assist in the formulation of new projects in the areas of disaster risk management and adaptation to climate change
  • prepare knowledge products showcase development results in adaptation to climate change and disaster risk reduction
  • conduct applied research to inform the implementation of existing initiatives and the formulation of new programmes.

 The Intern will gain valuable insight into the working of the UN system as well as build his/her capacity for future work opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Produce two knowledge products respecting the Climate Proofing and Adapt Plan initiatives (including examples of ‘spontaneous’ or ‘autonomous’ adaptation).
  • Document lessons learnt on how UNDP’s work on adaptation is informing district planning and household decision-making, strengths/weakness of adaptation methodologies, relevance of results to larger programmes like social cash transfer, public works linked to Local Development Fund, and broader district planning processes in Malawi.
  • Contribute substantial input to development of concept notes on south-south Corporation and urban resilience options, research papers, briefing notes, policy papers, and other materials as required.
  • Support the formulation of the National Adaptation Planning (NAP) project document.
  • Assist in the planning and delivery of “brown bag luncheons” in liaison with the Programme Specialist;
  • Identify and develop possible areas for partnership with local organizations, universities, research institutions.
  • Other duties as required.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

  • Ability  to pro-actively undertake tasks that fall under TORs;
  • Self-organizer with respect for deadlines;
  • Team Player;
  • Excellent writing skills;
  • Commitment to continuous learning;
  • Quick learner;
  • Technological awareness: Proficiency in various MS Office applications and other IT applications;
  • Ability  to facilitate activities;
  • Punctuality, intellectual curiosity, willingness to take initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Good computer skills (Microsoft Office, Publisher, PowerPoint etc.);
  • Polite and outgoing;
  • Ability to conduct evidence-based analysis and play an active role in the development of program policy and direction.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • A minimum of a university degree in environmental sciences, disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change or related field.

Experince and other Requirements:

  • A minimum of 2 years experience working or applied research in the field of climate change adaptation, DRR, environment and natural resource management;
  • Proven record of successful interaction with individuals from a diverse array of backgrounds, including government officials,
  • Understanding of the linkages between social, economic, institutional, and political environment in Malawi and understanding of political economy and theories of change;
  • Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Language:

  •  English.

Important to note:

  • Qualified female candidates as well as post graduate and doctoral students are encouraged to apply.
  •  UNDP Internships are not paid/remunerated.
  • To apply for this position, please send your current CV (not to exceed 3 pages), a letter explaining your interest in this position and detailing relevant achievements, and the contact information for 2 traceable professional references.