Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Unit/ Project Background:

Geneva is host to over 40 UN entities representing a strategic mix of specialized agencies, entities with a critical normative support function, programme entities and smaller technical offices, as well as close partners of the UN system. More than 200 non-governmental organizations are headquartered in Geneva – many of which work directly or indirectly on gender equality and women’s rights. A large number of intergovernmental processes with direct relevance to the gender equality and empowerment of women agenda are held primarily or exclusively in Geneva. Geneva is the internationally recognized center of expertise in many of UN-Women’s priority areas.

The UN Women Liaison Office at Geneva has the following functions:

  1. Strategically influence, strengthen coordination, engage and deepen partnerships with the broad range of stakeholders and intergovernmental processes at UNHQ Geneva on gender equality and the empowerment of women;
  2. Enhance UN-Women’s global voice for women and girls and establish its leadership role in International Geneva and at UNHQ Geneva for full and timely implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;Accelerate operational results for women and girls in sectors covered by the Geneva-based UN and international entities and intergovernmental processes.
  3. Accelerate operational results for women and girls in sectors covered by the Geneva-based UN and international entities and intergovernmental processes.

Under the direct supervision and guidance of Director of the Liaison Office, the Intern will provide support to the Liaison Office’s work. A work plan with achievements for the duration of the Internship and learning opportunities will be agreed upon.

Duties and Responsibilities

Tasks and Responsibilities

  1. Support the engagement of the Liaison Office in intergovernmental processes at the United Nations Geneva including by participating in, monitoring and reporting on informal and formal meetings, taking notes and drafting minutes;
  2. Review, analyze and draft summaries of reports and policy documents, and of intergovernmental outcomes, from a gender equality perspective; and draft documents (i.e. concept notes, briefing notes and presentations);
  3. Provide substantive and logistical support for the organization of Liaison Office events and briefings at the United Nations Office at Geneva;
  4. Handle inquiries from students and the general public, and facilitate logistics for Liaison Office visitors;
  5. Carry out other assignments as required.

Learning Elements

  1. Increased understanding of UN Women’s mandate, areas of work and activities
  2. Increased understanding of intergovernmental processes and negotiations
  3. Strengthened political and diplomatic skills
  4. Experience of being a team member in a multicultural setting

 

Competencies

Core Values: 

  • Respect for Diversity 
  • Integrity 
  • Professionalism 

Core Competencies: 

  • Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues 
  • Accountability 
  • Creative Problem Solving 
  • Effective Communication 
  • Inclusive Collaboration 
  • Stakeholder Engagement 
  • Leading by Example 

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies:?http://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/about%20us/employment/un-women-employment-values-and-competencies-definitions-en.pdf 

Functional Competencies:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Package.
  • Ability to think logically and work with great attention to detail.
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely.
  • Ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Required Skills and Experience

 

Education:

  • The intern must have studies in political or social sciences, communications, law, public relations, public administration or other similar subject at the university level.
  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
  • Or be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
  • Or have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

Language:

  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required; working knowledge of French and another UN language a distinct advantage.

Interns are not financially remunerated by UN Women.

Application Information:

  • UN Women will only be able to respond to those applications in which there is further interest.
  • Selected applicants must provide the internship application, two letters of recommendation, proof of health insurance and school enrollment, passport, and visa (if applicable).

Note:

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

UN Women Internship Policy:

1) Applicants to the United Nations internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

     (a)    Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);

     (b)    Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);

     (c)    Have graduated with a university degree (as (b) above) and, if selected, must commence the internship w

2) UN Women internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;

3) All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution;

4) UN Women accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;

5) The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will
     be performed;

6) The intern must provide proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan, proof of school enrollment, a scanned copy of his/her passport,
     two letters of recommendation, and application.