Background

UNDP is the global development network of the United Nations, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in more than 170 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. UNDP Geneva Office seeks to support the active and strategic engagement of UNDP with Geneva-based UN and other external humanitarian, human rights and development partners whose work is vital for the successful achievement of UNDP’s recently adopted Strategic Plan 2018-2021.

Anchored   in   the   2030   Agenda   for   Sustainable   Development   and   committed   to   the   principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind, the UNDP vision for the Strategic Plan, 2018-2021 is to help countries achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shocks. This Strategic Plan sets out a vision for the evolution of UNDP over the next four years, responding to a changing development landscape and the evolving needs of our partners.

The new Strategic Plan is accompanied by the Integrated Result and Resource Frameworks which includes as outcome 3 to Strengthen Resilience to Shocks and Crisis and more specifically output 3.2.1: “National capacities strengthened for reintegration, reconciliation, peaceful management of conflict and prevention of violent extremism in responses to national polities and priorities”.  The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (PBPPS) and in particular its Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) is working towards the implementation of this outcome and output, by specifically supporting the reintegration of ex-combatants in the context of DDR and PRR, and violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism. BPPS provides both technical support to country programmes where reintegration of ex-combatants/fighters is a key component as well as the development of key policies. BPPS/SDC also liaises and coordinates with other UNDP teams and offices to support the broader goal of outcome 3.

UNDP co-chairs the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) on DDR together with DPKO. The IAWG was established in 2005 to develop and provide cutting-edge policies and resources to DDR practitioners. In 2006 the IAWG launched the Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Standards (IDDRS) providing guidance for the planning and implementation of DDR programmes. In 2016, the IAWG took the decision to review and update the IDDRS to ensure it reflects the current contexts in which DDR programs are being implemented.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Policy Specialist, Partnerships, Reintegration and Livelihoods, who acts as UNDP Global Focal Point for Reintegration and IAWG-DDR Co-Chair, the Intern will support UNDP’s roles and responsibilities related to:

  1. Country programme formulation, planning and follow up;
  2. Inter-Agency Coordination;
  3. Policy development, including UNDP guidance and the revision of the IDDRS;
  4. Knowledge management and communication at UNDP and inter-agency levels.

During the internship, the successful candidate is expected to undertake and complete the following tasks:

  1. Support the organization of meetings and events such as publications launches (draft agenda, ensure establishment of phone bridge/VTC connection, participation of members, minutes, as relevant);
  2. Prepare drafts of relevant background documents for meetings (terms of reference, concept notes, reports, as relevant);
  3. Prepare and update mappings of actors, programmes or relevant issues/topics;
  4. Prepare drafts of communication materials for the website and other relevant means of communication;
  5. Conduct desk reviews and research on relevant topics in support of policy development and strategic advice;
  6. Participate in internal meetings and provide overall support in preparation of minutes;
  7. Participate in missions and trainings as appropriate; and
  8. Carry out all other related tasks assigned by the Policy Specialist as agreed.

Due to the nature of the thematic areas to be covered, the duties of the intern may vary and change during the course of the internship. A high degree of flexibility and independence is required.

Competencies

  • Effective communication skills with staff at all levels of the organization;
  • Strong research, analytical and writing skills;
  • Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and appreciation for diversity;
  • Ability to pay great attention to detail and exercise sound judgment;
  • Ability to work well in a team and project a positive image;
  • Self-motivation and ability to recommend options for resolution of issues;
  • Strong service orientation.

Required Skills and Experience

The intern is expected to meet the following requirements:

  • University degree in development studies, international relations, political science, economics, law and relevant the social sciences;
  • Full working knowledge of English; fluency in French, Spanish or Arabic will be an asset;
  • Familiarity with DDR and in particular the reintegration component is an asset, as well as knowledge of thematic areas related to peacebuilding, security, rule of law, violent extremism, counter terrorism and/or organized crime.

Internships Conditions:

  • This internship is working from home with no requirement to travel to UNDP office in Geneva, Switzerland;
  • Interns are not considered staff members of UNDP and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • Interns are not entitled to financial support (salary or any other compensation) from UNDP;
  • Interns are not covered by UNDP for medical, health or life insurance and have to have their own international medical and life insurance;
  • 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. Candidates are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed, to any post for a period of three months following the end of the internship;
  • The normal duration of an internship is from six weeks to 6 months (which is the maximum duration);
  • The intern needs to be enrolled as a graduate or final year Bachelor’s student throughout the duration of the internship or be within one year of graduation from a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. programme;
  • The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract and due recognition of work will be issued in writing.
  • For more information about the application process and UNDP's internship terms and conditions, visit: www.undp.org/internships