Background

UN Women is dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s human rights. UN Women East and Southern African Regional Office focuses on five key thematic areas comprising of; Women’s Political Participation & Leadership, Peace & Security, Humanitarian Action, Ending Violence Against Women & Girls and Women’s Economic Empowerment.

UN Women ESARO staff, consultants and interns are expected to contribute to a professional working environment in which the strengthening of national capacities and human potential is prioritized. Respect for diversity and human dignity is required, as is the active pursuit of a collaborative and inclusive approach to both internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Governance, Women Peace & Security and Humanitarian Action unit within UN Women East and Southern Africa Regional office seeks to engage an Intern. Under the overall supervision of the Governance, WPS and Humanitarian Action Advisor and direct guidance of the programme staff of the three units, the intern will work to support the units’ daily responsibilities in relation to programming, finance, general logistics, administration, coordination and follow up with partners.

Specific tasks include:

  • Support research on various topics relevant to the units;
  • Support in drafting of relevant program reports for the unit;
  • Gather and provide information for the drafting of concept notes and proposals;
  • Support in planning and organizing workshops, events, seminars and meetings and the required logistical preparations and support;  
  • Draft minutes, workshop reports, letters, invitation and other correspondence under guidance of supervisor and with support from unit members;
  • Ensure the maintenance of filing system and the organization of program documents;
  • Carry out any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the supervisor.

Learning Elements:

  • Increased understanding of UN Women’s work, the UN system and engagement with strategic partners;
  • Learning different aspects of UN Women’s Programme priority areas and particularly in governance, peace and security and humanitarian action in the region;
  • Work as a team member in a multicultural setting;
  • Gender and women’s empowerment work.

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.

Functional Competencies:

  • Excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Work under minimum supervision and tight deadlines;
  • Ability organize, set priorities, multi-task, take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.

Required Skills and Experience

In line with UN Women internship rules and regulations the intern should possess the following qualifications:

  • Ongoing Master’s Degree, enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree or just completed bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines; Humanitarian and Disaster Management studies, Conflict Prevention, Law, Social Science, development cooperation, gender studies, women’s rights, public administration, or other fields;
  • Academic background in Women, Peace and Security; Human Rights; Development; Gender/Women’s Rights is an added advantage;
  • Knowledge and experience with all Microsoft office applications;
  • Fluency in oral and written English.

Interested and qualified persons are encouraged to visit the UN Women internship site on http://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/internship-programme for more information on the internship programme.