Background

The UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) team in New York provides overall strategic oversight, guidance and quality assurance, management support and broader regional analysis, including global issues.

RBA has established a multidisciplinary taskforce to support Country Offices (COs) in their initial engagement with government, test the viability of the Emergency Community Development Programme (PUDC) model and support from the drafting of the project document to the exit strategy. Accordingly, the task force has elaborated a work plan in line with the three identified sub-groups: Programmatic, Operational, Partnership & Communication. 

UNDP is seeking a Country Office Support intern to provide support to the RBA PUDC taskforce in conceptualizing and designing a PUDC toolkit. The internship support will be targeted and will compliment RBA staff’ actions. Dedicated learning session on government financing will be provided to the intern

The intern will report to the RBA PUDC Taskforce Leader and in relation to all services and deliverables. The other Units in RBA will be responsible for providing substantive inputs and advice throughout the internship, to be coordinated through the COT Team. The RBA PUDC Taskforce will support the intern throughout the internship and provide the necessary learning documentation. 

The internship is for a minimum of three months with an opportunity for extension to a maximum of six months. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours), three days at UNDP offices and possibly two days from home.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support the conceptualization and design of the three PUDC sub-groups’ products, including lessons learned documentation and project documents, in line with proposed workplan deadlines; 
  • Support the implementation of some of the proposed activities, including organizing launch events, as per RBA’s priorities; 
  • Coordinate the work of the three PUDC sub-groups and secure a timely implementation of the workplan.
  • Coordinate with other RBA teams, BERA and BPPS/CB. 
  • Contribute to the development of a strategy for raising awareness of prior successful PUDC activities.

Competencies

Interpersonal Communication:

  • Speaks and writes 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, tone, style and format to match the audience;
  • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
  • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others;
  • Places team agenda before personal agenda;
  • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
  • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Creativity:

  • Actively seeks to improve programmes or services;
  • Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs;
  • Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas;
  • Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; things "outside the box";
  • Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things;
  • Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
  • Marketing / Social Media Communication and IT.
  • Knowledge of social media platforms and effective social media communication strategies;
  • Ability to research and identify target audiences;
  • Ability to assist with implementing messaging strategies;
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
  • Advanced studies in International Development, International Relations, African Studies, Political Science, or related field.  Knowledge of gender issues a plus.

Experience:

  • Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
  • Have demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages:

  • Fluency in oral and written English is required;
  • Knowledge of French is an asset.

Intern 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;
  • 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