UNDP in partnership with Impact Foundation (Dasra) and Industree Foundation, with support from HSBC’s CSR program in India, is implementing project PROSPER (Producers in Organized Supply Chain Enterprise) for improving the livelihoods of 4,500 beneficiaries and producers of natural fibres in the North East region of India.

Project PROSPER intends to create a natural fibre value chain development program, with the potential to double farmers’ income by building the capacities of producers and social entrepreneurs engaged in the natural fibre business. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 17, the project is focused on inclusive growth through developing technical, sustainable and applicable knowledge products, and providing market support to entire value chains – including insights from design to production, to marketing and distribution – to bring a product or service from conception to market. It is envisaged that under the project, social entrepreneurs will act as an intermediary between small producers and large buyers. The project will work directly with 25 social entrepreneurs, who, will further train 900 primary producers. Each producer is assumed to have a family of around five members; as such, the project will be supporting approximately 4,500 indirect beneficiaries.

Both globally and domestically, natural fibres are gaining importance as a renewable and environment friendly raw material option for textile products, packaging material, home furnishing, furniture, construction material etc. Bamboo, jute, flax, hemp, linseed, ramie, pata, matikothal, coconut etc. are well known natural fibre yielding plants. Mechanical properties of natural fibres are influenced by various factors such as weather conditions, date of harvest, the degree of maturity at harvest, the retting process, decortication, processing and cleaning procedures etc.  There is huge potential demand in the packaging industry as Indian companies currently import jute from Bangladesh and hemp from Philippines. A natural fibre value chain development program has the potential to double a farmer’s income through building capacities of producers and social entrepreneurs engaged in the natural fibre business. There is an abundant availability of natural fibres in the North Eastern region which can fulfil the need of raw materials in sustainable manner.

The project is focused on strengthening the capabilities of social entrepreneurs who will act as an intermediary between the large buyers and primary producers.

The project aims at creating a Business Enterprise Leadership and Management Programme for Social Entrepreneurs from the North East Region on the natural fibre sector by training social entrepreneurs on the development of self, mindset, skills and management. It will connect entrepreneurs, producers and buyers to create market linkages, improve the supply chain of natural fibre products and raw materials, develop end-to-end support and facilitation processes. Furthermore, it will work with primary producers by training approximately 900 primary producers engaged in the natural fibre value chain in the Northeast region.

Note: Goal 1 - No poverty, Goal 5 -Gender Equality), Goal 8- Decent work and Economic Growth, Goal 9- Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal 10 - Reduced Inequalities), Goal 12 - Sustainable Production and Consumption) and Goal 17 - Partnerships for goals. 

Under the guidance and supervision of the Project Officer, the Intern will have the responsibility for the following activities:

Main responsibilities

• Design communication creatives and other visual aids that will be used for dissemination across various local and national platforms;

• Provide assistance to the team to ensure a smooth launch of the programme, including content development and engagement for social media platforms;
• Provide support in writing of project related documents (concept notes, etc.), and synthesise document and other relevant knowledge products;
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, visual representations, infographics as required;
• Support the team to prepare short write up/communication for dissemination;
• Assist the team in translating communication collaterals into local languages prevalent in the North-East;
• Ensure effective and efficient provision of services, full confidentiality in all aspects of assignment, management of information flow and follow-up on deadlines and commitments made;
• Support the team with other relevant tasks.

Key Deliverables

• Create communication creatives as and when required for the duration of the internship;
• Follow UNDP brand guidelines, put captions for images where used with credit, share layout options for each assignment for approval before proceeding with the task;  
• Provide alternatives for every creative and make changes as per the guidance of the UNDP team;
• Provide graphics with high-resolution pictures and in two different layouts: web and print;
• Support with concept notes, proposals and presentations to be shared with partners and wider audience;
• Support with preparing communication materials as required from time to time;
• Assist with social media strategy, content creation and scheduling;
• Map communication networks for disseminating the launch of the programme.

• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Excellent analytical and research skills; 
• 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

Education: 

The candidate should be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Graphic Design/ Mass Media/ Development Studies/ Social Sciences, or relevant fields is preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent graphic designing skills 
• Proficient in using software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, or equivalent software etc.
• Excellent content writing skills
• Basic understanding of issues pertaining to the development sector, skilling ecosystem/ enterprise development, value chain development
• Social media management understanding
• Prior experience in the development sector in the North-East and working with beneficiaries at the grass-root level is a preference
• Strong commitment to promoting gender equality, excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good command in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as well as handling web-based applications 

  Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Assamese (preferred)

  APPLICATION PROCEDURE/ HOW TO APPLY: The application should contain:  The completed “Internship Intern Form” available on the UNDP India website at Internship Intern Form should be completed along with the CV in English; Please group the above two documents into one (1) single PDF document and upload document.     Candidates who are selected must submit the following documents, upon selection: Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in their undergraduate or graduate-level degree programme; Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance. Kindly note, UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. Working arrangements: Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy, if it is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government foundation or scholarship programme. A stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.   Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan.   Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes.   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.  Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.   The purpose of the internship 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.   The intern will be evaluated at the end of the internship. IMPORTANT: Family relationships are required to be disclosed in order to avoid real or perceived family influence or conflict of interest, within UNDP. If the candidate/ hiring manager has not disclosed that he/she was related to an individual employed by UNDP in whatever contractual modality and irrespective of the nature of the family relationship, this may constitute a basis for withdrawing the offer of internship or, if the internship has started, to terminate it without notice or indemnity. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.   UNDP does not tolerate sexual Exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination.  All selected candidates will be required to undergo rigorous reference and background checks.