UNDP Jobs - 78092- Intern on Social Protection, Inclusive Growth and

Intern on Social Protection, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development Cluster

Location :

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

22-Apr-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 to 6 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Over the past two decades, African countries have achieved accelerated economic growth and noteworthy social and political achievements. However, there is a general agreement that such economic expansion has not been inclusive of the extremely poor and vulnerable. This scenario calls for urgent action to promote better distribution of the economic gains and increase social resilience. The recent experience of social protection schemes in Latin America as well as in some African countries shows that well-designed social protection schemes, including interventions in the labour markets, can tackle structural determinants of poverty and vulnerability leading to a transformative effect on the whole society, as well as address many of the SDG’s targets, and act as a pivotal tool to advance the 2030 Agenda as well as the Africa-wide development vision, Agenda 2063.

Against the above background, UNDP has designed a regional project, Social Protection for Sustainable Development in Africa (SP4SD Africa), with an overall objective to strengthen regional, sub-regional and national capacities to deliver on social protection systems in 15 African countries.

The project will enhance the capacities of continental, sub-regional and national institutions to design, implement, monitor and coordinate delivery of social protection to those excluded or marginalized from socio-economic processes. The project is designed to reach these objectives through regional and national initiatives, achieved through technical assistance to participating countries, South-South collaboration as well as creation and dissemination of knowledge and guidance products. At the continental and sub-regional levels, the project will support the capacities of the African Union Commission (AUC) and selected Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in relation to the promotion, development and improvement of social protection.

As part of the SP4SD Africa project UNDP, in collaboration with partners – is developing a biennial publication on the “state of the art” in social protection across Africa. The first edition of the publication will be devoted to social assistance. The target audience for the State of Social Protection in Africa publication are policymakers, researchers and development and social policy practitioners, particularly in Africa and the wider global South.

The publication will comprise three parts: 1) country profiles pages, 2) three topical studies, and 3) overview chapter. It will be accompanied by an interactive online platform, which will be the second phase of the project.

UNDP is currently seeking an intern to carry out research and communication-related tasks related to this project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist of Employment and Social Protection IGSD Cluster, the intern shall perform, inter alia, the following tasks:

Compile and analyze the available data sources (primary and secondary) on social protection in Africa;
Provide support to the development of the online platform that will house the database of social assistance programmes in Africa;
Provide research support to the publication as required;
Draft communication materials, press releases, social media messages related to the publication;
Compile and analyze data on UNDP’s social protection and employment portfolios in Africa with a view to develop an analytical mapping of UNDP’s engagement in this area;
As per demand, provide research support on countries that participate in the SP4SD Africa project;
Perform other tasks as required.

Competencies

Technical/Functional Competencies:

Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills;
Good writing and researching skills;
Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines;
Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively;
Computer proficiency, including experience with website content management, web design and development as asset;

Personal Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback;
Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners;
Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); in fields related to development (e.g., development economics, social policy, social sciences, study focus on social protection is an asset);
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 and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

Understanding of sustainable development and social protection would be beneficial;
Work experience considered as an asset;
Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter;
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.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required; working knowledge of French is highly desirable.

Intern requiements:

Applicants should indicate which months they are available part and/or full time and when they complete their studies;
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;
The Intern is expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for his/her education programme;
The intern will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation etc.;
Additional information regarding the UNDP Internship Programme may be obtained at http://www.undp.org/internships.