Background
Special Notice
A completed internship application form (available in UNDP SA website), & Cover Note is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The Cover Note must include:
- Graduate Degree Programme (What are you currently studying)
- Graduation Date (When will you be graduating from the programme)
- Period of availability, including earliest start date.
- List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in.
- Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
- Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
Org. Setting and Reporting
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UN Coordination Unit, the intern will ensure full support in effective and efficient functioning of the Resident Coordinator Office, extreme confidentiality in all aspects of assignments, maintenance of protocol procedures, and management of information flow by assisting in follow-up on deadlines and commitments made.
The internship is in the Office of United Nations Development Programme and full-time (five days per week), for duration of three (3) months and can be extended up to six (6) months.
Remuneration, insurance and interns’ expenses
1. Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:
(a) The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or
(b) The intern, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence through private sources.
2. Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
3. Applicants for internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For applicants which are neither nationals or residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:
(a) Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;
(b) Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.
4. UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Update the comprehensive RCO data base on I-Shared drive;
- Update the library system for the RC office;
- Provide support in drafting letters in English and Arabic;
- Support in preparations for organizing launches of UN major initiatives and workshops;
- Provide support to RCO in terms of screening incoming correspondences and/or follow-up on meetings and circulars;
- maintenance of filing system;
- Administration of travel, meetings, appointments of Resident Coordinator;
- Organization of regular meetings; preparation of minutes and actions to be taken; follow-up with focal points;
- Translate documents - English to Arabic and Arabic to English.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Demonstrates a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
- Demonstrates an 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;
- Shows pride in work and in achievements;
- Demonstrates professional competence;
- Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
- Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
- Remains calm in stressful situations;
- Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
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.
Communication:
- Ability to draft clearly and concisely;
- Good written and oral language skills;
- listens to others;
- correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
- asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
Required Skills and Experience
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:
- Studies in one of the following specialisations: English, Translation, International Relations, Political Science, Business Administration or related fields;
- Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
(c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.