Jobs - 96241- Culture Mediation Research Intern

Culture Mediation Research Intern

Location :

Home based

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

22-Jan-21 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months (a month-by-month extension for another 3-month period may be considered)

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

The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes (the “Office”) is established as an informal pillar of the system of administration of justice within the United Nations to make available the services of impartial and independent body to address work-related issues of staff members and non-staff personnel of the UN Funds and Programmes (UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNFPA, and UN Women).

The Office has created training courses via e-learning methodologies. Additional online, fully automated training programmes will be available in 2021, as part of a demand-driven plan to create within the Office a new unit devoted entirely to training. The Office is also in a unique position to convene colleagues across the five organizations for training courses.

In this context, culture is a fundamental factor influencing our work, and particularly mediations. The Office seeks to understand the cultural barriers to the usage of mediation, identify implications and provide guidance to practitioners.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office is looking for an intern (Culture Mediation Research Intern) to support the mediation research consultant in carrying out the activities described below.

Literature search on the subject of cultural issues around mediation, access to justice, cultural attitudes to authority, and gender in human resources.
Precis and report on literature search.
Assistance to mediation research consultant in analysis and drafting of training materials.
Management of project timeline.
If needed, assistance in basic data visualization.

Competencies

Professionalism

Demonstrated understanding of informal resolution of workplace disputes and the functioning of international organizations.
Interest in/understanding of quantitative tools which measure cultural difference, such as Hofstede’s dimensions.
Ability to keep matters confidential and exercise good discretion in using information.
Conscientiousness in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
Applicant is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations.
Applicant is/can become familiar with Office software, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office.
Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals.
Applicant 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.

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.

Planning and Organizing

Ability to establish priorities, to coordinate one’s own work plan and meet deadlines. Applicant adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
Note that management of project timeline forms part of the intern’s duties.

Required Skills and Experience

To qualify for consideration the following conditions must be met:

1. (a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme in which combines law with anthropology, sociology, psychology, or cultural studies (such as a master’s programme, or higher);

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree which combines law with anthropology, sociology, psychology, or cultural studies (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

(c) Have recently graduated with a university degree in which combines law with anthropology, sociology, psychology, or cultural studies (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year from graduation; or

(d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program which combines law with anthropology, sociology, psychology, or cultural studies and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Master’s degrees in Human Resources, Organizational Behavior, Counselling, social work and other social sciences may be considered.

2. Experience conducting research is required. Knowledge of basic statistical concepts, and online survey software such as SurveyMonkey or Alchemer would be an advantage.

3. A strong interest in the area of mediation, which could be demonstrated by education, training, or experience.

4. Fluent written and spoken English is required.

Applications that do not meet the above requirements will not be considered.

* Stipend in the amount of US$1000 per month.