Background

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels spans from local knowledge to global perspectives and advocacy.   

The Crisis Bureau has the responsibility for support to prevention, crisis response, resilience and recovery work under the auspices of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. Crisis Bureau staff provide global strategic advice to UNDP management and technical advice to regional hubs and Country Offices; advocate for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP in multi-stakeholder fora, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination. As part of UNDPs Global Policy Network (GPN), the Crisis Bureau works in an integrated manner with UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS).  

The GPN Crisis and Fragility, Policy and Engagement team (CFPET) ensures a coordinated UNDP engagement on crisis and fragility-related issues with key UN and external partners, facilitates information sharing and policy coherence, and serves as focal point for UNDP’s contribution to UN system-wide policy processes. It provides standing liaison function for key UN and non-UN external actors to share information and collaborate across organizations. The CFPET team works across six workstreams: 

• Crisis and fragility analysis, knowledge and advisory services; 
• Innovative policy solutions and advisory services; 
• Advocacy, communications and strategic partnerships; 
• Crisis and fragility finance instruments and partnerships; 
• Coordination and inter-agency collaboration; 
• Gender and crisis initiatives. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Policy and Partnerships Advisor of the Crisis and Fragility, Policy and Engagement team in Geneva, the intern shall perform, inter alia, the following tasks: 

Inter-Agency policy engagement, focused on the Humanitarian Development Peace nexus 

• Support UNDPs engagement in inter-agency coordination mechanisms such as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, different Results Groups and IASC subsidiary bodies, and the Early Adherents to the DAC Recommendation on the Nexus; 
• This includes strategy and preparation for the meetings, writings briefing and meeting notes, and assisting on the logistics as necessary;  
• Provide any other support on relevant inter-agency initiatives in areas of interest, particularly around post-crisis recovery and the reset of UNDP’s relationship with the humanitarian system; 
• Support the development of communications products on UNDP’s work in the HDP nexus across a range of media.

UNDP Framework for Development Solutions for Crises and Fragile Contexts 

• Collation of inputs from consultations and other outreach around the Framework; 
• Support to analysing UN, UNDP and other inter-governmental authorized language around crises, fragility and other related terms; 
• Support to drafting and dissemination of the Framework.

The more specific focus will be decided in consultation with the intern, taking into account his / her skills development interests. 

Competencies

Technical / Functional Competencies: 

• Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills; 
• Excel proficiency and experience with document design and desk top publishing and presentation; 
• Good research skills and ability to consolidate and present large amounts of information in concise fashion; 
• Solid organizational, time management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines; 
• Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively; 
• Strong interpersonal skills; 
• Fluency in spoken English and excellent English writing and presentation skills.  

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 and Eligibility:

• Be currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be currently 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 in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
• Field of study related to international development and/or humanitarian aid/policy (e.g., Policy making, international development, social sciences, is an asset); 
• Understanding of crisis/humanitarian response/conflict prevention/peace building related knowledge; 
• Work experience considered as an asset.

Institutional arrangements:

• The intern will be part of UNDP’s Crisis & Fragility Policy and Engagement Team (CFPET) in Geneva. In the current context, the intern is expected to work from home, as travel may be restricted to/ from Geneva.

  Conditions of internship As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend in accordance with the UNDP Internship Policies, if the intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme; the stipend is intended to compensate for the cost of living at the duty station. 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. To travel to the duty station, 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 Programme 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 contract and due recognition of work will be issued in writing.  For more information about the application process and UNDP's internship terms and conditions, visit: www.undp.org/internships How to Apply Applicants should send a cover letter, and CV through the online portal. Please note that only one document can be uploaded, therefore please scan the cover letter and CV all into one document. Shortlisted candidates may be subject to a written test and interview.   Selected candidates will be contacted by email. Upon selection the following documents will be required: Letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date; Letter of recommendation from a professor; Copy of his/her most recent school transcript; Copy of passport; Completed UNDP internship application form; signed UNDP Internship Agreement; Medical Certificate of Good Health; Proof of medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship assignment in Switzerland.