Background

The Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) oversees the management, programme and operations of 17 country offices in the Arab region and the Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP).   The region is diverse in typology:  it hosts least developed countries, middle income countries, and high-income countries known also as net contributing countries.  Crises and conflicts have dominated the scene in the Arab region for many years with protracted conflicts in parts of the region and more recently, the advent of the popular revolutions and transitions.

The work of RBAS is guided by the UNDP strategic plan as well the RBAS Regional Strategy of Response to the transformational changes in the region, which outlines the key priorities for UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision the Programme Specialist of RBAS, the incumbent provides day-to-day support in the form of high-quality research, coordination related to the bureau’s youth agenda, write, review, and edit correspondence and communication material and support programme oversight of selected number of Arab countries.

Competencies

Competencies:

  • Demonstrates knowledge of the Arab region, more specifically Palestine and Human Rights, and Political Science.
  • Demonstrates the familiarity with concepts in development and preferably education related to Political Science. 

Functional Competencies:

  • Effective communications and computer skills (MS Office package, Internet research);
  • Team worker who consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Detail-oriented, produces quality outputs in a timely manner when assigned a given task;
  • Writing skills: Demonstrates strong writing skills, particularly the ability to present persuasive, coherent and well-founded arguments. Has ability to write in style that is accessible to a broad audience.
  • Intellectual Qualities: Demonstrates analytical rigor, intellectual creativity and contributes original ideas. Maintains open-minded attitude towards new ideas.
  • Results Orientation in Process: Is a self-starter who demonstrates drive to achieve results in timely manner and to seek and find solutions to any problems encountered; makes efficient use of available resources; demonstrates ability to multitask.

Core Competencies:

•    Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems;
•   Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement;
•   Ability to work under pressure;

Communication:
• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;

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;

Planning & Organizing:
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required;
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resource for completing work;

Accountability:
• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honor commitments;
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
• Supports subordinates, provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments;
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

 

 

 

Required Skills and Experience

Required Skills and Experience:

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application 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);

(c)Have graduated with a university degree in Political Science, international relations/international development, human rights, humanities or related areas. (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Languages:

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Arabic and French language skills would be an asset but not necessary.

Working hours:

Part time, five days per week Sunday to Thursday, 4 hrs. /day.

 

TIMEFRAME FOR DEPLOYMENT

Interns are considered gratis personnel. They are not staff members. Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. The costs associated must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, visa, etc.