Country: United States of America
Closing date: 15 Jul 2018
Org. Setting and Reporting
This internship is located in the New York Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The incumbent will report to a Humanitarian Affairs Officer.
This OCHA Internship is for a minimum duration of three months with an opportunity for extension up to six months.
Administrative requirements:
Candidates must be medically insured; able to obtain necessary visas and arrange travel to UNHQ, as well as cover the cost of travel, accommodation and living expenditure for the duration of the internship. For further information, please consult the United Nations Secretariat internship website at: https://careers.un.org.
This intern process is for two branches: Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Guidance Section (SPEGS) and Policy Development and Studies Branch (PDSB).
OCHA's Strategic Planning, Evaluation and Guidance Section (SPEGS) offers internships in three areas: with the Chief of SPEGS, the strategic planning and monitoring team, and with the evaluation and oversight team. The planning team leads the development of OCHA's strategic plans and monitors their implementation together with all parts of the organization. The evaluation and oversight team manages evaluations of OCHA's work and of the wider humanitarian response, and monitors the implementation of recommendations from these evaluations, as well as from audits, reviews and other assessments. For more information, see www.unocha.org/about-us/who-we-are and www.unocha.org/themes/evaluations-humanitarian-response.
OCHA's Policy Development and Studies Branch (PDSB) also offers internships in three areas: (1) Intergovernmental Policy Section (IGPS), (2) the policy advise and planning section (PAPS), and (3) Policy Analysis and Innovation Section (PAIS). (1) IGPS works to ensure intergovernmental support for strengthening the normative framework for humanitarian action through inclusive dialogue and policy support to Member States on humanitarian priority issues in the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations; (2) The PAPS is responsible for providing advice and analysis on policy issues, including on international humanitarian law, internally displaced people, humanitarian access and gender equality programming, and leading in the delivery of the Emergency Relief Coordinator's responsibilities to the UN Security Council on protection of civilians in armed conflict. PAPS carries out legal research and writing, reviews legal documents, prepares meetings, and drafts reports and analyses that address a range of questions of international humanitarian law (IHL) and on protection-related issues in particular related to the work of the Security Council." (3) The PAIS is responsible for shaping and influencing the humanitarian policy agenda and in strengthening the analytical capacity of OCHA on issues related to the nexus between humanitarian and development as well as the interlinkages between humanitarian issues and key global agendas such as climate change, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Sustaining Peace, among others. PAIS prepares flagship OCHA research products such as the World Humanitarian Data and Trends Series and organizes the annual Global Humanitarian Policy Forum.
If candidates have a strong preference for one section or one field (such as International Humanitarian Law), they are encouraged to mention it in their cover letter. Please also indicate the time when you are available for an internship (minimum 3, maximum 6 months), including your earliest possible start date.
Responsibilities
Humanitarian Affairs interns conduct a variety of tasks, including:
•In consultation with a senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer, assists in the design and preparation of studies on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief and related issues and in various follow-up activities.
•Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/issues.
•Contributes to the preparation of various written documents, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents etc.
•Assists in the organization of meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. with other agencies and partners to facilitate exchanges of professional expertise and views on specific humanitarian-related subjects/issues; prepares briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events; serves as reporter to such events.
•Maintains awareness of current humanitarian affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in specific subject area, country or region concerned.
•Engages in UN intergovernmental process and with Member States on humanitarian affairs.
•Reviews and provides advice on specific topics or policy-related issues in one or more of the following: international humanitarian law, forced displacement, the humanitarian-development nexus and humanitarian financing.
•Conducts in-depth research topics using a variety of sources as well as quantitative analysis. Is familiar with basic statistical methods and able to translate basic statistical analysis into messaging for advocacy.
•Assists in outreach and coordination with a wider set of partners, including the private sector, foundations, academics, and think-tanks.
•Responds to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally; prepares related correspondence.
•Be guided by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations
•Perform other duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to gender equality within OCHA Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related humanitarian rights issues. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources and conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
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.
Education
Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor's (final year), Post graduate, Master's or Ph.D.programme or equivalent, preferably in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences, graphic design, art, communications, public relations or marketing, statistics, human resources or a related field.
Applicants that have successfully completed an academic programme in a discipline mentioned above must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
Work Experience
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme; however any practical and academic experience on humanitarian issues including humanitarian financing mechanisms, humanitarian funding trends, gender equality programming is desirable. Research interest and published work on these or/and any related areas is desirable. Interest and skills in film, photo and multimedia tools is desirable. Experience in social media and graphic design programs such as InDesign is an asset. Strong computer skills, proficiency in using advanced functions on Mac standard and relevant specialized computer applications (e.g. Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and other software applications) is desirable. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint and Excel Dreamweaver, After Effects is desirable. Good graphic design skills and demonstrated ability to independently design and produce high-quality graphic materials for varied print and digital media projects (e.g. posters, brochures, press kits; web pages, publication layout, etc). Ability to handle multiple design projects simultaneously.
Applicants should have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and have a 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.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN Official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Hiring Managers will conduct reviews of PHPs and contact applicants directly for further consideration. Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted. Applicants are encouraged to apply for internships which relate directly to their studies and/or skills-set, and they will be assessed based on information indicated in their
Personal History Profiles (PHPs). A completed on-line application is required
Special Notice
The internship within the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, in line with the United Nations (UN) Internship Programme, aims to provide a framework by which students from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the United Nations through assignment to offices within the Secretariat in order to enhance their educational experience and gain experience in the work of the United Nations. Additionally, it provides the United Nations offices with the assistance of qualified students specialized in various professional fields.
Interns shall not represent the United Nations in any official capacity. For additional information on the Programme, please visit: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=ip
The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours). The general working hours at United Nations Headquarters New York are 40 hours per week, from 9:00 to 5:00 pm with one hour for a lunch break. The intern should adhere to the established official weekly working hours of respective duty station if the internship is based in a field-office location. All costs associated to the internship are to be borne by the intern, specifically: travel, visas, accommodation/ living expenses and medical insurance for the entire duration of the internship. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during an internship. A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations.
To apply to this job opening please go to: https://inspira.un.org or https://careers.un.org .A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include: •Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?); •Graduation Date (When did you or will you be graduating from the programme?); Earliest availability to take on the internship • List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. Expertise in online databases, business intelligence software, website and document design is an asset; •List your top three areas of interest within OCHA;•Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship; • Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme; •Explain your interest in the work of the United Nations and personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and • Explain how you have demonstrated 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. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Do not forget to designate three references that we may contact who can attest to your qualifications. You could include present or past supervisors, peers, mentors or thesis advisors, but please do not list any family members. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
United Nations Considerations
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
How to apply: