Intern – Communications for Cities and Climate Change Science Conference

Brussels

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Brussels
Grade: Internship - Internship
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Administration
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background information- Cities Alliance

Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is a global partnership for the promotion of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Headquartered in Brussels, and supported by a Secretariat, it is a unique partnership with diverse members – local authorities, national governments, international non-governmental organisations, foundations and multi-lateral organisations – which have come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader, with a strong track record in grant making, that supports strategic city planning, slum upgrading strategies and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Its overall objectives are to support cities in providing effective local government, an active citizenship and a growing economy characterised by both public and private investment. Members promote longer-term and integrated work programmes, while actively promoting gender equality throughout all activities

Background Information - Job-specific

Cities Alliance seeks a qualified, well motivated intern for an initial period of six months. The internship will be located in the Offices of the Cities Alliance Secretariat office in Brussels, Belgium. The selected candidate will work with the CitiesIPCC Team and Web Team, under the supervision of the CitiesIPCC Task Manager.

Cities Alliance will work on the preparations, proceedings and reports of the Cities and Climate Change Science Conference, co-sponsored by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and will be held in Edmonton, the capital city of the Canadian Province of Alberta, in March 2018. The event promises to be a pivotal milestone in developing the global understanding of how climate change will impact cities and the role of cities in tackling climate change. The priority focus of the position will be to provide support to the event communications, website development and maintenance and media coverage.

This internship with the Cities Alliance Secretariat offers the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to communication and learning as well as project/programme management, grant making and administration. In addition, the intern will be exposed to the latest developments in the field of urban development and to a variety of innovative projects and practices.

Functional Responsibilities

Communications strategies and materials

Review all CitiesIPCC communications strategies and materials for Cities Alliance relevance and for ensuring compliance with Cities Alliance guidelines for logo usage and branding
Support the development of press releases and media material in collaboration with the City of Edmonton and CitiesIPCC partners
Draft short information pieces about the conference for distribution to Cities Alliance members and networks, in preparation of the Conference and after it (legacy)
Prepare infographics about the engagement of Cities Alliance in the conference
Work with web editor to nourish the Blog and Newsletter of Cities Alliance with entries about the conference
Organize quotes from Cities Alliance Secretariat and members for communications materials
Support CitiesIPCC and Cities Alliance reporting tasks

Website

Maintain the CitiesIPCC website on a daily basis in terms of content
Post news, updates and relevant materials to the CitiesAlliance.org website

Media coverage, including social media

Support the establishment of a CitiesIPCC data base of relevant media contacts
Support the development of a CitiesIPCC Press kit
Liaise with UNOPS Comms and media team to increase coverage of the event
Ensure liaison and coordination with Cities Alliance members’ media teams as appropriate
Work with web editor to ensure the timely release of social media messages, in accordance to CitiesIPCC and Cities Alliance social media strategies
Arrange media briefings during the conference

The above is only a preliminary outline of potential tasks which may be revised in view of emerging exercises or necessary tasks.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education

All applicants must be enrolled in a university degree program such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent), or have graduated from such studies within three years prior to the application date of the internship. Candidates enrolled, or graduated with Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) will be preferred. Area of study and interest should be preferably one of the following: communications, business administration, project management or information management, with strong focus on international development

Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience but experience in relevant areas is highly desired.

Ideally, applicants will have exposure to one or more of the following themes (either through academic or other experience):

Prior exposure to similar work experience and/or UN/international organization system would be a distinct advantage (but not a requirement).
Knowledge of web CMS publishing and MS Office tools.
Interest and experience in social media and communications.
Strong interest in urban development in developing countries.