Intern

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representation Office in Brussels, Belgium, is establishing a roster from which to pool qualified interns during the course of 2018 for a period of 6 months.

On the ground in about 170 countries and territories, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) works to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress.

UNDP’s work focuses on the following main areas:

• Sustainable development
• Democratic governance and peacebuilding
• Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

As the lead UN development agency, UNDP supports governments to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an ambitious agenda for sustainable development by 2030, into their national development plans and policies.

The UNDP Representation Office in Brussels is seeking interns with an interest in development issues and EU affairs. The programme will enhance the intern’s educational experience through practical work assignments. Individuals will be exposed to an international work environment and will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of UNDP’s goals, principles and activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of a designated supervisor, the intern shall perform the following tasks:

• Conducting research and data collection;
• Collecting and cataloguing information;
• Drafting and consolidating documents;
• Assisting in the organization of conferences, forums or other collaborative events.

Competencies

• Strong organizational and research skills;

• Excellent analytical, communication and writing skills;

• Excellent interpersonal skills;

• Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN/UNDP;

• Computer proficiency in standard software applications (MS Office, Excel, Word, Powerpoint);

• Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

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 (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in French is a significant asset.

Please pay attention to the following:

Interns’ Expenses/Arrangements:

Please note that interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. All costs associated with an intern’s participation in the programme must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the intern, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.

Subsequent Employment:

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.

Application Procedure:

The application should contain:

• Motivation letter specifying when available, reasons why candidate is seeking the internship, and what is expected from the experience;

• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae;

• Official letter from the University confirming enrollment and specifying expected graduation date (for students);

• Official letter from the University confirming graduation date (for graduates).

(NB: Please upload the above in a single file. Incomplete applications will not be considered)

UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.

Prior to being offered a Letter of Acceptance for Internship, the selected candidate will have to provide the following additional documents:

• A Medical Certificate of Good Health from a recognized physician. If the intern is expected to travel outside the country of their residence, other than to Europe and North America, the physician must indicate whether s/he is fit to travel and has the required inoculations for the country to which they are to travel;

• Proof of valid Medical Insurance cover valid for the duration of the internship programme in Belgium;

• For applicants who are not resident in Belgium, the insurance cover must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

  (a)       requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;

  (b)       results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

  Visit our website: http://www.undp.org/content/brussels/en/home.html

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.