UNDSS Intern (United Nations Department of Safety & Security)

Background

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the Security to enable safest conduct of the programmes and activities of the United Nations Systems.

The candidates is responsible for maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of the Algerian security environment, particularly new developments and their potential impact on UN programmes in-country. The student will also be responsible for assisting in reporting and maintaining a database of security incidents.

Duties and Responsibilities

The purpose of this internship is to provide a suitably qualified student with the opportunity to work on day-to-day security and analyses related field. The intern will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Security Adviser (SA):

The position comprises the following duties:

a. Support  on Security Threat Information  Products:

• Assist on preparing security research and data for incidents and operational mapping in support of assessments
• Research data on security incidents in-country
• Assist by providing weekly, monthly and quarterly research and statistics to assist to regular reports
• Assist the SA on analyses and on assessments.

b. Security Threat Information:

• Monitor local media and other open sources, including electronic advise and update on latest security-related developments
• Assist on reporting security incidents and data-entry
• Undertake research to complement security data and assessments

c. Other general Tasks :

• Maintain and update security information concerning established threat categories and threat profiles
• Contribute to the development of security incident database

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrate commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and the Organization’s core values – Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity.
• Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

• Planning and Organizing:
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor his/her own work plan with very good outcomes;
• Ability to work under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher in International Relations or Political Science);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
3. 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.

A person who is the child or sibling of an UNDP staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at UNDP. An applicant who bears any other family relationship with a UNDP staff member may be engaged as an intern, provided that he or she shall not be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member.

For purposes of this policy, “child” means (i) the child of a staff member; (ii) the child of the spouse of a staff member (stepchild); and (iii) the spouse of a child of a staff member or the child of a staff member’s spouse (son- or daughter-in-law). “Sibling” includes the child of both or either parent of a staff member and the child of the spouse of a parent of a staff member (that is, also half- and stepsibling).

Skills

• Highly proficient in spoken and written English. Knowledge of one or more official UN languages is desirable;
• Solid computer and presentation skills (MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint);
• Technical mapping capabilities desirable;
• Prior experience with the UN system and/or an international NGO is considered as a positive factor for selection.

How to Apply

Interested applicant is invited to submit the following documents to 

• a copy of his/her most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
• a brief paper setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with UNDSS and what is expected from the experience.

General Conditions

Duration

Internship assignments vary in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDSS. However, they will normally last no less than six weeks and no more than six months.

Internship assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns.

Interns’ Expenses

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDSS.All costs connected 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;
• The student, 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.

Insurance

UNDSS accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship.

Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which:

• requires transportation to the Home Country or Country of Residence for further treatment; or
• results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the Home Country, or Country of Residence.

Third-party claims:

UNDSS is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during the internship.

Subsequent Employment

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDSS but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. Should an offer of employment be envisaged, a 3-month break, from the end of the internship, must be respected. Interns cannot apply for posts during the period of internship.

Status

• Interns are considered gratis personnel. They are not staff members.
• Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts.

Interns may not represent UNDSS in any official capacity.