Intern for the ReLOaD Programme

Background

The EU-funded ReLOaD aims to strengthen partnerships between local governments (LG) and civil society by scaling-up a successful model of transparent and project-based funding of Civil Society Organizations (CSO). The Western Balkan (WB) countries are facing complex set of similar development challenges. These countries, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), FYR Macedonia, Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence), Montenegro, and Serbia, invest significant efforts to mainstream the EU accession agenda within their socio-political contexts.  An integral part of the EU accession agenda is to promote inclusion of civil society and further development of participatory democracies in the Region. All WB countries face these challenges, specifically related to the lack of collaboration between the government and civil society.

The lack of transparency of existing public mechanisms for support of CSOs, mainly at the local level, is perceived as mayor obstacle to development and functioning of credible civil society in Albania. The underlying intention of the Project is to put in practice and sustain a transparent, development-oriented and project-based approach to funding of CSOs by municipal budgets that contributes to realization of legitimate local priorities in line with local development strategies. The ReLOaD in Albania will work with 12 municipalities and it will be implemented in the period 2017 – 2020.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager the incumbent will provide support to the project team by completing the following tasks:

• Data entry, data analysis and activities alike;
• Assist in follow up activities on Public calls for LGs;
• Assist on preparation of activities to support project visibility and promotion through social media and other media channels
• General administrative tasks.

The intern will have the opportunity to:

• Participate in in-house training opportunities as applicable;
• Learn the structure, mechanisms, policies and practice areas of the UNDP;
• Strengthen his/her effective writing.

Deliverables:

• Digitalize documentation of Public Call for LGs (data base);
• Minimum of one field visit conducted under the supervision of the ReLOaD project staff;
• Support preparation of visibility material for relevant web sites and other social media (www.al.undp.org, Facebook, Tweeter, etc.);
• One report on internship activities prepared and submitted.

Competencies

• Have a keen interest in the work of the UN and the UNDP and demonstrate a commitment to its statement of purpose and to the ideals of the UN;
• Ability to successfully interact with individuals of differing socio-economic, religious and cultural backgrounds both professionally and personally;
• Ability and desire to work in a team;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organizational and communication skills;
• Strong research skills and ability to identify relevant information
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities
• Ability to work under tight deadlines;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• Detail-oriented way of working;
• Innovative and creative approach to tasks;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.

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); or c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) in a relevant discipline (International relations, Law, Political Sciences, Economy or other relevant field);

Experience:

• Understanding of specifics of the international organizations, particularly UN/UNDP and its tasks and mandate, sharing UNDP’s goals;
• Ability to conduct advanced internet search and work with multiple documentation sources to extract required data and information [literature review];

Skills:

• Proficiency in English;
• Computer literacy in standard office software applications.
• Learnings:

How to Apply:

The candidate should apply online through the Job Site website by submitting his/her CV accompanied with motivation letter.

Selected candidate must submit following documents:

• Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme;
• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.

Financial Issues:Internships within the UN system are unpaid and subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with prior to signing his/her internship agreement.The costs associated with the internship 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 etc.

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance.

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.More information available at: http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/about_us/jobs/internships/

More information on UNDP internship available at: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/operations/jobs/types-of-opportunities/internships.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.