Intern in Brest for UNDP’s Bike4SDGs 2018

Background

Duration of internship:

The duration of an internship assignment varies in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. Assignments are available for the period of minimum 6 weeks (full-time; 40 working hours per week) or 12 weeks  (part-time, 20 working hours per week).

Financial Issues:UNDP does not pay for internships. The costs associated with the latter 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.

General background:

During its 25 years of programming in Belarus, UNDP has been contributing to country’s economic and social growth, environmental protection and improving livelihood of people through establishing strong partnerships between international organizations, governments, private sector and civil society at all levels. Thanks to these partnerships the country achieved significant results in improving living conditions of people in the Chernobyl-affected regions, combating HIV, facing economic challenges, introducing innovative energy efficient solutions, developing local entrepreneurship.

On 25 September 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has been adopted by world leaders at the historic UN summit in New York. The document features 17 goals aimed at mobilizing efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, whilst ensuring that no one is left behind. Responsible consumption and production, climate action, health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities, partnership for sustainable development – these are some goals that United Nations Development Programme supports and promotes in Belarus through information and advocacy campaigns and events to diverse audiences across the country.

Bike4SDGs cycling and canoeing action connects people of all walks to demonstrate Belarus’ commitment to achieving the SDGs. Thus, Goal #10 “Reduced Inequalities” and Goal #9 “Innovation and Infrastructure” will be emphasized through a barrier free environment providing equal opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in the ride. Goal #15 “Life on Land,” Goal #13 “Climate Action” and Goal #11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities will be promoted through ecofriendly transportation and appreciation of the environment. Goal #3 “Good Health” is a critical element of the ride with a focus on sports and a healthy lifestyle. Goal #8 “Good Jobs and Economic Growth will be reached through highlighting local eco-tourism opportunities. By bringing together national and international partners working for sustainable development in Belarus Goal #17 “Partnership for the Goals” is finally the key objective of the ride.

Bike4SDGs 2018 will be themed around forests and ways they contribute to achievement of SDGs. Forests benefit the environment, economy and society all at the same time. Protecting forests not only curbs carbon emissions, but also contributes to increased water quality, protects natural species, creates jobs, sustains welfare of local communities.

This May Bike4SDGs will pedal its way through majestic forest landscapes of Belovezhskaya Pushcha – the Europe’s last remaining primeval forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. To gain sufficient knowledge of the UNDP’s work in Belarus and beyond;
2.  To support the UNDP Bike4SDGs Task Force (Brest Unit) with a daily preparation of the event, including:

• Handling documentation and managing correspondence regarding the event’s preparation in Brest oblast (drafting and mailing out invitations to participants, managing lists of local participants, etc.)
• Assisting with communicating relevant local government counterpart officials, regional volunteer organisations, private sector partners for the purpose of organising and partnering for the event.
• Assisting with awareness raising about Bike4SDGs 2018 among local participants and partners.
• Liaising with the UNDP Communications Analyst in respect of dissimilation of the event’s information package for local media.
• Assisting with drafting a detailed logistics plan in cooperation with the UNDP Logistics Unit.
• Liaising with the focal point at Bike4SDGs’ venue for implementation of the logistics plan.
• Assisting with planning and arranging transport and related facilities at the venue location (Brest oblast).  
• Helping in compiling a list of required cycling and canoeing equipment/gear and facilities for the event and ensuring their timely rent/procurement and dispatch to the event’s venue.
• Collecting necessary financial documents (invoices, agreements, etc.) of all transactions related to the event’s planning and organization.
• Assisting with translation of the event-related documents from/to English/Russian.
• Executing other event-related tasks as required.

Competencies

Application Instructions:

• Click on the "Apply now" button.
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in or paste your Resume into the last box.
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload the copy of the most recent CV in English + and motivation letter;
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and please ensure that copies of your educational qualifications are available when contacted.

Successful applicants for internships will need to submit the following documentation at a later stage:

• UNDP Internship Application form;
• Letter from his/her University confirming current enrollment and graduation date, if applicable, or copy of a Diploma for graduate students;
• Other documents might be required;

UNDP 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, therefore, carry adequate and regular medical insurance. Medical Certificate of Good Health and Proof of medical insurance for duration of contract must be provided before the internship commences.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:    

• Enrolled student of graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Enrolled student in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or
• Graduate student within one-year of graduation of any of the above.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English (mandatory);
• Fluency in Russian/Belarusian is an asset.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• 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 UNDP in any official capacity.