Intern, Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes

The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations funds and programmes (the “Office”), serving UNICEF as well UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS and UN Women, is established as an informal pillar of the system of administration of justice within the UN to make available the services of impartial and independent persons to address the work-related issues of staff members and non-staff personnel of the UN funds and programmes.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, hope.

The UNICEF Internship Programme offers qualified and eligible students at both Headquarters (HQ) and Country Offices (CO) the unique opportunity to acquire direct practical experience in UNICEF's work and the United Nations system under the direct supervision of experienced UNICEF staff.

Purpose of the internship:

The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations funds and programmes (the “Office”), serving UNICEF as well UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS and UN Women, is established as an informal pillar of the system of administration of justice within the UN to make available the services of impartial and independent persons to address the work-related issues of staff members and non-staff personnel of the UN funds and programmes.

The Office is looking for an intern to support the team in carrying out the two activities described below.

 1. Support to the Office’s mediation training:

• Under the supervision of the ombudsman the intern will be involved in the preparation of the Office’s mediation training materials.

2. Support to the Office’s outreach and advocacy:

• Under the supervision of the Ombudsman Specialist the intern will assist with outreach activities such as preparing and editing texts, articles and presentations and contributing to the Office’s website.

Competencies:

Professionalism

Demonstrated understanding of conflict resolution and the functioning of international organizations. Ability to keep matters confidential and exercise good discretion in using information. Conscientiousness in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Applicant is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations. Applicant is/can become familiar with Office software, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals; Applicant solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.

Communication

Ability to draft clearly and concisely, good written and oral language skills. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.

Planning and Organizing

Ability to establish priorities, to coordinate one’s own work plan and meet deadlines. Applicant adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.

Start date: Before 30 November 2018 (the date will be agreed with the selected candidate)

Duration: Twenty six weeks

Modality: Full-time – Paid*

Qualifications: 

• To qualify for consideration the following conditions must be met:
  • (1) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme on conflict management and alternative dispute resolution, ideally with focus on mediation (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
  • (2) Have graduated with a university degree as defined in (1) above no longer than one year before commencing the internship;
• Required Skills and Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience. However, work experience in the area of conflict management and alternative dispute resolution relevant areas is an asset.

• Language

Proficiency in written and spoken English is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset.

Note: Only candidates meeting the minimum requirements are invited to apply.

* Stipend in the amount of US$1500 per month. In addition, a lump sum of up to US$1000 may be paid to interns that are recruited from outside the duty station to cover travel costs.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values are Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and our Core Competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.