Food Assistance for Assets Unit, Policy and Programme Division, in Rome, HQ

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. We are currently seeking to fill for candidates to participate in the PD Summer Internship Programme 2020 in the Policy and Programme Department (PD).

The position will be based in Food Assistance for Assets Unit, in Rome, Italy. The internship will be typically for the period of at least 3 months during May/June to August/ September 2020.

Brief description of Food Assistance for Assets Unit, Policy and Programme Division in HQ

The World Food Programme (WFP) works to build the resilience of the most vulnerable by tackling the nexus between food and nutrition insecurity, shocks and stressors, and aggravating factors such as land degradation. In collaboration with governments and partners, WFP works to protect, rebuild, strengthen and diversify livelihoods, while simultaneously building the capacities of communities and governments to manage risks. Through Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) programmes, WFP provides individuals from vulnerable and food insecure households with food or cash-based transfers to help them better meet their household’s short-term food needs, in exchange for their participation in asset creation activities that contribute to building longer-term food security and/or the restoration of community services.

General Information

• Title of Post: PD Summer Intern
• Unit: Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) of Asset Creation and Livelihoods Unit
• Supervisor: Programme Policy Officer (FFA) of Unit
• Duration: At least 3 months (May/June to August/September 2020)

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Programme Policy Officer (FFA) of Asset Creation and Livelihoods Unit, the PD Summer Intern will perform the following duties:

• Based on 2018 and 2019 outputs, undertake Social Return on Investment (SROI)[1] analysis for two countries implementing FFA/Asset Creation for Livelihoods (ACL) activities
• Develop a step-by-step guideline on how to undertake SROI analysis
• Develop an Infotec (internal global briefing paper to over 400 WFP staff) on the SROI analysis and incorporate the SROI methodology in Chapter 7 of the FFA Programme Guidance Manual
• Perform any other duties as required.

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled in a master’s degree programme OR a recent graduate of a master’s degree (graduated within the last 6 months), in the social sciences or environmental sciences with proven experience in econometric statistical analysis, data mining and/or quantitative survey analysis
• Strong analytical skills
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook)
• Good communication skills (written and oral)
• Written and oral fluency in English. Proficiency in French and Spanish are desirable but not mandatory.

Working Languages

Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) is required.

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of Programme Policy Officer (FFA) of Asset Creation and Livelihoods Unit, the incumbent will be provided with close mentoring, guidance and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews as well as learning and development discussions will be elemental part of the supervision. Chief of Asset Creation and Livelihood unit will be the second-level supervisor. With the support of a comprehensive induction package and assignment of a buddy/mentor, the intern will rapidly become a productive member of the team.

Training components

Throughout their assignment WFP interns have access to an industry leading learning platform, weLearn. Depending on opportunities and availability of funds, he/she may participate in WFP workshops or seminars, as appropriate.

Learning Elements

At the end of the assignment, the Intern should have:

• Very good knowledge of WFP’s FFA programmes and deliverables
• Good knowledge of applying quantitative statistical methods and econometric analyses in real life situations
• Familiarization with WFP’s reporting system
• Familiarization with WFP’s Food Assistance for Assets programmes
• General understanding of WFP overall operations

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in City, Country

The security situation in Italy remains in line with other European Countries. There are no specific threats against the UN in Italy. Considering the ongoing defeat of Daesh in the war territories, the trend in the short and mid-term will most likely continue to see the return of the militants to the countries of origins, including Italy. Insurrectional anarchism remains sufficiently organized on the Italian territory, as it has been present for many years. This movement could target the UN in the context of its anti-capitalism/anti-western narrative. 2) Whilst UN staff continue to be victims of minor crime such as street robbery and apartment break-ins, the infrequency of attacks and random nature of locations do not indicate that UN staff are at an elevated risk in comparison to residents or tourists in Italy. 3) Italy’s national territory is exposed to a broader range of natural hazards than any other European country. The vulnerability of its population and built environment is often severe and has in some cases been exacerbated by human activities.

Terms and Conditions:

• The PD intern will be paid a monthly stipend of approximately USD US$ 1,000 per month as a contribution towards basic subsistence costs.
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
• WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognised institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
• Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.

Closing Date: 12 February 2020

VA Reference no: 110026

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.  WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

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