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 a Nutrition intern position in the Front Office of the Nutrition Division, based in Rome, Italy.

Brief description of Nutrition Division:

Nutrition is a core element of the work of WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting hunger. WFP brings its nutrition expertise to support the most vulnerable before, during and after humanitarian crises. We prioritize prevention of malnutrition as it reduces the human suffering and is the most effective path to long-lasting results. When children and women do suffer from acute malnutrition—inadequate nutrition leading to rapid weight loss, or ‘wasting’, —we provide treatment and link it to long-term care to prevent them from becoming malnourished again.

The purpose of the assignment is to support the Special Assistant to the Director of Nutrition with the management of the Front Office of the Nutrition Division (NUT), with a number of programmatic, policy, administrative and communication issues pertaining to the nutrition portfolio of the organization.

General Information

• Title of Post: Internship
• Supervisor: Special Assistant to the Director
• Unit: Nutrition Division
• Country:  Italy
• Duty Station: Rome
• Duration of internship: 6 months
• Expected Start Date:  February 2020

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Special Assistant to the Director of Nutrition Division, the candidate will perform the following duties:

1.       Organize and maintain information management systems to keep records of documentation, key liaison, note for the records and other important information pertinent to the Front Office of the Division.

2.       Support the Special Assistant to the Director with event organization, Executive Board week, member state and partnership liaison and all other key external communication activities.

3.       Support the Special Assistant with the coordination of project documents and review processes amongst the Chiefs of the Division, and regional nutrition advisors.

4.       Research and analyze information for the drafting of key documents and policies for the Nutrition Division.

5.       Support the preparation of briefing documents, presentations and communication for the Nutrition Director and Executive Management of WFP.

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled with at least two years undergraduate studies completed, or recently graduated (within the past six months). University degree in international relations, political science, public health, nutrition, or other relevant field.
• University course attendance in the past 12 months;
• Excellent command of English; Working knowledge of a second UN language would be an asset;
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)

Required soft skills/WFP Competencies:

Experience in an international setting is desirable.

Good planning and analytical skills;

Good communication skills: writing, editing and proofreading;

Ability to work well with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds;

Ability to manage multiple and short deadlines.

Working Languages

Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) is required. Intermediate knowledge of second UN language desirable.

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant of the Director, Nutrition Division, 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. The Director of the Nutrition Division 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:

1. Have gained knowledge in how a large-scale humanitarian organization operates and how food and nutrition security programmes are implemented.
2. To have obtained an understanding of the role of a Front Office, and gained skills in coordination, multi-tasking and information management.
3. Has assured that key documentation and meetings are well recorded, documented and organized.
4. Has ensured adequate support is provided so that the Nutrition Director is well prepared to achieve substantive issues related to her portfolio.
5. Has contributed to the team with fresh ideas and has contributed to the production of communication products and visibility to WFP’s nutrition work locally, regionally and globally.

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in Rome, Italy

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. 

• Other relevant information

VA Reference no: 113444

Closing Date: 1 February 2020 

Terms and Conditions:

• Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment.
• 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.

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.

Fighting Hunger Worldwide