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Intern-Humanitarian Affairs [Temporary]

New York City

  • Organization: UNOCHA - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
  • Location: New York City
  • Grade: Internship - Internship
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
  • Closing Date: Closed

Org. Setting and Reporting

This internship position is in the Programme Unit of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) secretariat at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York. CERF is a global humanitarian fund with a funding target of $1 billion annually. It is one of the fastest and most effective ways to support rapid humanitarian response for people affected by natural disasters and armed conflict. CERF receives voluntary contributions year-round to provide immediate funding for life-saving humanitarian action anywhere in the world. OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

The intern will participate in all aspects of the programmatic work at CERF. This job opening may also be used by other parts of OCHA to recruit interns.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a Humanitarian Affairs Officer in the Programme Unit of the CERF secretariat, within the limits of delegated authority, the intern will be responsible for the following duties:

1.Monitor and analyse humanitarian developments in countries affected by disasters and emergencies, in collaboration with relevant OCHA desk officers
2.Conduct quantitative analyses and qualitative research to support the decision to allocate funding to the most underfunded emergencies and as a rapid response to new crises
3.In support of a Humanitarian Affairs Officer, review incoming CERF applications, draft responses to Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators, heads of agencies and agency focal points
4.Liaise with other branches and units within OCHA and UN agencies to ensure that incoming CERF applications are being reviewed in a coherent manner, maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability
5.Ensure timely and appropriate support to Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators and OCHA field offices for CERF-related processes
6.Support the preparation of and participate in CERF trainings
7.Prepare or contribute to the preparation of various documents, e.g. draft sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, briefings, etc.
8.Contribute to the revision of CERF’s operational handbook, other guidance
9.Develop and maintain reference and resource information on specific topics or policy-related issues; respond to various inquiries and information requests; keep abreast of latest humanitarian developments, provide information and advice on a range of related issues
10.Analyse, summarise and report on data on CERF grants
11.Perform other duties as required

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to gender equality within OCHA Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related humanitarian rights issues. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources and conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
(a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
(b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).

Interested candidates must be pursuing or pursued their degree in areas related to this Job Opening: political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences, graphic design, communications, public relations or marketing, statistics, human resources or a related field.
In addition, interested candidates must:
- Be computer literate in standard software applications including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point);
- Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and,
- Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience

Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is desirable. Please explain below how your experience meets this criterion using examples.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN Official language is an advantage.

Assessment

We may invite selected applicants to take a written test and/or participate in an interview.

Special Notice

The internship within the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, in line with the United Nations (UN) Internship Programme, aims to provide a framework by which students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds gain exposure to the United Nations through assignment to offices within the Secretariat in order to enhance their educational experience and gain experience in the work of the United Nations. Additionally, it provides the United Nations offices with the assistance of qualified interns specialized in various professional fields.
Interns shall not represent the United Nations in any official capacity. For additional information on the Programme, please visit: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=ip
The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours). The general working hours at United Nations Headquarters New York are 40 hours per week, from 9:00 to 5:00 pm with one hour for a lunch break. The intern should adhere to the established official weekly working hours of respective duty station if the internship is based in a field-office location. All costs associated to the internship are to be borne by the intern, specifically: travel, visas, accommodation/ living expenses and medical insurance for the entire duration of the internship. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during an internship. A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations.

To apply to this job opening please go to: https://inspira.un.org or https://careers.un.org. A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include:

• Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?)
• Graduation Date (When did you or will you be graduating from the programme?)
• Earliest availability to take on the internship.
• List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. Expertise in online databases, business intelligence software, website and document design is an asset.
• Experience with data analysis and data visualization, in particular advanced Excel skills and knowledge of Tableau, is an advantage. Please list your experience and skills in this area.
• Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
• Explain your interest in the work of the United Nations and personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
• Explain how you have demonstrated an ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
• Please also indicate the time when you are available for an internship, including your earliest possible start date. The OCHA Internship is for a minimum duration of two months with an opportunity for extension up to six months.
In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences (including internships, volunteer work and teaching/research assistant jobs) and IT skills. Do not forget to designate three references that we may contact who can attest to your qualifications. You could include present or past supervisors, peers, mentors or thesis advisors, but please do not list any family members. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants may be evaluated through a written examination and/or a competency-based interview.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
Administrative requirements: Candidates must be medically insured; able to obtain necessary visas and arrange travel to UN-HQ in New York, as well as cover the cost of travel, accommodation and living expenditure for the duration of the internship. For further information, please consult the United Nations Secretariat internship website at: https://careers.un.org.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

This vacancy is now closed.
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