Governance Officer (Internship)

Background

Background

UNDP Pacific Office (PO) in Fiji, serves 10 countries directly. UNDP in the Pacific has three focus areas:

• Effective Governance
• Inclusive Growth
• Resilience and Sustainable Development

The UNDP PO in Fiji coordinates regional initiatives and policy advice in 14 countries covered by the two UNDP offices in the region (Fiji and Samoa) and is guided by the Sub-Regional Programme Document (SRPD) (2018 – 2022) for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories. The SRPD outlines a programme strategy aligned with the vision of the Pacific Leaders, contributes to the achievement of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and forms part of the UN Pacific Strategy (UNPS) 2018-2022.

In implementing the vision of the SRPD, UNDP is governance work is anchored under Outcome 5 of the UNPS:  By 2022, people and communities in the Pacific will contribute to and benefit from inclusive, informed and transparent decision-making processes, accountable and responsive institutions, and improved access to justice. Due to the breath and width of governance programming undertaken by UNDP PO in the pacific, UNDP through its Governance team chairs the Outcome Group 5 and therefore coordinates the UN interagency technical support associated with the implementation of the agreed UNPS Outcome 5.

The Effective Governance Team partners with state and non-state actors to strengthen governance institutions, frameworks and processes.  The UNDP Effective Governance Portfolio is divided into five (5) thematic areas which are 1) Inclusive Political Processes 2) Strengthening transparency and accountability 3) Rule of law and Access to Justice 4) Health and Development 5) support to core-government functions. Refer to Annex 1 for more information.  Some of UNDP’s key engagements include civic society and electoral cycle support; parliamentary development, justice sector institutional development, and supporting the advancement of women’s equal participation and decision-making in political processes and institutions.

Under the supervision of Programme Analyst  Governance (Effective Governance) will support the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader (Effective Governance) in the strategic planning, providing support for research to identify appropriate programme interventions based on solid analysis of political, social and economic trends of relevance, assist with the monitoring and evaluating of governance projects, provide support with the implementation and reporting of DFAT funded regional activities and contribute to reporting to results.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

• Undertake Research and Analysis
• Provide M&E support for the Portfolio
• Support knowledge management and communications
• Contributes to the effective implementation of EG programmes

Research and Analysis

• Undertake research and provide support to governance portfolio on both political analysis and governance measurements as substantive contributions to CO positioning.
• Conduct thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the pacific countries and preparation of substantive inputs to UN common analysis and reviews, UNPS, UN common development planning and monitoring, SRPD, DFAT Regional Document and other documents.
• Provide regular analysis and synthesis of proposals on the areas for support and interventions within the practice area specialization assigned.
• Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, active contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Contribute to developing data collection methods, data analysis, empirical research design
• Support the implementation of various types of instruments of data collection, pilot and finalize those instruments in order to carry out research.
• Support portfolio in selection of samples, administration of different type of instruments of data collection, management data retrieval and entry, including its relevant application to programme design.
• Support analysis of quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate analytical tools and produce reports.
• Applies econometric techniques to enable rigorous empirical measurement of results, ensuring to the extent possible attribution of results to the relevant project or intervention

Management of knowledge and communication of results

• Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Actively creates, shares and manages knowledge to strengthen programme and project interventions
• Supports the portfolio efforts in effective communication of results

Contributes to the effective implementation of EG programmes

• contribute to reporting of results (UN common analysis and reviews, UNPS, UN common development planning and monitoring, SRPD, DFAT Regional Document and other documents.
• support with the implementation and reporting of DFAT funded regional activities.
• Supports the identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues.
• Supports the identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to the 10 PICs goals
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Preparation of lessons learnt, success stories and documentation of programme results leading towards transformational change
• Support and contribute to development of policies and institutions that will address PICs development challenges and needs in collaboration with the Governments and other strategic partners.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Communication
• Innovation
• Leadership
• People Management

Functional & Technical Competencies:

• Demonstrates strong writing skills, particularly the ability to present persuasive, coherent and well-founded arguments.
• Demonstrates drive to achieve results in timely manner and to seek and find solutions to any problems encountered.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to convert complex and abstract ideas into simple visual concepts.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Demonstrates an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Candidates must be enrolled in a degree programme in Social Sciences, International Relations, political science, human rights, international development, governance, peace and conflict or a related field.
• Applicants to the internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English language required

Work Experience & Desired Skillset: 

• Demonstrable knowledge of governance issues in the pacifc
• Experience in communications and social media outreach;
• Experience in online content development is desirable;
• Prior experience with the multilateral system is desirable;
• Must be able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities;
• Familiarity with social media platforms and graphic design and photo editing software applications;
• Self-starter; organized; able to multitask, balance multiple responsibilities, and work to deadline.

General Internships Terms & Conditions:

• This internship is governed by the UNDP Internship policy framework & rules.
• Under the new revised UNDP internship policy, a modest monthly internship stipend will be provided to its interns, in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy.
• All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern.
• Selected Interns must be able to share proof of education enrolment and/ or graduation
• There is no expectation of employment at the end of these internships.

Application Process

• Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
• Resume (updated)
• Motivation letter setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with UNDP
• a letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date or proof of recent graduation or enrolment