Internship Paid

The Governance Responsive Institutions and Civic Engagement (GRICE) portfolio of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is looking for an upcoming young graduate in the capacity of an intern for a six-months period who is committed to the effective governance, responsive institutions in an effort to promote sustainability and equality.

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in about 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges.

In keeping with its global strategic plan, UNDP supports UN member states to achieve the SDGs through integrated solutions in programme countries. UNDP supports cross-sectoral efforts to secure development gains and ensure every citizen benefits from and contributes to a society that leaves no one behind.  

UNDP has been a trusted development partner of Namibia helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, reduction of inequalities and exclusion in areas such governance, environment protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation. In each of its thematic areas of work, UNDP at the request of its national partners provides relevant policy advisory support, technical assistance, advocacy, and knowledge to help Namibia achieve its global commitment on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). With Namibia’s transition to Middle Income Country Status, Official Development Assistance from traditional donor sources has been on the continuous decline. UNDP is therefore working with its national partners to identify and tap into alternative and innovative financing mechanisms for development. This process involves broadening outreach and forging wide-ranging partnerships with stakeholders - including other UN agencies, the government, the private sector, philanthropic Foundations, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and International Finance Institutions to advance the country’s development strategies and objectives.

UNDP is committed to support Namibia in attaining effective governance through several principles which include public participation, inclusion, non-discrimination, equality, regional and local government contexts, rule of law and accountability. Furthermore, ensuring that gender equality and accommodation of persons with disabilities is mainstreamed across the portfolios and the broader UNDP Namibia Country Office interventions.

This call for one (1) Intern to join the UNDP office, Windhoek, Namibia, is to support key initiatives and interventions towards the GRICE portfolio and in collaboration with the UNDP Accelerator Lab.

The general tasks of the Internship include:

• Assist the GRICE Team and Consultant in formalizing the establishment of the GRICE portfolio
• Support the efforts of consultants  to develop and set up a GRICE portfolio
• Support staff and Consultants in identifying interventions aligned with current government priorities (Vision 2030, NDP5/6, HPP2, COVID recovery, etc) by assisting in the review, guidance and alignment of the UNDP CPD and UNPAF outcomes with the NDP5, HPP2 and other GRN Governance related policies and strategies (including regional and municipal plans) to achieve portfolio results
• Support the CO in compiling an annotated list of potential implementing partners
• Assist in researching and proposing areas for innovative and strategic development services and engagement facilities that contribute to shared portfolio results.
• Assist in the administrative (electronic filing and evidence - based documents) and operational management of Governance, and Innovation interventions.
• Conduct desk top research, analysis, and find current international, continental, regional and local studies on governance trends publications.
• Monitor and keep abreast of developments (socio-economic, population dynamics, trends, etc.) and broad issues related to Governance in Namibia, and their linkages to development processes in Namibia (using articles, newspapers, and other media sources);
• Participate in meetings and workshops and prepare reports (minutes, note to the files, concept notes; proposals);
• Draft human development interest stories, blogs, develop social media plans and posts in the areas of work that are supported by or with UNDP’ resources.
• Monitor newspaper clippings, issues and provide weekly assessments on key issues raised w.r.t, governance and innovation themes; and

The specific tasks of the Internship include:

• Provide support to the governance and Accelerator Lab team in establishing, building relationships with NGOs, CBOs, government, and development partners active in the fields of governance and innovation.
• Update project profiles, manage project information and follow up on payment and procurement relevant to the portfolios;
• Scan, document and compile governance and innovation issues across various conventional and social media platforms;
• Contribute to project initiatives, by providing in-depth, analyses and applying knowledge and methods used by the accelerator lab on sensemaking, systems thinking, innovation and transformation during the internship period;
• Contribute to project, programme and portfolio management approaches.
• Assist in organizing and supporting workshops and other activities as well as provide administrative and logistical support.

General:

• Able to take initiative and work independently, with minimum supervision,
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty,
• Excellent organizational, inter-personal, communication and administrative skills,
• Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines,
• Commitment to the UNDP vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Knowledge of computer systems and word packages

Communication Skills:

• Speaks and writes English 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 the audience.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with team to achieve organizational goals.
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing ideas from others; is willing to learn from others.

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a post-graduate academic programme; or
• Have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a post-graduate programme or equivalent studies.
• Field of study: public policy/administration governance, sociology, political studies or any other related field/s

Experience:

• No work experience necessary but must be eager and proactive.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, managing social media platforms and design software such as Adobe suite.

Language skills:

• Fluency in English required.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will provide a stipend in the amount of N$3,588.56 monthly in accordance with the    provisions of the UNDP Internship policy. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed.
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship.
• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes.
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, accommodation, etc.