Internship – Project Support (Remote)

TECD Digital Transformation, Technology Division, Rome, Italy

Brief description:

WFP is on a focused path towards digitally transforming how it operates and how it best serves those in need so that it can accelerate the goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030. Digital services for beneficiary and transfer management are at the core of WFP’s digital capabilities, and it is integral to ensuring we continuously enhance our services to the people we serve. The Beneficiary Services branch of the Technology Division (TEC), through the SCOPE platform, has been focused on building and strengthening governance, tools, operations and functionality around SCOPE and our digital assistance services to support the organization‘s journey to put the beneficiary at the center of everything we do.

Under the direct supervision of the TECD SCOPE Operations Coordinator, the intern will support TECD efforts in shaping and leading the beneficiary services agenda in the Technology Division as part of the larger digital capabilities for WFP.

General Information

• Title of Post: Internship
• Supervisor: SCOPE Operations Coordinator
• Unit: TECD
• Country:  Italy
• Duty Station: Remote
• Duration of internship: 4 months
• Expected Start Date: ASAP

Duties and responsibilities

1. Support TECD team, Regional Business Transformation Officers (RBTOs) and Country Offices in implementing SCOPE feature releases, liaising with technical teams and relevant business stakeholders.
2. Prepare information management products, such as internal presentation, documents, weekly reports relating to SCOPE/ TECD activities.
3. Support TECD team in the planning and managing group calls and information sessions with RBTO, Country Offices, and other stakeholders as necessary, with the purpose of facilitating communication sharing and best practices exchange.
4. Gather business and technical requirements from Country Offices and RBTOs to ensure that they are assessed and, when appropriate, scheduled into TEC demand.
5. Understand and communicate relevant new products, features and capabilities as they become available and ensure successful deployment and activation.
6. Perform other duties as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Support as required TECD and BTOs to manage projects in the region of competence.
• Support the preparation of documents, guidance and information management products relating to SCOPE and TECD solutions for Country Offices.
• Support global/regional or country specific project rollouts as required ensuring change management elements are in place.
• Provide guidance and information concerning services and products to relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled with at least two years undergraduate studies completed, or recently graduated in relevant discipline (including but not limited to: business management, public policy, social policy, science, information technology) or related field. (within the past six months)
• University course attendance in the past 12 months;
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian architecture.
• 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:

• Effective and collaborative communication with staff and leadership, with effective written and oral communication techniques to convey clear and timely messages.
• Ability to assess and respond to customer needs
• Ability to identify and pursue desired programme outcomes and
• goals.
• Strong organizational skills including prioritization and accuracy, adapting approaches, goals, and methods to achieve solutions and results in dynamic situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work collaboratively, build effective working relationships, and be a team-oriented leader.
• Excellent time management, problem-solving techniques and use of professional judgment in complex and sensitive situations.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Strong computer skills.

Working Languages

Fluency (level C) in English language is required. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or WFP’s working language.

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of the SCOPE Operations Coordinator, 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. 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:

Be able to:

1-Internal processes and inter-divisional collaboration in a humanitarian organization. 

2- Overview of issues related to food security and responding to needs.

3- Exposure to a wide range of topics and issues related to digital solutions and humanitarian response.

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in Rome, Italy

(Living conditions, security, health, etc)

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: 148513

Closing Date: 19 September 2021

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 recognized 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