INTERN - HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, I

Department/ Office: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Duty Station: GENEVA

Job Opening number: 13-HRA-OCHA-28774-R-GENEVA

Org. Setting and Reporting

This profile is for the sole purpose of the Internship Programme located in the Geneva Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The intern may be assigned to one Section of the following Branches offices within OCHA Geneva: Office of the Director (OD), Communications Services Branch (CSB), Information Services Branch (ISB), Administrative Services Branch (ASB), Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Branch (PRMB), Programme Support Branch (PSB), Emergency Services Branch (ESB), Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), and Coordination and Response Division in Geneva (CRD Geneva). The incumbent will report to and head of the relevant Section.

Responsibilities

The programme is normally full-time and the intern is expected to work five days per week in the Section to which he/she is assigned. The intern will be assigned to a range of duties as determined by the assigned supervisor.  The duties will include: 

Supporting the general work of OCHA, and providing specific support in relation to the Section’s work. In consultation with an Officer, assisting in the design and preparation of studies, events and presentations on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief, and related issues and in various follow-up activities.  Assisting in research, analysis and presentation of information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/issues. Contributing to the preparation of various written documents, e.g. assisting in the drafting of sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents etc.  Developing and maintaining reference/resource information on specific topics or policy-related issues; contributing to the responding to various inquiries and information requests internally and externally. Assisting in the organization of meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. with other agencies and partners to facilitate exchanges of professional expertise and views on related subjects/issues; serves as reporter to such events. Maintaining awareness of current development affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in specific subject area, country or region concerned. Performing other duties as required by the officers and the head of the Section. 

In addition to the above responsibilities the intern may be assigned to and responsible specifically for the following tasks: 

For OD: Support the Office of the Director and Preparedness Analysis and Coordination Section (PACS) on ad hoc projects of short duration. Research, compile and disseminate information on humanitarian action (including emergency preparedness), incorporating published in the intranet and/or website. Assist in the development of a knowledge management system, in which information and knowledge on humanitarian action is systematically acquired, updated and disseminated. Support in facilitating information exchange and partnership building by organising regular meetings and consultations. Assist in developing written/visual promotional materials, newsletters, fact sheets, publications and/or content for online dissemination. Facilitate the preparation of meetings (e.g. IASC Sub-Working Group on Preparedness), in preparing background documents, logistical arrangements and note-taking. 
For PRMB: Assist in contacting external partners in order update existing contact database. Assist in the preparation of partnership related meetings in Geneva (agenda, background documentation, notes and summary records). Liaise with OCHA staff at HQ and field level and other relevant partners to gather and disseminate information about partnerships. Assist with the preparation of inputs and ensure that they are carried out in an efficient and timely manner. Assist in the update of PRMB’s partnership database (including on intranet and website) and contact database. Accompany the supervisor to meetings with partners, UN agencies and take notes. Assist in the preparation of policy guidance on OCHA's partnerships with member states, intergovernmental and regional organisations and the private sector (partners). Support OCHA's Regional and Liaison Offices in their partnership work, including strategic prioritization and cross fertilisation of best practice in partnership work. Assist in research and analysis on identified priority partners. Participate in any other assignment as requested. 
For PSB: Assisting in the research and development of communication materials and website presence to enhance the visibility of information relating to the humanitarian programme cycle. Research various thematic and political initiatives of relevance to the branch. Support the development and editing of humanitarian appeals, the tracking and verification of financial data regarding humanitarian appeals. Assist in the organisation of programme cycle training events, humanitarian appeal launches, and other initiatives. Assist and conduct research in relation to the drafting talking points and background documents on various topics, including country specific situations and the areas of work of the branch. Assist in any other duties as required. 
For ESB: Assist in strengthening national and international disaster response and response preparedness capacities; facilitating initial disaster assessment and coordination through the timely deployment of appropriate staff resources and expertise; supporting effective international response efforts through the provision of civil–military coordination, logistical support, information technology expertise and emergency relief stocks; managing rosters and networks to ensure the availability of humanitarian specialists, environmental experts, and technical modules to support field operations; supporting the coordination of staff learning and development programmes, including the management of specific training cycles; and working with partners to ensure appropriate international standards for response are constantly developed and updated, including in international urban search and rescue (INSARAG) activities, civil–military coordination, environmental emergencies response. Forge, maintain and develop effective networks (e.g. UNDAC, INSARAG, International Humanitarian Partnership, Surge Capacity resource providers). Provide advice in connection with OCHA’s mandated actions in regard to natural disasters, environmental emergencies and technological accidents. 
For IASC: Support the preparations for the IASC Working Group Meetings, IASC Principals and IASC Weekly meetings, including assisting in the preparatory process for background documents, logistic arrangements and preparation of summary records. Support the liaison with UN and non UN humanitarian agencies and other relevant bodies to ensure timely information sharing and attend meeting of IASC member agencies and other relevant events. Support in monitoring the progress in IASC Subsidiary Bodies (Sub Working Groups, Task Forces, Reference Groups) by drafting notes and identifying gaps and bringing them to the attention of the Chief of the IASC Secretariat.  Support the development of information management mechanisms within the IASC Secretariat and develop relevant information dissemination tools (maintenance of IASC website, promotion material, newsletters). Strengthen information management through monitoring of humanitarian developments throughout the world and through careful information analysis by preparing IASC humanitarian updates. Serve as primary focal point for the IASC Secretariat for specific topics or policy-related issues covered by the IASC Subsidiary Bodies or IASC Working Groups. 
For CRD Geneva: Support CRD on preparation or updating databases for disaster-prone countries, and of countries with potential and emerging conflicts, through researching relevant websites, OCHA disaster and complex emergency files, situation reports. Assist in contacting external partners in order update existing contact database. Assist with the preparation of briefing notes on disasters and the activities of the Section. Assist with the update of access and security-related information. Support the Section with copying, compiling records and filing of current emergencies records. Assist in the preparation of meetings in Geneva (agenda, background documentation, notes and summary records). Accompany the Desk Officer to meetings with donors, humanitarian partners, UN agencies and take notes. For Humanitarian Leadership Strengthening Unit (HLSU) that interacts on a daily basis with Humanitarian and Resident Coordinators, who are the highest-level and most experienced UN humanitarian officials in most field locations. Reporting to the Director of CRD, OCHA New York; the Unit works on behalf of the IASC to strengthen the humanitarian coordination leadership function. In this context, the intern will contribute to OCHA’s leadership strengthening agenda by promoting dialogue and building consensus among humanitarian partners on key normative issues relating to humanitarian coordination leadership; Expanding the pool of potential Humanitarian Coordinators through the Humanitarian Coordination Pool; Building a constituency of support among IASC agencies for qualified candidates for Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator positions; Improving the leadership, coordination, and team development skills of senior humanitarian officials; and iv) Improving the collective leadership of humanitarian country teams.

Competencies

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. 
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.

Education

Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate university programme, preferably in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field. 
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate or post-graduate degree programme school or equivalent (Master's, Ph.D., 5-year diploma/licence or similar). 
Candidates need to be enrolled in a graduate or post-graduate degree programme during the entire duration of the internship. 
If pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree. Be computer literate in standard software applications.

Work Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme; however any practical and academic experience on humanitarian issues including humanitarian financing mechanisms, humanitarian funding trends, gender equality programming is an asset. Research interest and published work on these or/and any related areas is desirable.

Languages

 Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of other working language of the UN Secretariat may be considered as desirable.

Assessment Method

Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice

The OCHA Internship is normally for two months with an opportunity for extension (no more than 6 months in total). Interns shall not be eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, positions at the professional level and above carrying international recruitment status in the Secretariat for a period of six months following the end of their internship. 

Administrative requirements: 
Candidates must be medically insured; able to obtain necessary visas and arrange travel to Geneva, as well as cover the cost of travel, accommodation and living expenditure for the duration of the internship.    

The Cover Note must include: 
- Your availability dates for internship 
‐ Title of degree you are currently pursuing 
‐ Graduation Date (when will you be graduating from the programme) 
‐ List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. 
‐ List your top three areas of interest/department preferences 
‐ Explain why you are the best candidate for that specific Section (s). 
‐ Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. 

Applicants must: 
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 demonstrated the 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. 

A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Considerations

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.

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.

APPLY NOW: http://t.cn/zQbjJg6