Capacity Development Intern

Background

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is represented worldwide. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Human Resources Section supports UNV in achieving its mandate, business plan and staff performance objectives by partnering with senior and line management to meet UNV’s strategic HR requirements, and by designing/implementing services and initiatives to attract, develop, motivate, and retain staff and personnel with the best talents to match UNV’s needs. The Human Resources Section operates within the framework of UNDP’s human resources policies and systems.

The Capacity Development team, as part of the Human Resources Section (HRS), leads the design and delivery of all learning activities for UN Volunteers serving with UN agencies globally.

UNV provides serving UN Volunteers and staff with access to learning programmes and services which include but are not limited to learning platforms (UNV eCampus), onboarding portal, UN mandatory courses (online) and UNV e-courses, LinkedIn Learning, Rosetta Stone, Coursera, UNITAR online courses and individual coaching. Workshops and onsite learning programmes on the ground are regularly offered to specific target audiences at the local and regional levels. Depending on business priorities learning programmes focused on strategic initiatives are delivered as well.

 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Learning Analyst and Team Lead CDT, the incumbent is expected to contribute to:

I – Communication Strategy Implementation

Collaborate with the capacity development team to execute comprehensive communication strategies that enhance the visibility and effectiveness of UN Volunteer learning activities.

Identify and assess key communication objectives, target audiences, and a wide range of communication methods and channels to ensure the successful promotion of UNV learning programs.

II – Content Development for Communication

Create and maintain a range of engaging communication materials, including graphics and presentations that effectively convey the essence and benefits of UNV learning programs.

Regularly update and refresh content on UNV learning opportunities, ensuring accuracy and relevance in line with the existing communication on eCampus and other channels.

III – Outreach and Information Dissemination

Organize outreach and sourcing initiatives to inform and engage stakeholders about UNV learning opportunities. This includes developing and distributing newsletters, announcements, flyers, learning kits, catalogs, and documentation.

Implement a structured approach to disseminate information, ensuring that potential participants are well-informed and motivated to engage in UNV’s capacity development offerings.

IV – eCampus Information Maintenance

Collaborate to maintain the information on UNV eCampus up-to-date.

V – Analytics and Reporting

Implement tracking mechanisms to monitor the impact and reach of communication efforts, utilizing key performance indicators to assess the success of various campaigns and initiatives.

Prepare regular reports on the effectiveness of communication strategies and make data-driven recommendations for improvements.

VI – Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Work closely with the Capacity Development Team, subject matter experts, and other relevant sections within UNV to ensure alignment and coherence in communication approaches.

Engage with stakeholders, partners, and the UNV volunteer community to gather feedback and input, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to communication.

 

Competencies

Core Competencies:

1. Communication Skills:

   – Demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

2. Organizational Skills:

   – Exhibits outstanding organizational skills, ensuring tasks are prioritized, deadlines are met, and projects are executed efficiently.

3. Collaboration and Teamwork:

   – Works collaboratively with colleagues, fostering a team-oriented environment to achieve shared organizational goals and objectives.

4. Problem-Solving:

   – Possesses excellent problem-solving skills, demonstrating the ability to analyze situations, identify challenges, and implement effective solutions.

Desired Competencies:

5. IT Skills:

   – Demonstrates strong IT skills, including proficiency in office software packages such as Microsoft Office suite (PPT, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Forms, SharePoint).

6. Design Software Proficiency:

   – Exhibits strong knowledge and proficiency in design software, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, and InDesign, enhancing the ability to create visually compelling communication materials.

7. Digital Media Literacy:

   – Displays solid knowledge in social media and other forms of digital media, staying informed about trends and best practices in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

 

Required Skills and Experience

Alignment of the activities in these TOR with your course of study. If not (or in addition to), experience in one or more of the following:

 Creating and disseminating communication materials, managing social media accounts, or supporting communication campaigns.

– Any experience with graphic design and multimedia content creation, using design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, or InDesign to produce visual communication materials.

 Organizing events, workshops, or webinars. This could include responsibilities such as logistics planning, participant communication, capturing success learning stories, or technical support during virtual events.

Writing for various platforms, such as blogs, newsletters, or articles, and in tailoring written content for different audiences and purposes.

Engaging with audiences, creating content calendars, and monitoring social media analytics.

Learning opportunities for the intern

General understanding of the work and mission of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, and of the contribution of volunteerism to peace and development.

Learn about communication strategies, learning management and people’s capacity development in a UN organization.

Contribute to the management and delivery of global learning initiatives for United Nations Volunteers.

Experience working in an international organization and in a multicultural environment.

Education:

Desired: Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, International Relations, International Development, or another related field.

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet ONE of the following requirements:

Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);

Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Language:

Proficiency in English, with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms, is required.

Knowledge of one/more of the other five official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is very desirable.

 

Conditions

Intern will be given monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy, which applicants should become familiar with prior to signing an UNDP Internship Agreement Form .  Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP Stipend.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship;

All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions.

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

 

Selection Process

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme.

Only a successful candidate will be required to submit the following documents:

A copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae.

A letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date.

A copy of his/her school transcript.

A letter of recommendation from a professor.

A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.

A Medical Certificate of Good Health.

Proof of medical insurance including provision for medical evacuation and removal of mortal remains or life insurance.

Copy of passport.

 

UNV is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

 

This is how cinfo can support you in the application process for this specific position: 

• Application preparation: Before you apply for this position: Improve your application documents by registering for a Job Application Support. Our coaches are here to help tailor your application to the requirements of the job (service provided at your own cost).
• Interview preparation: When invited to the interview: Prepare for the interview by registering for a Job Application Support.
• Additional services for  Swiss nationals who get invited to  the selection process (written test, interview, assessment centre, etc.):
  • Let us know by writing to recruitment@cinfo.ch. We flag matching applications to HR partners and SDC/SECO for visibility.
  • Benefit from free interview/assessment preparation by registering here: Interview and Assessment Centre Preparation for Jobs in Multilateral Organisations. Our coaches stand ready to help prepare for upcoming interview/assessment centre.​