Background

UNDP plays an important and unique role in supporting high risk countries to achieve their development goals by reducing loss to life and assets, and by strengthening long term resilience. UNDP works with governments at international, national and local levels to ensure that disaster risk reduction (DRR) is a nationally-led and owned agenda, as well as integrated into national development planning. UNDP’s work focuses on resilience building and ensuring development remains risk-informed and sustainable. To do this we assist governments in systematically and comprehensively delivering on risk-informed development through the communication, reduction and management of risk.

UNDP’s country level DRR and recovery efforts have reached expenditures of USD 2.1 billion during the period 2005 – 2016 (more information on UNDP’s DRR portfolio can be accessed here). The Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team (DRT) currently manages a portfolio of global and regional projects amounting to approximately USD 60 million. Through enhanced integration with climate change adaptation and a firm focus on partnerships and mechanisms to deliver on Sendai, UNDP, during this reporting period, has:

• helped 148 countries develop national and local DRR strategies and action plans;
• supported 84 countries to understand and communicate risks through risk assessments;
• worked with 90 countries to strengthen their legal and regulatory frameworks for DRM; and
• supported 110 countries to develop post-disaster recovery capacities.

The DRT leads UNDP’s global practice in this field and provides policy advice and programmatic support to UNDP Regional Hubs and Country Offices in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of disaster risk reduction and recovery programmes. The team collaborates closely with other UNDP Global Policy Network (GPN) practices such as climate change, governance, conflict prevention, sustainable development and poverty eradication, towards a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to resilience building.

This position is specifically intended to support UNDP’s work on preparedness and anticipation as one of the key strategic work streams of DRT. The intern will support the team with research, knowledge management and communications tasks related to the development of a training package on preparedness.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Development of the UNDP Preparedness Toolkit
  • Undertake research and categorization of resources to support the development of new thematic modules for the Preparedness Toolkit
• Development of the UNDP Preparedness Learning Pathway
  • Undertake research and categorization of resources to support the development of a training and learning package on topics related to preparedness and anticipation
  • Support the development of slide decks
  • Support the design of visuals using Canva
  • Support the development of the package handouts/ additional reading list
  • Support the development of pre-workshop and post-workshop evaluation forms including using online forms (Google Forms; Survey Monkey)
  • Support the development and maintenance of the package repository on UNDP Intranet/ Spark Blue and MS Teams
• Support the organization of webinars for the rollout of the UNDP Preparedness Learning Pathway
  • Support the organization of webinars using the learning package
  • Support the development of tailored webinar plans for all webinars (i.e. selective modules will be delivered for each webinar), including facilitation guidance for resource persons
  • Support the facilitation of webinars (development of MURAL boards, facilitation of group discussions, setting up Zoom options, etc.)
  • Develop webinar reports
  • Support the team to advertise webinars, develop learning briefs, update Spark Blue page hosting webinar materials, etc.

• Support the team with any other portfolio related tasks that include research, analysis, and communication
  • Develop briefs, talking points, slide decks, etc. as required.

Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;
• Knowledge of online applications such as Canva, MURAL, Zoom, MS Teams, Google Forms;
• Initiative taking;
• Strong organization skills;
• Great attention to detail and proven experience in proof reading;
• Ability to work well in a team;
• Demonstration of cultural sensitivity and appreciation for different cultures and practices;
• Sound computer skills and experience using web-based applications, social media and data management systems.

Required Skills and Experience

• Enrolled in a Master’s programme or equivalent in the area of: disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, disaster management, environmental management, humanitarian affairs, international development.
• Proficiency in English in both writing and speaking.

The intern will be part of UNDP’s Disaster Risk Reduction for Building Resilience Team based in Geneva. In the current context, the intern is expected to work from home.

S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Global Disaster Preparedness Lead and under the overall strategic guidance of the Head of the Disaster Risk Reduction for Building Resilience Team.

• As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies at the rate of the country of residence, if is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme; the stipend is intended to compensate for the cost of living at the duty station
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• To travel to the duty station, the intern is 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 are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship;
• The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract and due recognition of work will be issued in writing.

For more information about the application process and UNDP’s internship terms and conditions, visit: www.undp.org/internships

Application Process:

• In your application, please (i) state in one paragraph why you would like to be considered for the internship, and (ii) indicate your preferred start and end date;
• Submit your CV/Resume.

Selected candidates must submit the following documents:

• Copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
• Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date;
• Letter of recommendation from a professor;
• Copy of his/her school transcript;
• Copy of passport;
• Completed UNDP internship application form;
• Medical Certificate of Good Health;
• Proof of valid Medical Insurance coverage for the duration of the internship assignment. The insurance coverage must include adequate coverages in the event of an injury or illness during the internship with specific indication of the following: a) in the event of injury, transportation to home country or country of residence for further treatment; and, b) in the event of death, requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.