Expected duration
Six months
Duties and Responsibilities
Org. Setting and Reporting: This position is located within the Political Affairs Section (POLAS) of the Office of the United Nations for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, Dakar, Senegal. The Security Sector Reform Intern will work remotely and reports to the Security Sector Reform Officer. Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the main intern’s duties and responsibilities will include: – Through SSR documentary/desk review (reports, budgetary documents, official government policies, strategies, and directives related to the security sector etc.) collect, record and analyze available SSR data from the region and contribute to 1) the understanding of the current status of affairs of the security sector reform and governance in West Africa and in the Sahel, and 2) the drafting of a comprehensive report; 3) the formulation of relevant recommendations for governments, regional and international institutions and the donors community at large. – Perform other duties as required. Competencies: Professionalism: (a) Basic knowledge of international peace and security issues. (b) Basic Knowledge of SSR (concepts and terminology) would be an advantage. (c) Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. (d) Excellent research and analytical skills. (e) Commitment to promoting and implementing gender equality. (f) Basic knowledge of the work and the institutions of the UN and commitment to its ideals would be an advantage. (g) Proficient in text processing and presenting software as well as in standard office tasks (scanning, printing…etc.). Communication: (a) Speak and write clearly and effectively in which languages? (b) Listen to others and correctly interpret messages from others and respond appropriately. (c) Ask questions to clarify and engage in two-way communication. (d) Tailor language, tone, style and format to match the audience. (e) Demonstrate openness in sharing information. (f) Interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds. Teamwork: (a) Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve team goals. (b) Solicit input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise. (c) Is willing to learn from others. (d) Place team agenda before personal agenda. (e) Support final group decision that may not entirely reflect own position. (f) Share credit for team accomplishments and accept joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Qualifications/special skills
Knowledge of the political and security situation of the region is desirable. 1. Study on political science, security, public security sector management, Law, administration, international relations, or a related fields is required. 2. Applicants at the time of application must meet one of the following requirements: Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or, be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). 3. Proficient in standard word processing and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint or similar; 4. Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter. 5. Have a demonstrated 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.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in French is desirable.
Additional Information
Not available.
Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
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.