Transformational Governance Intern

CORPORATE BACKGROUND:

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Rwanda, through its Transformational Governance Unit (TGU), collaborates with national institutions to enhance democratic governance, justice, human rights, and gender equality. Key initiatives include deepening democracy, strengthening inclusive citizen participation, and enhancing accountability in governance. Additionally, UNDP supports the Rule of Law in Rwanda, focusing on improving access to justice and reinforcing the rule of law. These efforts align with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which emphasizes nation-building and good governance as foundational pillars for sustainable development.

The Transformational Governance Unit at UNDP Rwanda Office has a Project Implementation Plan for 2025, with which the intern will be working. This project is fully aligned with both the United Nations sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) and encompasses key areas of Governance such as access to justice and rule of law, accountability and participation, peace and security, gender equality and human rights .

In all our activities, we apply the Human Rights Based Approach and the leave no one behind principles.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:

UNDP Rwanda Office is seeking a graduate student with an interest in Governance issues to learn and assist in the implementation of the Transformational Governance Programme. This post will give the intern the opportunity to assist in support programme management, coordination, resource mobilization and monitoring and evaluation of the Transformational Governance Project Initiation Plan.

The specific internship duties, listed below, includes support to project management, support in monitoring and evaluation as well as communication and research.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist, the intern will: 100%

• Support the daily implementation of Transformational Governance Project Initiation Plan through project management support;
• Support the Monitoring and evaluation of TGU projects including data collection, analysis and reporting, organization of oversight visits, etc.
• Support the production of communication materials including articles, blogs, brochures, infographics, writing engaging posts and ensuring regular updates on social media and support with production of other content for social media.
• Prepare drafts of relevant background documents for programmes, such as terms of references, concept notes, briefs, reports, etc.
• Support the organization in the preparation and organization of meetings and events planned by Transformation Governance Unit.
• Support research initiatives by both UNDP and partners
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Currently in the final year of a bachelor’s degree (with a proof that He/she is waiting for the graduation); or
• Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
• Have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: Governance, Law, public policy, social sciences, public sector management, economic governance, environmental governance, project management, peace studies, development studies or related fields

IT skills:

• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
• Familiarity with Access, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, In-Design, and other graphic design production tools is an asset.

Language skills:

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) in English are required;
• Kinyarwanda and French an asset
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP internships are not remunerated. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are 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 must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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