UNOPS – United Nations Office for Project Services- Internship Vacancy

Application deadline : Wednesday 30 Sep 2020

Contract

This is a Internship contract. More about Internship contracts.

Background Information – Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The Zimbabwe Cyclone Idai Recovery Programme (ZIRP) will fall under the purview of the UNOPS KEMC (Kenya Multi Country Office) Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes a large portfolio of Infrastructure, procurement and project management service projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and several Island states.

Project

Following devastation caused to life, livelihoods and property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019, the WB has allocated up to US$ 75 million to finance a recovery project for Zimbabwe and the African Development Bank has allocated US$ 25 million. The projects address both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture, transport). UNOPS has been requested to manage the WB funds and is establishing a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and is the Implementation Agency for the AfDB-funded project for a similar cause. UNOPS will engage multiple UN partner organisations to deliver specific components of ZIRP and private sector companies to deliver on the infrastructure works under the AfDB fund.

The PIU is being established as a facility to support these projects. As the Fund Manager/PIU UNOPS will be responsible for multiple functions including the design of an early recovery/emergency response facility, fiduciary management, legal and technical oversight Monitoring and Evaluation, reporting, quality assurance and communications.

Responsible to the Communications Associate – Public Relations and Outreach, the Communications Intern will work in the Communications Unit in the main UNOPS office in Harare. The role will focus primarily on producing communications materials and reports for UNOPS Zimbabwe’s ZIRP and AfDB projects. These projects cover a range of development sectors. The work of the Project Implementation Unit is diverse and requires a significant level of multitasking.

The intern will be required to deliver high quality products to tight deadlines. Additionally, the Communications Intern will also closely coordinate with other programmes, infrastructure and procurement units.

The incumbent will be responsible to abide by the security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Communications Associate – Public Relations and Outreach, specific intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Writing high-quality copy for external news stories, newsletter and factsheets
• Creating relevant and engaging content for social media and project websites
• Editing and proofreading copy, publications and websites.
• Liaising with project focal points to secure information and images for communications materials.
• Assisting with internal communications content
• Assisting with research and writing for the annual report and other publications.
• Assisting with the distribution of communications products.
• General administration and support.
• Reporting to and performing other duties as requested by the Communications Associate.

Terms and Conditions

UNOPS Zimbabwe will provide the intern with the following:

• Workspace in a shared office including computer, stationery, landline telephone
• Use of common office facilities, as for all UNOPS staff
• A monthly stipend from UNOPS, if they do not receive funds from other institutions. Furthermore, UNOPS may provide a one-time travel lump sum of USD 500 for international interns, if the intern is not receiving travel funding from other institutions. However, interns must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and insurance coverage.
• Assistance with application for work visa

The internship comes with no expectations of future employment with UNOPS as a direct result of the internship. The internship is offered for a period of 6 months renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Education

Either currently enrolled for University Degree in Journalism, Communications, Development or a relevant subject or have graduated from such studies within the past 3 years prior to the application date of the internship is required.

Experience

• Applicants are not required to have professional work experience but experience in writing and editing news and feature articles is desirable.
• Experience in copywriting is desirable.
• Excellent skills in planning, attention to details and ability to meet deadlines are desired.
• Computer literacy skills are required.
• Experience in Journalism and Communications is desirable.
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign is an asset.
• Knowledge of a CMS system is an asset.
• Proficiency in the use of GSuite applications and experience in handling of web-based management systems is desired.

Languages

• Fluency in written and oral English required.
• Knowledge of the second UN working language is desirable.

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Contract type, level and duration – Internship

Contract type: Internship Contract level: N/A Contract duration: 6 months renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background – Zimbabwe

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peace-building, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The Zimbabwe Hurricane Idai Recovery Programme (ZIRP) will fall under the purview of the UNOPS KEMC (Kenya Multi Country Office) Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes a large portfolio of Infrastructure, procurement and project management service projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and several Island states.