Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. 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.

New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York.  The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) supports activities of non-governmental and community-based organizations in developing countries to address environmental priorities while generating sustainable livelihoods. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate programme, SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). SGP contributes to the UNDP Nature Pledge by empowering local civil society and community-based organizations, including women, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and other marginalized populations through bottom-up actions.    This is a position to support a project which UNOPS is implementing for the United Nations Development Programme. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Specialist, the intern will be expected to provide support to the UNDP-GEF/SGP Team. The intern will support following tasks on national coordination, monitoring, knowledge management, reporting and learning under GEF/Small Grants Programme/portfolio:
 

• Assist with knowledge management, communications and reporting processes of the GEF/SGP and Nature Pledge activation in Asian and the Pacific region and country offices in relation to local actions
• Assist with work planning and monitoring of regional and national GEF/SGP programmes
• Assist with workshops, seminars, and project development sessions for civil society organizations (CSOs) and local communities, and potential applicants and other stakeholders to inform about SGP and its Strategic Initiatives
• Support the coordination and liaison with government, UNDP Country Offices counterparts and relevant civil society groups to implement the SGP projects
• Support quality control for programme/project documents and deliverables
• Assist with research and data analysis for various thematic components under the GEF/SGP portfolio
• Support on administrative tasks (i.e., procurement, travel) adhering to SGP SOPs procurement rules and regulation; as required for programme implementation

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply.*

Academic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) preferably in Environmental Science or related areas or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.
• Degree preference for International Organization and International Public Policy, Environment, International Development, Public Administration, Communications, or related fields.
• Experience with other UN agencies is an asset.

Internship-Related Experiences     

While no prior work experience is required the following experience is highly desirable:

• Drafting reports, articles, or other written materials.
• Experience in conducting research and data analysis is desirable.
• Experience in supporting the organizing of workshops, seminars, and meetings is desirable.
• Prior internship or volunteer experience with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies is desirable.

Language Skills

• Excellent writing and fluent verbal communication skills in English is required.
• Desired experience of other UN languages is an asset.

Computer Literacy

• Knowledge on basic computer skills including Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required.
• Knowledge on handling virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams is required.

Training Components and Learning Elements
The selected candidate will be exposed towards diverse elements involved in the GEF Small Grant Programme where she/he will have an opportunity to learn on project identification, de

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.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Internship Agreement
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: Six (6) months

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 visit our homepage.

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.