The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme adopted its second strategic framework (2018-21) in January 2018. The major focus of the SF is to strengthen UNV’s support to members states and the UN system for peace and development through volunteerism. Since 2014, UNV has decentralized its presence by setting up Regional Offices.
The UNV Regional Offices (RO) provide oversight and strategic guidance to the UNV Field Units in their respective geographical assignments and are mainly accountable for the placement of UN Volunteers mobilized for UN Agencies, Funds, and Programme focused on peace, development and humanitarian needs.
Furthermore, the Regional Offices represent, and strategically position, UNV and bring UNV’s services and solutions closer to its partners from governments, UN entities, civil society and private sector. The Regional Offices also lead in scoping and delivering UNV’s advisory service offer on volunteer infrastructure. Further, the UNV Regional Office in Nairobi ensures strategic, focused and high-quality programmatic, partnerships and mobilization efforts to 25 countries in the East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR).
The UNV Regional Office is keen to provide young professionals with the opportunity to serve and further boast their employability skills through internship opportunities on a regular basis. In this context, the UNV Regional Office is currently seeking for a suitably qualified young professional to serve as an Intern in the capacity of Projects Management and Reporting based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Volunteer Advisory Programme Specialist, the intern shall work with the UNV Regional Office team to perform, inter alia, the following tasks: –
Provide support to the projects portfolio of ESARO including routine review, collating information and compiling reports on implementation;
Draft as appropriate analytical reports on Regional trends and the impact of these to UNV supported initiaitives;
Prepare quarterly project work plans and progress reports, advising and proposing corrective actions, including monitoring and evaluation;
Carry out reviews and analytical work on UNV’s ongoing support to RECs, member states and UN partners on volunteer infrastructures and synthesize this into reports for strategic decisions;
Carry out reviews/research in the thematic areas of UNV work in order to inform strategic pathways for the RO’s interventions;
Map UNDAFs and recommend priority UNDAFs for ESARO to engage using critical entry points in the UNDAF timeline.
Assist the Regional Office team in the organization of key events and communication opportunities, such as major regional conferences, discussions and report launches.
To coordinate the identification, documentation and sharing of best practices, programme innovations and research reports relating to Volunteerism in the region;
To produce issue papers/policy briefs on topical subjects from research and programme reports for attention of RO management for use in advocacy work of UNV as well as appropriate action;
To develop/maintain strategic partnerships & collaboration with partner agencies and other stakeholders for purposes of data and information management and use in volunteering for peace and development.
Participate in meetings and perform other support tasks as required
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners;
Positive and results-oriented attitude. Results oriented, confident &self-motivated, able to work independently.
Team player with collaborative work approach and able to work across cultures/regions.
Team leadership ability with strong advocacy, networking and negotiation skills.
Well-developed analytical, strategic and problem solving and policy analysis skills
Skills in research, best practice documentation & dissemination and scientific writing.
Technical/Functional Competencies:
Excellent writing and research skills;
Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills;
Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills;
Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines;
Attention to detail and ability to work independently and effectively;
Fluency in both written and spoken English;
Experience in maintaining social media channels and using communication tools;
Development and Operational Effectiveness;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
High degree of self-motivation and initiative;
Willingness to learn and apply new analytical approaches.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Be enrolled in a relevant graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or;
Be enrolled in a relevant final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
Have graduated with a university degree as defined below and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation
Field of study related to development studies, social sciences and/or related fields.
Knowledge in programme management, monitoring and evaluation will be an advantage
Experience:
UN or UNDP experience or know-how beneficial;
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in project management, development planning, analysis and presentation;
Work experience considered as an asset.
Sound computer skills and experience using the Internet and web based applications and content management systems e.g Word, Excel, Power Point, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Explorer, etc
Eligibility:
The internship is open to Kenyan Nationals only.
Conditions of the Internship:
UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
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;
In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of the following documents:
Copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
Letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
Letter of recommendation from a professor;
Copy of his/her school transcript;
Medical Certificate of Good Health (to be provided upon selection);
Proof of medical insurance (to be provided upon selection).
Working Arrangement:
The Intern is expected to report for work in UNV Regional Office.
Application procedure:
The application should contain:
Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post and your availability;
Current and complete CV in English.
A written test might be conducted as part of the interview process.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
