Intern - Humanitarian Affairs, New York (I-1)
Job Title
INTERN - HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, I
Department/ Office
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Duty Station
NEW YORK
Posting Period
16 December 2013-15 January 2014
Job Opening number
13-HRA-OCHA-32270-R-NEW YORK
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This internship is located in the New York Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The incumbent will report to a Humanitarian Affairs Officer or a Public Information Officer and the Head of the relevant Section.
The OCHA Internship is for two months with an opportunity for extension up to six months, pending on the needs of the Office. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours).
Administrative requirements:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate programme at the time of application and for the duration of the internship; medically insured; able to obtain necessary visas and arrange travel to UNHQ, as well as cover the cost of travel, accommodation and living expenditure for the duration of the internship.
For further information, please consult the United Nations Secretariat internship website at: https://careers.un.org.
Responsibilities
Humanitarian Affairs:
In consultation with a senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer, assists in the design and preparation of studies on humanitarian, disaster, emergency relief and related issues and in various follow-up activities.
Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources on assigned topics/issues.
Contributes to the preparation of various written documents, e.g. drafts sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, parliamentary documents etc.
Develops and maintains reference/resource information on specific topics or policy-related issues; responds to various inquiries and information requests internally and externally.
Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance; ensures the proper use and spending of donor contributions channelled through OCHA.
Assists in the organization of meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. with other agencies and partners to facilitate exchanges of professional expertise and views on specific humanitarian-related subjects/issues; serves as reporter to such events.
Maintains awareness of current humanitarian affairs and related issues, to include relevant political, policy, gender considerations or other developments in specific subject area, country or region concerned.
Participates in technical assistance, disaster assessment or other missions.
Participates in project/programme formulation and mobilization of relevant resources.
Performs other duties as required.
Public Information:
Tracks, researches and analyses information on assigned topics/issues; gathers information from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns.
Drafts/compiles a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.), of information communications products for target audiences, to include press releases, media packets and reports, brochures, briefings, video clips, newsletters, websites, etc.
Organizes the clearance, production and distribution of information material; conducts photo and graphic research.
Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initials drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books.
In consultation with others identifies and proposes information opportunities, activities and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience.
Identifies key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintains working relationships with the same.
Organizes or participates in the organization of conferences, seminar, press briefings, interviews, etc.; prepares briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events.
Responds to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally; prepares related correspondence.
Performs other duties as assigned
Competencies
- Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
- Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
Applicants must:
- be enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher); or if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree;
- be computer literate in standard software applications;
- have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and
- 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.
Work Experience
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme; however, any practical and / or academic experience / work on humanitarian issues will be considered an asset.
Languages
Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of other working language of the UN Secretariat is desirable.
Assessment Method
Hiring Managers will conduct reviews of PHPs and contact applicants directly for further consideration.
Special Notice
A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The Cover Note must include:- Your availability dates for internship
†Title of degree you are currently pursuing
†Expected graduation date
†List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in
†List top three offices of interest within OCHA
†Explain why you are the best candidate for that specific office (s).
Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
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