Intern in the Office of the Director-Gerneral

Interpeace is a Swiss non-profit organisation that works in close partnership with national partner organizations and the UN. Its aim is to strengthen the capacities of societies to manage conflict in non-violent, non-coercive ways by assisting national actors in their efforts to develop social and political cohesion. Interpeace also strives to assist the international community (and in particular the United Nations) to play a more effective role in supporting peacebuilding efforts around the world through better understanding and response to the challenges of creating local capacities that enhance social and political cohesion.

 

Scope of the Position:

The Office of the Director-General houses the organization’s overall leadership, oversees the relationship with the Governing Council, builds and maintains relationships with external actors (donors and partners), develops and implements political and policy engagement strategies based on Interpeace’s peacebuilding work, incubates and develops new initiatives, etc. The Intern will have a variety of duties related to these areas of activity as well as provide day-to-day coordination and logistical support. The internship offers an opportunity to become familiar with Interpeace’s approach, the broader peacebuilding field, a variety of Interpeace’s engagements and gain an understanding of the daily running and strategic management of an international NGO.

 

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Special Assistant to the Director-General, the Intern’s duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting the day-to-day operation and coordination of the Office of the Director General’s Office
• Supporting preparation and follow-up actions related to meetings and travel of the Director-General
• Drafting letters and correspondence on behalf of the Director-General’s Office
• Research, analysis and preparation of substantive briefs in relation to the Director-General’s engagements
• Supporting the preparation of speeches and presentations of the Director-General
• Assisting with internal communication flows and information-sharing across the organization
• Supporting special initiatives (e.g. supporting the drafting of concept notes, performing background research)
• Supporting the coordination of the semi-annual meetings of Interpeace’s Governing Council comprising high-level international experts and officials
• Undertaking any other assignments, as may be determined by the Special Assistant or the Director-General

Requirements:

The Office of the Director-General constitutes a demanding and dynamic environment that offers a rewarding learning experience for an intern, but also requires a high level of professional and personal maturity.

• Holding or studying for a Master’s degree in a related field
• Previous practical experience in a related field
• Knowledge of peacebuilding and conflict prevention issues and the United Nations system
• Excellent writing and analytical skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to manage many tasks at once, work against short deadlines and remain calm and focused
• Political astuteness
• Proactive work attitude
• Fluent spoken English and excellent drafting ability in English a requirement
• Good working knowledge of French

 

This is a full-time internship for a duration of a minimum of 6 months. The internship includes a stipend. The start date is in June/July 2015 (to be negotiated with the selected candidate).

 

In view of Swiss regulations and requirements, Interpeace is not in a position to sponsor candidates who don’t have a valid work permit or are not Swiss or EU/EFTA citizens.

 

Submission of Applications:

Qualified candidates may submit a letter of interest, complete curriculum vitae and a short writing sample (1-2 pages) by 19 June 2015 to the Administrative Officer at: recruitment@interpeace.org.

 

Please indicate DGO Internship in the subject line.

 

For more information about Interpeace, its values and working principles, please visit its website atwww.interpeace.org

 

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.