Intern, Tokyo liaison office

Background of Partnerships and Liaison Group

The Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) supports UNOPS efforts to build closer ties with partners across the full spectrum of UNOPS activities. By forging strategic relationships and working with partners, both in the field and at headquarters, PLG seeks to not only ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation and support, but also to integrate best practices and innovative solutions from experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector into UNOPS operations. Based in Copenhagen, PLG has liaison offices in Amman, Bangkok, Brussels, Geneva, Tokyo, Washington DC, and Nairobi and supports partners such as the World Bank, the European Union, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Environment, the Global Fund, USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, national governments, and others.

Under the guidance of the Head of office, the Intern will be responsible for

• Research and update partner profiles;
• Update and maintain partner profiles according to changing/shifting donor priorities, areas of focus, country strategies;
• Analyse strategic priorities and regional focus of identified key partners;
• Research strategic areas of cooperation with key partners that support UNOPS’ positioning;
• Identify best practices and lessons learnt and document such findings in a standardized format;
• Conduct data collection, research and analysis in order to identify UNOPS references, methodologies and major achievements by reviewing UNOPS past project data/information;
• Prepare briefing materials and post-event summaries for a variety of workshops, missions and discussions with both internal and external partners;
• Help organize events (and/or UNOPS presence at existing events) to showcase UNOPS achievements to relevant partners;
• Perform other duties as required.

In the performance of his/her duties, the intern will gain exposure to the full-range of UNOPS operations, clients, and donors. The intern will also gain key insight into the workings of the United Nations system as well as the interplay between donor-financing, partnership-building, field-work, and the political complexity involved in working at a United Nations organization.

The intern will also gain expose to an international and culturally diverse environment where s/he will be in a unique position to gain an understanding of the dynamics of working in a multicultural setting and the challenges and opportunities involved therein.

To the extent possible, the intern will have full access and be able to participate in the full range of UNOPS training and educational opportunities

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Will be managed via statement of receipt of satisfactory services from hiring manager

Final product will be

• Accurate, timely and professional execution of above duties
• Proactive follow-up on duties and commitments

Education 

• The applicant must be pursuing a university degree such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent), or have graduated from such studies within three years prior to the application date of the internship.
• The preferred candidate would have a combination of degrees or pursuing studies in the areas of development studies, public policy and administration, international relations, economics, business, communications, engineering, or other related areas.

• The candidate should also have knowledge of, and experience with, Microsoft Office programs, particularly with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Japanese is required.
• Fluency in other UN languages, in particular Spanish and French, is an asset.

• 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.
• 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 staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• 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.