Project Management Intern (UN Innovation Scaling Group)

The Innovation Scaling team now has an expanded focus on providing support to the UN System to leverage innovation for improved delivery on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and OCA priorities. The team recently concluded a scoping exercise of innovation scaling practices within the UN system, which identified several challenges in bringing innovations to scale for impact. The research report summarising these findings was recently launched and as a direct response to one of the recommendations, UNGP in collaboration with the UN Innovation Network formed a new group for UN colleagues interested in scaling innovations. The UN Innovation Scaling Group builds on existing networks to create a community to accelerate adoption and diffusion of knowledge in scaling innovation across the UN System. 

• Support the planning and execution of events and activities, including virtual and in-person events.
• Assist with content development and the delivery of communications materials such as newsletters, blogs, social media, slide decks and other channels in accordance with the communications plan.
• Assist in the development of concept notes, reports, and other high-quality documents.
• Support research on innovation scaling and related topics to inform content development.
• Work with the Innovation Scaling team to prepare topics for asynchronous discussion that are relevant and engaging for the members of the Group.
• Promote asynchronous discussion in the dedicated Teams channel by actively engaging with the members of the Group, and answering non-technical questions.
• Participate in meetings and draft minutes/meeting summaries as required.
• Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

• The intern will work on the assignment full time (candidates who can only work part time will also be considered) for an estimated 6 months.
• This position is based in Helsinki.
• 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. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

• Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree or be pursuing an advanced university degree, such as a Masters or a Ph.D., or be a recent graduate from such studies (within the last 3 years)
• To be eligible for this particular internship, the candidate must preferably have studied or be studying towards a university degree in: innovation management, media and communications, marketing, international relations, international development or another related discipline.

• 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.