Portfolio Management Intern

UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region. 

The Nexus Response Mechanism is a programme initiated by the EU aimed at contributing to Myanmar lasting peace and national reconciliation, security, stability and sustainable development without missing humanitarian needs. Its actions are focused on providing support to conflict-affected populations, displaced populations, host communities, and returnees by strengthening the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, linking relief with rehabilitation and development. 

Reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM), the Portfolio Management Intern will support the NRM Secretariat in researching new programming modalities around the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in order to support new program design and development. In addition, the intern will work with NRM staff and implementing partners to develop new internal/external communications materials. The intern will also support the NRM programme in tasks related to day-to-day management of the programme, including project documentation, communications with partners, logistics, and procurement. 

Current NRM working space arrangements combine office work (minimum 2 days a week, Mon/Tue) and work from home. The candidate is expected to adhere to the arrangement and possible subsequent changes to it. For the home-based assignments, the candidate needs to assure a proper working environment and internet connection. At a certain point when the health protocol and security measure allows the full-time return back to the office, the intern has to work at the UNOPS office in accordance with the supervisor’s approval and schedule. 

The main functions of the Research and Communications Intern include: 

• In coordination with Senior Programme Manager, write high-quality copy for external news stories, factsheets and webcontent, including stories about NRM partners and activities. 
• Support in editing and proofreading project documents and internal/external communications;  Assisting with research and compilation of information forreports and other publications.
• Assist with drafting a range of materials for internal and external partners, e.g. donors, implementing partners and beneficiaries. This involves research and creative presentation of facts and figures;  Assist with research and analysis of the information on field projects; 
• Support in documentation management 
• Support in implementation of project and programme management best practices;  
• Support in the design and roll out necessary systems and processes to strengthen programme management; 
• Support in general administration and support; 
• Reporting to and performing other duties as requested by Senior Programme Manager, NRM 

Training components and learning elements 

UNOPS highly values interns' contribution and appreciates the importance of learning during an internship. UNOPS thus provides a wealth of opportunities for on-the-job training, studying project-related documents, data analysis and preparation of reports and statistics. UNOPS encourages the intern to raise specific wishes regarding learning opportunities before and during the internship. 

The intern will be required to take BSAFE course before arrival and the Department of Safety and Security briefing immediately after arrival. S/he will take the online UN and UNOPS induction courses on arrival. The intern will participate in UNOPS Myanmar’s Induction Training, which comprehensively covers all aspects of UNOPS work in Myanmar. S/he will have access to a large offering of online training on the comprehensive UNOPS intranet and opportunities to communicate with UNOPS HQ, Regional Office, and other country offices. 

Participation in missions or training courses 

UNOPS Myanmar will provide the intern with the following: 

• A small stipend for those not receiving any funding from other institutions 
• Exposure to UNOPS processes and activities; 
• If mission travel is undertaken, Daily Subsistence Allowance, in accordance with UN policy 

Additional comments 

The intern is responsible for all costs associated with the internship (e.g. accommodation, health insurance). 

The internship comes with no expectations of future employment with UNOPS as a direct result of the internship. The internship is offered for a period of 6 months. Candidates who are unable to commit to 6 months are requested to not apply. 

Academic qualifications 

• Either currently enrolled in a Bachelor or Masters in a relevant subject such as in international development, journalism , communications, development, social sciences or a related field, or have graduated from such studies within three years prior to the application date of the internship is required. 
• Specialized certification in a relevant field (i.e. Communication, Project Planning or Management) is desirable. 
• Experience and/or interests in the fields relevant to the NRM (including, but not limited to humanitarian and development sector, peace-building, conflict mitigation, social cohesion, media, sustainability, environment and climate change, cultural heritage

Language Skills 

• Applicants must be fluent in English and Myanmar and be able to write clearly and concisely in both languages. 

Computer Literacy 

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud is highly desired. (particularly PhotoShop, InDesign and Illustrator). 
• Experience with G Suite is highly desired. 
• Web and audiovisual editing skills, experience with Content Management Systems and/or basic skills in HTML would be an asset. 

Internship-related experiences 

• Work experience in the humanitarian, development or peacebuilding sector is desirable. 
• A minimum of one year’s experience in communications, copywriting, report writing, international relations, international development, public policy, economics or related work is desirable. 
• Demonstrable skills in writing and editing news and feature articles is highly preferred. 
• Experience in coaching and providing feedback, especially in writing (Note. Does not need to be formal experience, can be unpaid, tutoring, university) is highly preferred. 
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and determination to meet deadlines is highly preferred. 
• Experience in working in a diverse and multicultural environment is an asset.

Additional requirements 

All applications must be made on the UNOPS website: 

https://jobs.unops.org 

In addition, please attach the following documents with the application: 

• CV (maximum 2 pages) 
• Cover Letter (maximum 1 page) 

• 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.