Research Intern

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

 ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

Based in the New York, the UNOPS Development Group Cluster supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. For example, within the United Nations Development Programme, the Cluster works with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support and the Office of South-South Cooperation.

The cluster also supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations in the delivery of project management and implementation services

The Group of 77 Executive Secretariat is facilitating the operationalization of the G-77 work with the UN and the Permanent Missions. Established by the First G-77 South Summit in Havana in 2000, is designed to bolster South-South cooperation and to enable member states to systematically share their knowledge, experience, intelligence amongst themselves in an effort to strengthen the negotiating capacity of the G-77.  In this context and under the general guidance and supervision of the Programme Coordinator of the Group of 77, the Intern will work closely with the team lead of Research of the Group of 77 in close collaboration with the staff of the Group of 77, as well as with staff of other UN agencies and the Permanent Missions and will assist in the International Development research gathering relevant policy data (i.e. reports, documentations, research, etc.) for report and presentation. 

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a test to assess their research abilities.

Note: All candidates are encouraged to include a portfolio with their application.

The intern is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

Pleas note that this is an unpaid internship. 

Summary of Key Functions:

Specific research intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct landscape research on development policies, innovation and best practices.
• Develop maps of information and design graphics or diagrams to enhance the effectiveness of presentations
• Identify and gather information to develop good case studies on policies and  issues relevant to the G77
• Draft policy briefs summarizing new research and publications on issues relevant to the Group of 77
• Review and condense relevant existing publications and prepare concise reports.  
• Assist in the process of research, compilation and printing of G-77 publications.
• Share knowledge and experience and apply newly acquired skills.
• Develop clear goals; identify and adjust priority activities and assignments as required; Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, manage workflows and operate as part of a team with staff of the G77.
• Reporting to and performing other duties as required by the Programme Coordinator. 

UNOPS Core Values/Competencies

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Planning & Organizing
• Accountability
• Creativity
• Client Orientation
• Commitment to continuous Learning
• Technological Awareness

https://careers.un.org/lbw/attachments/competencies_booklet_en.pdf

https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

Education:

• Enrollment in a University Degree Programme with majors on international development, environment management or related fieldsstudies. Applicants who have graduated from such studies within the recent three years will also be considered eligible for the position.

Experience:

• Any prior work experience is not required.
• A portfolio of relevant work is an asset
• Understanding of international development issues; expertise in mapping and computer skills; strong communication and analytical skills and editorial skills would be an asset.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and determination to meet deadlines
• Good knowledge of the key  policy concerns and challenges facing  the member states countries of the G77, governments, NGO, CSO, donors, and private sector
• Highly effective at securing relevant information through desk research, and in applying web search tools and conventions, and through reporting-style journalism
• Motivated, energetic, thorough and responsive to the needs and interests of peers
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills; able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing
• Technology-savvy and up-to-date on internet-based research software applications

Language:

• Fluency in in written and oral English is required. Knowledge of second G77 working language desirable.

Contract type: Internship
Contract level: Intern
Contract duration: 2 months with possibility of extension

• 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.
• 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.