Job Title
Internship in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Africa II Division, I
Department/ Office
Department of Peacekeeping Operations
Duty Station
NEW YORK
Posting Period
10 January 2014-9 February 2014
Job Opening number
14-POL-DPKO-32672-R-NEW YORK (O)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
The Mali Integrated Operational Team (IOT) is part of the Africa II Division within the Office of Operations of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The core function of the Mali IOT is to serve as a principal entry point for political and operational issues related to the planning and conduct of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The Mali IOT provides and coordinates day-to-day political and integrated operational guidance and support on the issues that cut across specialized functions including in the areas of political affairs, military affairs, police issues, support issues, and rule of law and security institutions matters.
The intern will report to the Team Leader of the Mali IOT. The internship is for three months with an opportunity for extension, depending on the needs of the Mali IOT. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a designated staff member in the Mali IOT.
Responsibilities
The intern will perform the following duties as appropriate:
Monitor and analyze developments related to the implementation of MINUSMA's mandate as well as to regional political dynamics in the Sahel and West Africa
Provide a daily newsfeed for principals based on situation reports and media reports from the mission area
Monitor general issues, including through summarizing key public and academic articles, correspondence relating to peacekeeping in Mali, Sahel and West Africa
Help in drafting weekly reports on MINUSMA for the Security Council
Assist in updating and maintaining Mali IOT collaboration and communications tools
Participate in meetings and draft minutes or meeting summaries
Carry out individual research assignments on peacekeeping- and Mali-related issues
Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Communication:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
Places team agenda before personal agenda
Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
Client Orientation:
Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients ' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view
Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect
Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions
Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems
Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects
Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client
Education
Applicants must be enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university of higher) or, if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.
Be computer literate in standard software applications.
Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.
Have demonstrated the ability to successfully interact with indiviuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of different opinions and views.
Work Experience
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. Experience relating to Africa and peacekeeping is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in both English and French is required.
Assessment Method
Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager directly for further consideration.
Special Notice
A completed online application (cover note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The cover note must include:
Which session(s) you are applying for
Title of the degree you are currently pursuing
Graduation date (when you will be graduating from the programme)
IT skills and programmes you are proficient in
Top three areas of interest
Why you are the best candidate for that specific department/team
Your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme
In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.
Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
