INTERNSHIP TO SUPPORT THE UNV GENDER ACTION TEAM

The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. It is administered by the United Nations Development Programme. The difference UNV makes is by demonstrating peace and development results and impact through volunteerism. UNV’s comparative advantage is the ability and knowledge to bring about transformational change through volunteerism, community voluntary action and civic engagement in active partnership with civil society, volunteer involving organizations, UN agencies and Governments. This is inspiration in action. UNV is headquartered in Bonn, Germany and has approximately 150 staff positions – the majority in Bonn with some positions in different UN peacekeeping missions, and other Headquarters locations (e.g. New York and Tokyo). The major organizational groups within UNV are: Office of the Executive Coordinator (OEC); Evaluation Unit Corporate Planning and Performance Unit; Volunteer Management and Programming Group (VPMG); Partnerships and Communications Group (PCG) comprising the Partnerships Section (PS) and the Communications Unit (CU); Management Services Division (MSD) comprising the Information and Communication Technology Section (ICTS), Finance Section (FS), Human Resources Section (HRS), Administration Unit (AU) and the Common Services Unit (CSU) providing support to the UN presence in Bonn.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Chair of the Gender Action Team (GAT) and the day-to-day guidance of the UNV Gender Focal Point, the intern will: Support GAT to achieve its objective of providing substantive gender-related inputs and cross-sectorial support to all UNV Divisions/Sections/Units as well as to corporate policies and initiatives related to programming, volunteer management, human resources management, knowledge, learning and results reporting, among others. He/she is expected to support the preparation of and monitoring of a Gender Action Plan, and will be invited to contribute to agenda items related to gender mainstreaming and community-centered development. Support the design of the Community-Centered Sustainable Development Programme as an experiment in gender mainstreaming through a holistic approach to community empowerment; travel to the field may be required. Serve as the GAT Secretary and coordinate GAT meetings/agendas and follow-up on agreed actions in collaboration with the Chair and the Gender Focal Point. Perform any other relevant duties as assigned.

Competencies

Learning opportunities for the intern: General understanding of the work and mission of the UNV programme, and of volunteerism’s contribution to development effectiveness Insight and hands-on experience in UNV’s knowledge management activities. Insight and hands-on experience in gender mainstreaming though volunteerism, community voluntary action and civic engagement. Insight into programme design, particularly of the Community-Centered Sustainable Development Programme but also of other UNV gender-sensitive initiatives such as Arab Youth Volunteering for a Better Future (programme empowers youth as “agents of change”). Become more familiar with working in an international organization and in a multi-cultural environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree programme in gender studies, public administration, or international development or in a related field such as community/rural development, micro finance, social science, development communications or knowledge management; Experience in the areas of gender, community empowerment, rural development and volunteerism/civic engagement, advocacy as well as experience in developing countries will be an asset. Some familiarity with the UN work environment would be an advantage; Proficiency in MS-Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is required; intern should have his/her own laptop computer. Fluency in English; Excellent and demonstrated writing and communications skills; Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; Strong interest in participatory development, community empowerment, volunteerism, civic engagement and in the work of the UNV. General Terms and Conditions UNDP Conditions of Service for interns http://www.undp.org/ohr/Interns/intern.htm apply for interns working at UNV Headquarters. The Internship Programme operates on a non-remunerative basis. Costs and arrangements for travel, visa, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern; UNV accepts no responsibility for the intern's medical insurance or for costs arising from illness during the internship. Interns are required to provide proof of medical insurance coverage. Applications (CV and motivation letter in English) should be sent by e-mail no later than 7 March 2012 (cob Bonn time) to: Kawtar.zerouali@unvolunteers.org and naheed.haque@unvolunteers.org

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.