2017 UNCTAD INTERNSHIP in the Office of the Secretary-General – Geneva, Switzerland

This profile is for the sole purpose of the Internship Programme of the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development in Geneva. There should be no expectation of employment within the UN after an internship. Interns shall not be eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, positions at the professional level and above carrying international recruitment status in the Secretariat for a period of six months following the end of their internship. UN interns must have a valid visa.

This position is located in the Office of the Secretary-General/UNCTAD, in Geneva. The Internship Programme is unpaid and full-time, i.e. an intern is expected to work five days per week, 8 hours per day.

The period of this internship will be for four months, starting in May 2017, and with possibility of extension up to 6 months maximum.

Responsibilities

Carrying out his/her tasks under the supervision of a senior staff member, the intern will perform the following functions:

a) Assists in the preparation of briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in high-level events.

b) Supports substantive messaging of the Secretary-General including preparing inputs for speeches, articles, op-eds, etc…

c) Supports the preparation and production of material, among others articles, blogs and news items in English, particularly on issues related to the UNCTAD mandates.

d) Attends meetings and assists in reporting, writing briefs and other content.

e) Assists in other areas when requested.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:
• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation.
• 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; and
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for this internship. Knowledge of French is desirable. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Assessment

Candidates will be assessed based on their Personnel History Profiles (PHP). Individual interviews may be conducted for further assessment. A complete online application (Cover Note and Personal History profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The cover Note must include:
– Title of degree you are currently pursuing;
– Graduation date (when will you be graduating from the programme);
– List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in;
– Explain why you are the best candidate for the internship position.
In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experience, if any; IT skills and three references.

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.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING:

– Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies.
– Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required.
– Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
– Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.
– Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
– Uses time efficiently.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2017 UNCTAD INTERNSHIP