Job: INTERN - POLITICAL AFFAIRS, I

Department/ Office: Department of Peacekeeping Operations

Duty Station: NEW YORK

Posting Period: 16 September 2013-16 October 2013

Job Opening number: 13-POL-DPKO-30562-P-NEW YORK (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support (DFS) internships are for two months with the opportunity for extension, depending on the needs of DPKO/DFS. This position is located in the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) of DPKO/DFS.

The internship is UNPAID. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of this internship will encompass many aspects of the Peacekeeping Policy and Best Practices Service's work. These responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Assistance in conducting research on Civil Affairs issues related to Peacekeeping Policy and Best Practices, potential areas of focus may include: Child Protection, HIV/AIDS, Gender, Protection of Civilians, Knowledge Management, Guidance, Socio -economic drives of conflict and Peacekeeping Reform.
• Assistance in the review of various policies, papers and other documents/materials as they relate the to the teams within the Service;
• Assistance in preparing reports, concept papers, policy documents, talking points, articles and other materials related to the work of the various teams within the Service.
• Attending and taking notes at conferences and meetings;
• Assistance in servicing conferences and meetings.

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; and
• Have demonstrated the 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 for participation in the programme.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Assessment Method

• Potential candidates will be contacted by the hiring manager for further consideration.

Special Notice

This announcement is for the Fall 2013 Session at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

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 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/department and team preferences;
• 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.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

More Info and Application