Job: INTERN - PUBLIC INFORMATION, I

Department/ Office

United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Secretariat

Duty Station

BANGKOK

Posting Period

27 September 2013-31 December 2013

Job Opening number

13-PUB-UNISDR-30866-P-BANGKOK

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

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) Asia and Pacific Office works with the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) system, comprising of governments, UN agencies (both UN Country Teams and at regional and global levels), Civil Society, Academia and increasing with local governments to facilitate the identification and effective implementation of DRR strategies.

The core mandate of the UNISDR Asia & Pacific includes 1) leading and coordinating disaster risk reduction activities in the region, including promoting multi-stakeholder coordinating mechanisms such as national and regional platforms for disaster risk reduction; 2) provision of evidence to obtain political commitments to reduce disaster risk, and 3) advocacy and outreach, including the promotion of the World Disaster Reduction Campaign to enhance networking and partnership-building to contribute to an effective culture of safety and protection of all communities in the Asia and Pacific region.

The UNISDR is co-organizer for the Asia Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR), which is a biennial conference for the Asia region to ensure political and stakeholder's commitment towards Disaster Risk Reduction implementation. The 6th AMCDRR will be hosted by Government of Thailand in Bangkok in June 2014 and the main consultation mechanisms will remain as the ISDR Asia Partnership, the Executive Committee and the Development Support Group.

The UNISDR Asia and Pacific Office is looking for an intern for 4 months to support the regional communication officer in the implementation of the communication strategy of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on disaster Risk reduction to be held in Bangkok in June 2014.

The internship is UNPAID and full-time.

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

To support the regional communication officer in the implementation of the communication strategy of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on disaster Risk reduction to be held in Bangkok in June 2014. The job includes drafting media materials, liaising with media organizations, placing interviews, and helping preparing all the documentation for the Conference.

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 Technological Awareness:
• Keep abreast of available technology
• Understand applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office
• Actively seek to apply technology to appropriate tasks
• Show willingness to learn new technology

Education

• At the time of application and during the internship, applicants must be enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher); or if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least fours years of full-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 a 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. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Assessment Method

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

Special Notice

A complete online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) if 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
• List your top three areas of interest/department preferences
• Explain why you are the best candidate for that specific department(s).
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme

In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experience, 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