Department/ Office
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Duty Station
GENEVA
Posting Period
8 October 2013-7 December 2013
Job Opening number
13-IST-OCHA-31007-R-GENEVA
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
Under the aegis of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has established the Field Information Services (FIS) section as an integral part of the Corporate Programme Division (CPD). FIS is responsible for strengthening the information management capacity of OCHA in both disaster preparedness and response. The roles of the section are:
- Facilitate the effective strategic management of OCHA's field information domain, i.e. the range and volume of information that OCHA acquires, generates and disseminates.
- Provide coordination and leadership in the application of information management in disaster preparedness and response, helping to assure that the information resources and information management expertise required by OCHA to function effectively in emergencies is available.
- Build sustainable partnerships in advance of disasters that directly contribute to the predictable exchange of information in emergencies.
The intern will be a member of the FIS team working on the development of "proof-of-concept" applications, drafting guidance for the humanitarian community, and aiding the design of OCHA's mobile strategy. S/he will be expected to maintain close working relationships with the Information Technology Section (ITS), the Communication Services Section (CSS) and OCHA Country Offices.
The intern, based in Geneva, will be reporting on a daily basis to a Programme Officer within FIS-Geneva.
Responsibilities
The intern will support the overall goals and objectives of FIS by: Developing "proof of concept" mobile application to show how OCHA's current/new tools could be enhanced, supported, or re-envisioned in relation to the projects such as Humanitarian ID and Humanitarian Response. Ideas include, but are not limited to: Additional features build onto Humanitarian Kiosk 2.0; interactive Mapping application using Common Operational Datasets; customizable data collection forms build dynamically based on fields in a Google XLS; interactive Books for major OCHA publications; and interactive info-graphics (dashboard, snapshot, funding, etc.). Aid in the drafting of the following: Guidance for developing mobile applications to be used in Humanitarian contexts; OCHA mobile strategy; and guidance for developing mobile applications within OCHA.
Competencies
CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. 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: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology; knowledge of database development and management is an asset as is knowledge of GIS; and knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly advanced user certification of MS Access, MS Excel, MS Project and MS Word) is desirable.
Education
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an advanced-level university degree programme (i.e. Masters, graduate, post-graduate, doctorate degree or equivalent), preferably in Business Administration (Computer Science), Management (Information Systems), Information Technology (Information Management, Information Systems, or Information Architecture), Information Systems, or a related subject. Enrolment in any of the above-mentioned disciplines must cover the entire duration of the internship. Applicants pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, who after having completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree, may be seriously considered for an internship.
Work Experience
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the internship programme however practical and academic experience in any of the above outlined disciplines will be considered. Experience in Information System development is essential. Experience in mobile phone application development would be an advantage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is a requirement. Fluency in another official UN language, French in particular, is desirable.
Assessment Method
Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.
Special Notice
The UN internship programme is an unpaid, full-time opportunity, interns are expected to work five days (Monday to Friday) per week (40 hours) within the Section to which s/he is assigned. The internship is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to build upon conceptual skills in coordination, negotiation, and innovation while applying them in a diverse, dynamic, and international environment in support of the United Nations and the global humanitarian community. This internship will be for a period of three months and under certain circumstances it can be extended further, expected to start in spring 2014. The total duration may be exceptionally extended to a maximum of six months when there are special academic requirements or special needs of the receiving department/ office. All interns are responsible for travel, accommodation, medical insurance, visas, and living expenses for the duration of their service. 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.
For further information, please consult UNOG internship website at: http://www.unog.ch.
A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The cover note must include the title of the advanced-degree you are currently pursuing, the graduation date (when will you be graduating from the programme), the IT (information technology) skills and other programmes in which you are proficient, your top three areas of interest/department preferences, explaining why you are the best candidate for the specified department, and your interest in the United Nations. Successful applicants must have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter, they must also 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. Please do not forget to designate 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.
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