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Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Background
The Africa Union Agenda 2063 envisions an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven and managed by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena. A prosperous and peaceful Africa is indispensable for its people. Agenda 2063 outlines Africa’s strategic aspirations for the 21st century. Achieving peace and prosperity ranks high among them. African countries have made some progress in pursuing those aspirations in the context of the first Ten-Year Implementation Plan 2014-2023. However, major challenges remain, highlighting the gap between the normative aspirations and implementation of regional commitments. Closing that gap requires effective governance and enhanced peacebuilding efforts in the region.
The Governance and Peacebuilding programme seeks to ensure that ‘citizens’ expectations for voice, development, the rule of law and accountability are met by stronger systems of democratic governance. Specifically, the programme will address key issues of increasing space for public participation, increasing capacity for public and civil society engagement, deepening legitimacy and interaction between state and society and strengthening economic governance. Others include improving and coordinating regional peace architecture through policies and strategies and strengthening regional preparedness to prevent disasters and managing risks.
The Governance and Peacebuilding team is currently implementing a 4-year Renewed Governance and Peacebuilding Framework for Africa with the overall goal to achieve transformative change characterized by people-centered, human rights based inclusive and participatory governance and peacebuilding systems and strengthened trust and social contract between state and citizens that will contribute to change Africa’s narrative to one of promise, and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) and Agenda 2063. The Framework is implemented through an integrated systems approach: prevention and early action; investing in Africa’s youth; economic governance; democratic governance and civic participation; promoting the rule of law, justice and human rights; and local governance and delivery of public services.
Objective
The objective of the internship is to provide graduate-level students with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to UNDP’s regional work in governance, rule of law, and democratic institutions within the Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) in Addis Ababa. The internship aims to deepen understanding of democratic governance, access to justice, human rights, and electoral support programming in Africa.
Through this experience, interns will learn from experienced development practitioners, apply governance and legal reform theory in practice, strengthen research and analytical writing skills, contribute to knowledge products, and support the planning and delivery of regional initiatives. The internship offers a dynamic opportunity to understand the UNDP mandate and values, contribute to people-centered and rights-based governance, and engage in policy and programming that strengthens democratic resilience and inclusive institutions across the continent.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Regional Governance and Rule of Law Advisor, the intern will support the implementation of regional governance and justice initiatives through the following tasks:
- Assist in the preparation of communication activities and materials, including public events, web articles, social media posts, and media relations.
- Support research on development issues.
- Provide administrative support, including media clipping and keeping records of activities.
- Support data collection and literature reviews on topics such as Business and Human Rights, Transitional justice, people-centred justice, electoral integrity and civic engagement.
- Support documentation of good practices and lessons learned from African countries.
- Prepare summaries from key events, expert roundtables, or missions.
- Assist in organizing technical workshops, regional consultations, and governance dialogues.
Competencies
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Interest and motivation in working in the work of the United Nations Development Programme and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter in an international organization.
- Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation.
- Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set.
- Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently.
- Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment and beliefs/backgrounds.
- Response positively to feedback and differing points of view.
Required Skills and Experience
Interns are selected on a competitive basis, and the following minimum qualifications are required:
- Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher); OR be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent); OR have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) in Governance, Peace and Security, Development Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, Law, Human Rights, or related Social Science discipline is required and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation; OR be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme.
- No professional work experience is required for applicants to the UNDP Internship Programme. However, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the type of Internship they are applying for.
- Availability of working consecutively for a period of 3 months.
- Strong interest in local and international governance, peacebuilding, and rule of law related issues.
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
- Knowledge and experience in communications, public relations, or a related role is advantageous.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences.
- Strong copywriting, editing, and proofreading abilities, with keen attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the organization’s sector or field of work would be desirable.
Languages
- Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
How To Apply
Application Instruction
Interested applicants must submit the following documentation to UNDP while applying online.
- Updated CV and cover letter (in English)
Education Testimony (Bachelor’s or Masters’s Degree / Proof of Enrollment)
* Please note that the Intern will be present and working in the UNDP RSCA office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
* If you meet the above criteria, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Apply Link: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/34624/apply/email