Opportunities for Internships at the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
About UNDRR As the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDRR brings governments, partners and communities together to reduce disaster risk and losses to ensure a safer, more sustainable future. UNDRR (formerly UNISDR) is the United Nations focal point for disaster risk reduction. UNDRR oversees the implementation of the Sendai Framework
The internship is for a period of two to six months depending on the needs of each office. The internship is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Assist in drafting and preparing background documents, reports, issue briefs, talking points, articles, presentations, etc.
Assist in research on data for National risk information, data collection of disaster risk reduction practices and sustainable development issues, assist in preparing reports, good practice examples and briefings based on data collection, research and analysis. Provide basic analytics with visual and graphics using the available data.
Support research on risk knowledge and analysis on DRR-related topics.
Support the mapping and analysis of initiatives and tools on disaster-data collection, the mapping of NGO’s, national red cross societies and UN agencies that work on disaster related data; support the mapping of DRR targets and indicators integrated in disaster risk reduction strategies, climate change adaptation strategies and development plans.
Assist in maintaining databases, content of UNDRR partner workspaces, websites and mailing lists; assist in Maintaining the roster of trainees, trainers, experts and partners up-to-date.
Assist in updating training materials; support the review and training adaptation of relevant guidelines and other materials. Support the organization and roll out of events, webinars and multi-sectoral trainings. Assist in preparing training and learning events and other capacity building initiatives for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Attend and support the facilitation of discussions, meetings and development/implementation of projects. Provide logistical and administrative support during meetings and conferences.
Support the preparation, communication, and documentation of international events and capacity development training programmes for government officials and partners.
Assist with communications and social media campaigns, including support in drafting stories and elaborating visibility materials
Assist in Internet-based research on good practices and case studies, latest research findings on use of impact based Early Warning Systems (EWS) triggering early and anticipatory actions, research about African based expert centres in DRR and EWS and facilitate their engagement in ROA’s activities.
Support activities related to the following projects and/or work programmes: the Africa Road Map for Improving the Availability, Access and Use of Disaster Risk Information for Early Warning and Early Action, including in the Context of Transboundary Risk Management, MDRA and Global Risk Assessment Framework (GRAF), in Sendai Framework Monitor, etc.
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
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
- be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).
- Interested candidates must be pursuing or pursued their degree in areas related to this Job Opening.
In addition, interested candidates must:
- Be computer literate in standard software applications including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point);
- 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
- No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.
