Background Information – UNOPS
UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.
We employ more than 6,000 personnel and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.
Background Information – PSC
Peace and Security Cluster
The UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) within the Global Portfolio Services Office is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners.
The Cluster is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.
It is headed by the Cluster Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the
Peace and Security Cluster on behalf of its clients.
Background Information – Job-specific
Under the limited guidance and supervision of the Director, Peace and Security Cluster, the Research Assistant shall perform a variety of research tasks in the area of security sector reform, counter-terrorism, international law, peacekeeping operation and humanitarian intervention. Tasks include literature review, data entry and analysis, preparation of briefing note / research paper, and preparation of Power Point presentations.
The research assistant intern reports to Director and work in close collaboration with other research assistants and personnel of Peace and Security Cluster.
Functional Responsibilities
- Conduct literature review, including gathering materials and data for various research projects and reports; write summaries of project findings as requested.
- Prepare research project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Perform qualitative analysis and/or quantitative analyses of data, using computer software as applicable.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Assisting with various other administrative assignments as they arise, such as network folder management etc.
- Assist with special projects on an as needed basis.
Competencies
- Ability to work in a flexible, fast paced, mission driven environment.
- Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and function in a fast paced environment.
- Ability to interact professionally with supervisor and co-workers of all level.
- Ability to work with accuracy under pressure and with minimum supervision.
- Keen attention to detail.
- Pro-active work style and excellent follow-up skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and strong ability to work in a team.
- Excellent oral, written, and quantitative skills with strong knowledge of standard productivity software packages such as Microsoft Office.
- Strong planning and organization skills.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education: Interns should be enrolled in a university degree program such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent), or have graduated from such studies within three years prior to the application date of the internship.
Desirable areas of study Include political science, public administration, international relations, international law, peace studies, and economics.
Fluency in oral and written English required. Knowledge of another UN official language an asset.
Additional Considerations
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
- This position is open to US Permanent Residents, US citizens or holders of a valid US visa at the time of their application.
- Interns applying for any UNOPS position of Individual Contractor Agreement in future shall be treated as internal candidates and the recruitment policies and procedures as stated in OD 18 and/or OD 21 and their related AIs will apply accordingly.
- Interns that are not receiving funding through an internship programme external to UNOPS, or from a specific institution, will receive from UNOPS a monthly stipend designed to contribute to the cost of daily expenditures such as commuting and meals. The current amount of stipend in NY is approximately US$ 750 per month.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Intern
Contract level: Intern
Contract duration: Initially 3 months, possible extension up to 12 months, subject to the performance and fund availability
EmoticonEmoticon