Internship vacancy with UNISDR (Panama)

Background

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in socioeconomic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNISDR has around 100 staff located in its HQ in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNISDR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and guides, monitors and reports on the progress of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empower people to reduce their vulnerability to hazards; advocates for greater investments in disaster risk reduction to protect people's lives and assets, and for increased and informed participation of men and women in reducing disaster risk; and informs and connects people by providing practical services and tools such as PreventionWeb, publications on good practices, and by leading the preparation of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction and the organisation of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will work in the UNISDR Regional Office in Panama and will be supervised by the Communications and Information Manager. The duties will include:

• Conducting internet research on thematic issues
• Developing web content and web site maintenance
• Draft, format and post original web site content/news stories, including graphics and photographs
• Maintaining databases
• Assisting with the preparation of presentations, newsletters and surveys
• Providing logistic support for the organization of public events
• Any other duties that my be required.

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
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position

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

Qualifications:

Applicants must be enrolled in post graduate studies with experience with Public Relations, Communication, Journalism, Humanities or related area.

Language:

Fluency in Spanish and English (oral and written). Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Other skills:

Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, intranet) Knowledge of Content Management Systems graphic design programs, photo and video editors would be an asset.