Intern - PreventionWeb

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Special Notice

A complete online application (Cover Note and Personal History profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

The Cover Note must include: 

• Title of degree you are currently pursuing; 
• Graduation date (when will you be graduating from the programme); 
• List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in; 
• Top three areas of interest
• Explain why you are the best candidate for the internship position. 
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experience, if any; IT skills and three (3) references.

Due to high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

Org. Setting and Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk 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 socio-economic and humanitarian fields. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG/ASG), UNISDR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and 5 regional offices and other field presences. Specifically, UNISDR coordinates international efforts in disaster risk reduction, and supports the implementation, follow-up and review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 adopted by the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction on 18 March 2015 in Sendai, Japan; campaigns to create global awareness of disaster risk reduction benefits and empowers people to reduce their vulnerability and exposure to hazards; advocates for risk-informed 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.

This internship position is located in the Risk Knowledge Section/Knowledge Management Unit of the UNISDR in Geneva, Switzerland. The Intern will report to the Managing Editor of PreventionWeb. The UNISDR internship is for a period of two to six months depending on the needs of the department. The estimated starting date is November 2016. The internship is unpaid and full-time.

Responsibilities

• Perform Internet-based research to identify disaster risk reduction (DRR) content and sources for publication on PreventionWeb.net in English (other languages, if applicable) to extend PreventionWeb’s coverage of country/region, thematic and hazard sections, DRR Expertise and How to Do DRR knowledge services.
• Support the redesign of PreventionWeb by updating existing content and contributing to the development of new content and services
• Assist in responding to PreventionWeb user comments and requests by sending appropriate communication, including providing support to internal and external clients.
• Assist in performing quality control of information as necessary, including analysis of gaps and targeted research.
• Participate in user research, interviews and identification of communities of practice for co-curation of sections and new knowledge service development.
• Support, and participate in, other information management related tasks and projects matching academic background and linked to the development of knowledge products and services. 

Expected results:

• Expansion of the online collection of qualified DRR related content and sources, including 'DRR Expertise' and 'How to Do DRR';
• Contribution to the ongoing development of PreventionWeb publishing policy guidelines inclusive of good practices in application of metadata (keywords) and selection of content;
• Contribution to ongoing PreventionWeb knowledge service design, stakeholder needs assessment and development of targeted collections;
• Continuous learning and contribution on the subject of DRR within the application of good information and knowledge management practices.

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
• time, -Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated 

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 Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

• Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation; 
• Be computer literate in standard software applications; 
• 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

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset. 
• Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Assessment

N.A.

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.