Internship - sme development and entrepreneurship promotion

The ILO values diversity. We welcome applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. Applications from non- or under-represented member States would be particularly welcome.

You are applying to the ILO generic internship roster, which is published several times per year. The roster will be made available to all departments which will then select and directly contact suitable candidates only.

An internship with the ILO provides an opportunity to:

(a) Increase understanding of relevant issues at the international level by involving them directly in the work of the Office and the application of ILO principles, programmes and strategies;

(b) Gain practical work experience with the ILO directly related to their field of studies.

The internship programme is not intended to lead to a career in the ILO. There should be no expectation of further employment at the end of the internship.

Description of Duties

The Small Enterprise Programme of the ILO seeks to create more and better jobs in small businesses - a sector where the bulk of employment is being provided. The programme works with governments, social partners, the private sector and individuals, on improving the business environment, delivering entrepreneurship education and training, integrating small entrepreneurs into local and global value chains, and improving workplace practices.

As part of long term programmes or under time-limited technical cooperation projects funded, ILO SEED undertakes and supports specialised research, as well as national-level development interventions. SEED staff based in Geneva can, therefore, be involved in a range of work: providing technical guidance and support to country offices; research (analysis, syntheses, design, writing and coordination), the coordination of TC projects or national-level programme activities; monitoring progress towards delivery against objectives and reporting; facilitating knowledge sharing.

Within SEED, there are six key focus areas:

• Enabling Environment for Sustainable Enterprises
• Women's Entrepreneurship Development
• Entrepreneurship Education
• Entrepreneurship and SME Management Training
• Value Chain Development
• Sustainable and Responsible Workplaces

As an intern with SEED, you are likely to be appointed to work within one focus area, and will have the chance to extend your knowledge and experience in this area by working alongside and in cooperation with appropriate ILO specialist staff. In addition, the internship will provide a chance to hone applied desk research and data analysis skills.

SEED is a dynamic unit that values information sharing and joint working. So while you may beworking on one specific focus area, you are likely to be exposed to others. The intern can, therefore, expect to become involved in unit tasks outside of his/her specialist area, thereby gaining wider insights into the workings of the unit and the ILO, and learning about the importance of cross-cutting issues, including gender.

Interns should expect to devote 10% to 20% of their time to administrative tasks.

Required Qualifications

EducationArea of studies: business, communications, economics, international relations, labour relations, international development, social sciences or other related field.

Applicant should currently follow a course of study (last year of Master degree or above), or have completed studies within 12 months prior to this application.

ExperienceSome relevant work or internship experience required.Studies or work experience in one or more of the following fields would be an advantage: micro and small enterprise development, business environment reform, women's entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, youth entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship and SME management training, value chain development, improving working conditions, microfinance, livelihood promotion, gender mainstreaming.LanguagesYou should have working knowledge (both oral and written) of at least one of the ILO's official languages (English, French or Spanish).Strong oral and written English is essential, with a high standard of written English being particularly important. If shortlisted, the candidate's writing ability is likely to be verified through a written test.

Competencies

Adaptable to an international, multicultural and multilingual environment, good communication skills and be able to work in a team.

Additional Information:

Application process:
**Please note that only three applications per recruitment advertisement period are accepted. If you apply to more than three internship profiles, your application will not be considered for any available vacancies.**

Please complete the online application form, attaching a cover letter. In order to do so, please complete your profile first and submit your application. Then add your cover letter under the section of "my applications". The cover letter needs to be attached to the roster to which you have applied. Please note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered. The more you can be specific about what you are interested in, the easier it will be for the departments to match their needs with your profile. Please also indicate your availability (e.g. proposed start date and latest possible end date).
Following a first screening by the Human Resources Development Department (HRD), departments will short-list applicants. You will be directly contacted should an internship match your specific profile.

If you have not been contacted by any department within three-four months after your application, you can consider that your profile has not been picked by any department for this roster. Departments will use the roster for internships starting within the next 4 months.

Duration:
Please note internships start on the 1st or 15th of any month for a minimum duration of three months and a maximum duration of six months.

Requirements:
Please only apply for an internship if you fulfil the following three criteria:

(1) You have no close relative serving in the ILO.
(2) This is your first internship with the ILO (only one internship is permitted).
(3) You are currently following a course of study (last year of Master degree or above), or have completed studies within 12 months prior to this application.
(4) You have working knowledge (both oral and written) of at least one of the ILO's official languages (English, French or Spanish).

Stipend:

You should ideally receive funding for your internship through an institution (for example you university/sending institution or a foundation), to cover your subsistence expenses (in Geneva estimated at 1,850 Sfr per months). However, if this is not provided, you will receive a stipend to cover living expenses. Your travel to the duty station would be at your own expense.

Insurance:

Please note that the ILO does not take responsibility for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the internship. You will be responsible for your own insurance coverage for illness and accidents for the duration of the internship.

To apply, please visit this page.