Intern - Political Affairs, New York

Posting Title: INTERN - POLITICAL AFFAIRS, I

Job Code Title: INTERN - POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Department/ Office: Department of Political Affairs

Duty Station: NEW YORK

Posting Period: 21 October 2014-4 November 2014

Job Opening number: 14-POL-DPA-38151-R-NEW YORK

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

Special Notice

A completed 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

Expected graduation date

List of ICT skills and programmes that you are proficient in

List of top two areas/offices of interest within the Department of Political Affairs (DPA)

Explain why you are the best candidate

Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, ICT skills and include three references. Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The Department of Political Affairs (DPA) internships are for a period of two months with the opportunity to extend up to six months, depending on the needs and requirements of the Department. The position will be located in one of the Regional Divisions of the Department of Political Affairs (DPA). The internship does not carry any payment or retribution expectation. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the office to which they are assigned. When filling out your online application, clearly note in your Cover Note, on which of the following regional offices of DPA you are interested in serving, by indicating in order of preference, your first choice and your second choice:

1. Middle East and West Asia
2. Americas
3. Asia and Pacific
4. Europe
5. Africa

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual's background; the office to which the intern is assigned to; the nature of specific projects and the internship duration.

• Duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Assistance in drafting and preparing official documents
• Attending and summarizing conference and meetings
• Assistance and logistics during conferences and meetings
• Assistance with inter-active presentations
• Document, legal and internet research
• Media analysis and research
• Compiling statistics
• Evaluation of projects
• Preparation of briefing materials for managers and senior officials
• Speech writing

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

Planning & Organizing

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
• Uses time efficiently

Client Orientation

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients'
• Seek to see things from the clients' point of view

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met

1. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation.

2. Be computer literate in standard software applications.

3. Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.

4. 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 Internship Programme.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat).

Assessment Method

Potential candidates will be contacted by Hiring Manager directly for further consideration.

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