Internship in Disaster Risk Reduction Governance

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts to reduce disaster risks. With a mission to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, UNDRR operates in both developed and less developed countries. The organization is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) and has a workforce of over 160 staff members located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. UNDRR is committed to guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, while also supporting regional and national initiatives to catalyze action and enhance global awareness regarding disaster risk reduction. The organization collaborates with U.N. Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNDRR is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for individuals interested in disaster risk reduction governance. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the organization of regional dialogues focused on the second priority of the Regional Action Plan, which pertains to Disaster Risk Reduction Governance. This will involve conducting background research, assisting in the organization of two regional online dialogues, and producing a systematic report on the outcomes of these dialogues. The internship is structured to be full-time and in-person, allowing the intern to engage directly with the UNDRR team and gain valuable insights into the workings of international disaster risk reduction efforts. The intern will work under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of UNDRR ROAC, contributing to the promotion of collaboration and exchange among member states, as well as supporting the implementation of the work plan defined by member states.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the UNDRR's Disaster Risk Reduction Governance initiatives. These responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the organization and facilitation of regional dialogues focused on Disaster Risk Reduction Governance.
• Conducting thorough background research to inform discussions and outcomes of the dialogues.
• Supporting the implementation of the Regional Action Plan priority two work plan as defined by member states.
• Promoting south-south collaboration among member states to enhance regional cooperation in disaster risk reduction efforts.
• Producing a systematic report that summarizes the results and key takeaways from the regional dialogues.
• Engaging with various stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be currently enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Candidates should be pursuing or have pursued their degree in fields related to disaster risk reduction, governance, or other relevant areas. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, PowerPoint, and MS Teams. A strong ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is essential, as is a willingness to understand and respect differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for this internship should have a strong educational background relevant to the position. This includes being either a student in the final year of their first university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent), currently enrolled in a Master's or Ph.D. program (or equivalent), or having already completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. The field of study should closely align with the responsibilities of the internship, particularly in areas related to disaster risk reduction, governance, or international relations.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not a requirement for this internship, candidates should possess relevant academic experience or coursework that aligns with the internship's focus on disaster risk reduction governance. This could include participation in related projects, volunteer work, or academic research that demonstrates a commitment to the field and an understanding of the issues at hand. The internship is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to the UNDRR's mission without the necessity of prior professional experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this internship, as these are the primary languages used in the regional office. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms in these languages to facilitate collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and is expected to last for a duration of two months, requiring full-time, in-person attendance at the UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean in Panama City. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Panama may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UNDRR before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and it encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, disability, or other factors.