Internship at the Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Job Posting Organization:
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established to facilitate international postal cooperation. Founded in 1874, the UPU has grown to include 191 member countries and is headquartered in Bern, Switzerland. The organization aims to promote quality postal services that are accessible to all, fostering social, cultural, and commercial communication among peoples. The UPU comprises several bodies, including the Postal Operations Council (POC), which addresses operational and technical matters relevant to postal services, and promotes the introduction of new postal products while establishing standards for various processes and procedures.

Job Overview:
The internship within the Consultative Committee (CC) secretariat at the UPU is designed to assist the team in their daily activities. The intern will support the Programme Manager, Expert, Assistant, and consultants in various tasks. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the CC's functions, which include organizing meetings, maintaining communication with CC members, and performing traditional secretariat duties. The intern will gain valuable experience in an international environment, working closely with professionals from diverse backgrounds and contributing to the UPU's mission of enhancing global postal services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing support for routine Consultative Committee matters, such as organizing internal and external meetings/events, coordinating participant availability, and updating the list of CC member prospects.
• Assisting with the coordination of matchmaking meetings between CC members and designated operators.
• Monitoring CC members' activities through various communication channels, including the CC WhatsApp community.
• Performing traditional secretariat duties, which involve administering mail and e-mail correspondence, ensuring the receipt of key information, preparing lists/tables/graphics upon request, and gathering information as instructed. These responsibilities will require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess work experience in an international environment, which would be considered an asset. Knowledge of secretarial or administrative practices is essential, along with excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. A good understanding of Excel is also required. Experience in note-taking and document editing in either French or English is desirable. The ideal candidate should demonstrate independence, a sense of initiative, flexibility, and the ability to manage priorities effectively. Strong oral and written communication skills, practical-mindedness, and the ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse nationalities are also important qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
This internship is exclusively reserved for students. Candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree program or have graduated within six months of the announcement date. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the educational requirements outlined in the job description.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience, particularly in an international context. While specific years of experience are not mandated, familiarity with administrative practices and the ability to work in a multicultural environment are essential.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of oral and written French or English at an advanced level (UN level III). The ability to communicate in the other language is desirable at an intermediate level (UN level II). Knowledge of another UN language at an intermediate level is also considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's profile for this internship.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for six months and is unpaid, in accordance with UPU rules. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.