Intern – Administrative and Operational Support

Job Posting Organization:
The UN Resident Coordinator System is a vital part of the United Nations, encompassing all organizations dealing with operational activities for development. The UNRC is the designated representative of the UN Secretary-General and leads the UN Country Team (UNCT), responsible for coordinating development activities across the UN system. The UNRC Office for Mauritius and Seychelles operates with a multi-country (MCO) status, with its main office located in Mauritius, also covering Seychelles. The organization focuses on strategic analysis, planning, and positioning of the UN Country Team, facilitating the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and enhancing UN coherence to improve overall program impact in the region.

Job Overview:
The position of Intern – Administrative and Operational Support is designed for individuals with a strong interest in the UN development system. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Administrative Assistant, Executive Associate, and Head of Office in delivering efficient administrative, procurement, finance, and general office support services. This internship is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the operations of the UN system, contributing to the coherence and effectiveness of UN activities in Mauritius and Seychelles. The intern will be involved in various tasks that ensure the smooth functioning of the office, including administrative support, procurement assistance, finance and budget tracking, and general office management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: Administrative Support: Drafting routine correspondence and administrative documents, maintaining electronic and physical records, facilitating information flow within the RCO and with UN agencies and partners, and providing logistical support for meetings and events. Procurement and Contract Support: Assisting in the preparation of procurement-related documentation, maintaining procurement files, and supporting the verification of goods and services delivered. Finance and Budget Support: Tracking expenditures, preparing payment requests, and following up with vendors on payments. Human Resources and General Office Support: Maintaining staff lists, managing HR files, and providing general office support including inventory tracking and asset management. The intern will also support data entry and the maintenance of the RCO’s SharePoint, focusing on continuous improvement of organizational files and records. Additionally, the intern will actively support daily operations and perform any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, but must have a field of study closely related to the internship. Candidates must be students in their final year of a bachelor’s degree, or enrolled in a master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. Preferred fields of study include Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Communications, or related areas. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree must be attached to the application.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or in a master’s or Ph.D. program, or have completed such programs. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge to support the administrative and operational functions of the UN RCO effectively.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate a strong academic background and relevant coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. The internship is particularly suited for students who are eager to learn and gain practical experience in a UN setting.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is desirable, as it is also a working language within the UN system. Proficiency in both languages will enhance the intern's ability to communicate effectively within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Mauritius may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The UN emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.