Peace and Development Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various sectors including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a presence in numerous countries around the world. The UN Resident Coordinator system aims to enhance the effectiveness of UN operations at the country level, ensuring that various UN agencies work together efficiently. In Ecuador, the Office of the Resident Coordinator coordinates the activities of 22 different UN agencies, funds, and programs, focusing on improving the lives of the Ecuadorian people through collaborative efforts.

Job Overview:
The Peace and Development Intern position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of peacebuilding and conflict prevention within the United Nations framework. The internship will last for a duration of 6 months, primarily office-based, and will involve working closely with the Peace and Development Advisor (PDA) and the Ecuador UN Resident Coordinator. Interns will be expected to engage in various tasks that support the UN's mission in promoting peace and stability in Ecuador. The role will require the intern to assist in research, information gathering, and analysis, with a specific focus on peacebuilding initiatives. The intern will also be involved in identifying opportunities for inclusive and conflict-sensitive approaches to enhance national capacities for conflict prevention, particularly in collaboration with civil society organizations, including indigenous, rural, women's, and youth networks. Additionally, the intern will provide technical support for peace-related UN programming, contributing to the overall goals of the UN in Ecuador.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a range of responsibilities that may vary based on their background and the specific needs of the Office. Key duties include:

• Assisting in research and information-gathering efforts related to peacebuilding and conflict prevention initiatives.
• Analyzing data and preparing reports that support the UN's peace and development objectives.
• Identifying entry points for inclusive approaches to conflict prevention, particularly focusing on marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples, women, and youth.
• Supporting the development of strategies and programs that enhance national capacities for conflict prevention.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to promote peacebuilding efforts.
• Providing technical assistance for the implementation of peace-related UN programs and initiatives.
• Participating in meetings and discussions to contribute to the overall strategic direction of the Office.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent), or (b) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent or higher). Candidates who are final-year undergraduate students or first-year Master’s students in fields such as political science, conflict resolution, peace studies, sociology, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related social sciences will be considered favorably. Strong analytical and research skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate studies. A background in political science, conflict resolution, peace studies, sociology, international relations, international economics, law, public administration, or related social sciences is preferred. Candidates pursuing or having completed a master's degree in these fields will have an advantage.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, any relevant internships or volunteer work in the fields of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, or international relations will be beneficial. The internship is designed for individuals who are looking to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a professional setting.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish is required for this internship. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, proficiency in any other official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian) would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This internship is for a maximum duration of 6 months, requiring a commitment of 35 hours per week. It is predominantly office-based, and candidates must be available to perform their duties in person. It is important to note that 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 Ecuador may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.