Intern for Women’s Economic Empowerment

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the United Nations reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between women and men in various sectors including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates through a strategic plan that focuses on integrated approaches to address the root causes of inequality, with a particular emphasis on women's leadership, economic empowerment, and ending violence against women. The organization has a presence in multiple countries, with regional representation for West and Central Africa coordinated from Senegal, supporting 10 Country Offices and 14 UN Country Teams.

Job Overview:
The intern will support the Women’s Economic Empowerment Team at UN Women’s Regional Office for West and Central Africa. This role involves assisting in research and data collection on women's economic empowerment (WEE) across the region, developing communication products such as policy briefs, and providing editorial and translation assistance. The intern will also help organize webinars and workshops aimed at capacity building and project implementation. The position offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into gender equality and women's economic empowerment, as well as the operational aspects of working within the UN framework. Learning goals include enhancing knowledge of gender issues, developing communication skills for diverse audiences, and fostering professional relationships within a multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for conducting targeted research and data collection on relevant subjects related to women's economic empowerment in the region. They will assist in the development of key knowledge and communication products, including policy and advocacy briefs on topics such as transforming care systems and gender-responsive macroeconomic policies. The intern will provide editorial and translation support, draft project documents, meeting minutes, reports, and presentations. Additionally, they will coordinate logistical support for webinars and workshops, and actively participate in Women Economic Empowerment activities and events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have university studies in disciplines such as feminist/gender economics, gender and development, development economics, or macroeconomics. They should be enrolled in a graduate program or a postgraduate professional traineeship program that is part of their degree requirements. Recent graduates who have completed their degree within the last two years are also eligible to apply. Experience in women's economic empowerment issues and knowledge of development issues in Africa, particularly in West and Central Africa, is advantageous. Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5, is also a plus.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have completed university studies in relevant fields such as feminist/gender economics, gender and development, or macroeconomics. Candidates must be currently enrolled in a graduate program or a postgraduate professional traineeship program, or they should have graduated within the last two years. This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the issues at hand.

Experience:
While specific experience is not mandatory, having prior experience related to women's economic empowerment or development issues in Africa is considered a plus. Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, will also be beneficial for candidates applying for this internship.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both French and English are required for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for drafting documents, reports, and communication products, as well as for effective participation in meetings and events.

Additional Notes:
Interns who do not receive financial support from other sources will receive a stipend from UN Women to help cover basic living costs during the internship. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment and employment practices are free from discrimination based on various factors. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. It is important for applicants to complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.