Intern - Sustainable Livelihoods Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 and is dedicated to providing assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza, with a mission to help refugees achieve their full potential in human development. UNRWA employs thousands of staff across these regions, focusing on education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance, while also working towards sustainable livelihoods for refugees.

Job Overview:
The internship within the Sustainable Livelihoods Unit of UNRWA's RSS Department offers a unique opportunity for students or recent graduates to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of Palestine refugees. The unit is tasked with creating and implementing strategies that enhance economic self-reliance and resilience among refugees, particularly in the context of poverty alleviation. Interns will gain practical experience in various aspects of livelihoods project design, resource mobilization, stakeholder management, and research, particularly in regions affected by conflict and displacement. This role is designed to provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the UN system, especially regarding refugee issues and the Humanitarian Development Peace (HDP) nexus.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Advisor - Sustainable Livelihoods and will be responsible for a variety of tasks. These include drafting project proposals, concept notes, and donor briefs, conducting desk reviews and background research on relevant sectors such as the green economy and youth employment, and assisting in mapping funding opportunities. Interns will also help organize consultations, workshops, and partnership-building events, contribute to communication materials like presentations and reports, and support the development of logical frameworks and budget narratives for new initiatives. Additionally, they will maintain the team’s document repository and assist with data entry and tracking of programmatic tools. This internship is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, culminating in a professional reference letter and writing samples for the intern's career portfolio.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong writing, research, and communication skills in English, with Arabic being an asset. Experience in development or humanitarian programming, whether academic or volunteer, is desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and PowerPoint, is required, and knowledge of data visualization tools or Canva is a plus. Interns should demonstrate solid time management, organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in intercultural teams. A strong interest in areas such as refugee services, human rights, sustainability, and economic development in the MENA region is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a Master’s degree in International Development, Public Policy, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the issues faced by Palestine refugees and the frameworks within which UNRWA operates.

Experience:
While specific professional experience is not mandatory, any academic or volunteer experience in development or humanitarian programming will be considered an asset. This internship is particularly suited for individuals looking to gain practical experience in a UN context and enhance their understanding of the operational challenges faced by international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and a working knowledge of Arabic is preferred. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Jordan may need to secure the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.