Administrative Support for the IX Session of the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean (Intern)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the designated focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts aimed at reducing disasters. The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, impacting both developed and developing countries. UNDRR is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) and has a workforce of over 150 staff members based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization is responsible for guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which aims to support regional and national efforts in disaster risk reduction. UNDRR also works to catalyze action and enhance global awareness regarding disaster risk reduction, collaborating with U.N. Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the scientific community. The Regional Platforms for the Americas and the Caribbean serve as collaborative spaces for key partners, including governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, and the media, to share experiences and establish agreements on regional disaster risk reduction priorities. These platforms are recognized by the Sendai Framework as essential mechanisms for monitoring progress at the regional level and play a vital role in policy development and knowledge advancement.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide comprehensive administrative support for the IX Session of the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean. The intern will work under the supervision of the Associate Administrative Officer of UNDRR ROAC and will be responsible for assisting in various procurement processes related to the Regional Platform. This includes tasks such as drafting Terms of Reference, managing quotations, and following up on administrative tasks. The intern will also support the development and updating of participant lists, respond to inquiries, and assist with logistics arrangements as needed. The internship is structured to be full-time and remote, lasting for a duration of six months, and is unpaid. This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to gain practical experience in administrative support within an international organization, particularly in the context of disaster risk reduction efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing support in all procurement processes for the Regional Platform, which may involve services such as interpretation and translation, online platforms, software, production companies, and interactive tools.
• Assisting in the elaboration of Terms of Reference for various services required by the Regional Platform.
• Supporting the collection and management of quotations from service providers and ensuring timely follow-up on administrative tasks.
• Developing and updating the participants' lists for the Regional Platform, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Responding to incoming inquiries related to the Regional Platform and maintaining effective communication with participants.
• Assisting in logistical arrangements as requested, which may include coordinating meetings, managing schedules, and ensuring that all necessary materials are prepared and available.
• Collaborating with team members to achieve organizational goals and contributing to a positive team environment.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Candidates should be pursuing or have pursued their degree in areas related to the internship. Additionally, applicants must possess good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, PowerPoint, and MS Teams. A demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is essential, along with a willingness to understand and respect differing opinions and views. While professional work experience is not required for UN internships, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), or they must have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. This educational background should be relevant to the internship position, ensuring that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the work of UNDRR.

Experience:
While applicants are not required to have professional work experience, it is important that they have a field of study that closely aligns with the internship they are applying for. This means that candidates should ideally have some academic exposure or practical experience related to disaster risk reduction, administrative support, or international relations, which would enhance their ability to perform the tasks required in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this internship, as these are the primary languages used in the context of the position. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in these languages will enable the intern to effectively communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders and participate fully in the activities of the Regional Platform.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and designed to be full-time and remote, lasting for a duration of six months. Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and UNDRR values diversity among its staff, welcoming applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, disability, or other backgrounds. Interns are responsible for their own costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located 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 United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.