Program Assistant and Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 195

• Its mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. ECA has a diverse workforce of over 200 employees and operates in multiple countries across the African continent, focusing on various sectors including economic policy, social development, and technology.

Job Overview:
The position of Program Assistant and Partnerships is situated within the Information, Communication and Technology Services Section (ICTSS) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of ICTSS and receive day-to-day guidance from the Network and Communications (NetCom) Team Leader. The role is designed to provide technical and operational support to the Publications, Conference, and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD). The intern will engage in various projects that will enhance their understanding of ICT services in a UN context, while also contributing to the organization's mission of supporting member states in their development efforts. The internship is expected to last for two months, during which the intern will gain hands-on experience in network management, troubleshooting, and documentation, among other responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be involved in several key initiatives, including:

• Supporting LAN & WLAN Upgrade Works by providing technical support for the installation, configuration, and testing of new wireless access points and LAN equipment. The intern will assist in upgrading existing network infrastructure components to ensure optimal coverage, speed, and reliability. They will also conduct site surveys and signal strength analysis to validate WLAN performance and document configurations, device placements, and test results for project records.
• Assisting with Network Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Monitoring by diagnosing and resolving connectivity issues, bandwidth bottlenecks, and device configuration errors. The intern will support the review and maintenance of firewall rules and configurations, document observed security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, incidents, and responses, and monitor network performance using diagnostic tools. They will also assist in routine maintenance tasks, including firmware and software updates on network devices, and help maintain accurate network topology diagrams and device inventories.
• Engaging in Other Activities as Needed, which includes providing general ICT support for other projects or technical activities within ICTSS, assisting with the preparation of technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and user guides, participating in team meetings, project planning sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities, and supporting asset management and network equipment inventory updates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates applying for this internship are not required to have professional work experience. However, they must have a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship they are applying for. Applicants must be students in their final year of a bachelor's degree, master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed one of these programs. The organization encourages diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from women and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to support participation in the hiring process and for selected candidates in carrying out their functions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being a student in the final year of a first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or having completed a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. program. The field of study should be closely related to the internship role, particularly in areas such as information technology, computer science, or related disciplines.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should demonstrate relevant academic knowledge and skills that align with the responsibilities of the position. Previous experience in ICT-related projects or coursework may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and proficiency in any of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is also beneficial.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. All costs and arrangements for 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 the country where the internship is undertaken may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.