Intern - Observatory

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating efforts aimed at reducing disaster risks. The organization operates with a mission to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, addressing both developed and less developed countries. UNDRR is led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG) and employs over 150 staff members at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in various regional offices. The organization plays a critical role in guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, while also supporting regional and national initiatives to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts. UNDRR collaborates with a diverse range of partners, including U.N. Member States, civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, and the science and technology community to raise global awareness and catalyze action to mitigate disaster risks.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at UNDRR is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for individuals interested in disaster risk reduction and related fields. The intern will be placed in the Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation and Partnerships Branch, where they will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer. The internship is structured to last for six months and is intended to be full-time and conducted in person at the UNDRR headquarters in Geneva. The intern will engage in various tasks that align with their academic background and the needs of the office, contributing to the organization's mission of enhancing disaster risk reduction efforts globally. The role will involve supporting the analysis of national disaster risk reduction financing systems, developing communication materials, and contributing to data visualization efforts to effectively communicate findings related to disaster risk financing. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international organization while contributing to meaningful projects that have a real-world impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities will vary based on their background and the specific needs of the assigned office. Key duties may include:

• Supporting the analysis of national disaster risk reduction (DRR) financing systems by collecting and organizing relevant information on the current status of DRR financing, utilizing tools such as Microsoft CoPilot.
• Contributing to the creation of communication materials aimed at raising awareness about the Global Observatory on DRR Financing, which may involve developing infographics, short videos, presentations, and other knowledge products.
• Assisting in data visualization and the presentation of findings by preparing visual materials, including maps, graphs, dashboards (e.g., using MS Power BI), and summary tables to effectively communicate information regarding DRR financing systems.
• Drafting analytical notes, background briefs, presentations, and sections of reports that summarize findings and support ongoing initiatives related to disaster risk reduction financing.
• Providing ad hoc support for meetings, events, outreach, and collaborative projects, which may include organizing internal and external meetings, technical workshops, preparing meeting minutes, talking points, and communication materials, as well as facilitating knowledge exchange activities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the internship with the United Nations, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: a) be currently enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b) be currently enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). While professional work experience is not a requirement for applicants to the UN Internship Programme, it is essential that candidates have a field of study closely related to the internship they are applying for. Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's, or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program (second university degree or equivalent) or being in the final year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent). Candidates must provide proof of their academic status, such as an official certificate, at a later stage in the application process. The internship is particularly suited for students pursuing degrees in fields related to disaster risk reduction, international relations, public policy, or other relevant disciplines.

Experience:
While applicants are not required to have prior professional work experience, it is important that they possess a strong academic foundation in a field relevant to the internship. The internship is designed for students who are either in the final stages of their undergraduate studies or pursuing advanced degrees, allowing them to gain practical experience in a professional setting while contributing to the mission of the United Nations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also required, as it is another working language of the organization. Additionally, proficiency in any other official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid and requires candidates to be available for full-time, in-person work for a duration of six months. Given that Geneva is classified as a high-cost duty station, candidates should ensure they can independently cover all living expenses during the internship period. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements with the organization prior to accepting the internship offer. Furthermore, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.