UNICEF Internship - Social Protection

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF has a long-standing reputation as a neutral and collaborative partner, working closely with various stakeholders to improve the lives of children globally. In Sri Lanka, UNICEF has been active for over 50 years, making significant strides in health, education, and protection standards for children, while also addressing the challenges faced by the most vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within UNICEF's Social Policy Section in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is designed to support the Government of Sri Lanka in enhancing evidence-based policies, public finance, and social protection systems aimed at improving outcomes for children and vulnerable populations. The intern will engage in various initiatives, including social protection reforms and knowledge generation activities, contributing through research, coordination, documentation, data management, and communications support. This role provides practical exposure to UNICEF's work in social policy and social protection, allowing the intern to gain insights into policy design, implementation, and assessment, as well as public finance for children and social sector budgeting processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for supporting the implementation of ongoing social protection initiatives, including providing administrative, coordination, and analytical support for the pregnancy voucher assessment. They will assist in planning, coordinating, and documenting national and regional meetings, workshops, and consultations related to social protection. The intern will engage with stakeholders, including government counterparts and development partners, and assist in preparing presentations, reports, and other knowledge products. Additionally, they will compile and analyze program data, conduct background research on relevant topics, and perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have recently completed or be enrolled in a university degree in Social Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields. Strong research, analytical, and writing skills are essential, along with proficiency in MS Office and data analysis tools. The ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment is crucial, as is having at least one year of experience in relevant fields. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required, along with self-motivation and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Social Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or related fields is required. Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance and relevant coursework that aligns with the responsibilities of the internship.

Experience:
At least one year of experience, whether full-time or part-time, in the fields of Social Policy, Economics, Development Studies, or related areas is necessary. Experience working with UN agencies is an asset but not mandatory. Leadership experience in child/youth movements or networks is also considered beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory. Proficiency in Sinhala or Tamil is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The internship is for a duration of 16 weeks, starting in September 202

• Interns will receive a monthly stipend of LKR 109,370 and are responsible for their living expenses. They must have adequate medical insurance and are considered gratis personnel, meaning they are not staff members of UNICEF and do not receive the same privileges and immunities. Interns are expected to adhere to UNICEF's General Terms and Conditions and respect confidentiality regarding information collected during their internship. The position is not connected to employment, and there is no expectation of future employment with UNICEF.