Intern - Strategic Planning and Research

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Intern - Strategic Planning and Research
Location: Kuwait
Country: Kuwait
Deadline Date: [To be specified]

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Kuwait is dedicated to supporting the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in delivering integrated and strategic support to Kuwait’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The RCO plays a crucial role in sustainable development analysis, strategic planning, programming, financing, partnerships, and advocacy. The organization is part of the larger United Nations system, which operates globally to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and development. The RCO in Kuwait aims to align UN efforts with national priorities and enhance the effectiveness of UN support in the country.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kuwait is designed for individuals who are eager to gain hands-on experience in UN coordination efforts and development frameworks. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO, and Strategic Planner, providing support in research, coordination, and administrative tasks related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Kuwait. This role is pivotal in contributing to strategic initiatives within the UN system, allowing the intern to engage with various stakeholders and gain insights into the workings of international development and cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks that include:

• Research and Analysis: Conducting research and policy analysis on sustainable development, the 2030 Agenda, and national development priorities; drafting briefing notes, talking points, and reports for high-level meetings; monitoring and analyzing trends related to SDGs, development cooperation, and UN partnerships in Kuwait.
• Coordination and Support: Assisting in coordinating inter-agency meetings, workshops, and consultations with government counterparts, civil society, and private sector stakeholders; preparing background materials and minutes for UNCT and RCO meetings; tracking and following up on action points from meetings and initiatives.
• Communication and Advocacy: Contributing to the preparation of communication materials, presentations, and social media content on UN activities and SDG progress in Kuwait; organizing events, campaigns, and dialogues to raise awareness of UN priorities and SDG implementation.
• Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Supporting the mapping and identification of potential partners for UN collaboration in Kuwait; updating databases on UN cooperation with government, private sector, and civil society partners; preparing briefing notes on joint resource mobilization efforts.
• Operational and Administrative Support: Providing logistical and administrative support for events, including invitations, venue arrangements, and documentation; preparing official correspondence and organizing files related to UN coordination work; supporting data entry and knowledge management initiatives to ensure systematic documentation of RCO activities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, candidates must be enrolled in or have recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate strong research and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. A keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter are also essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree as defined above. A strong academic background in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Economics, or Development Studies is preferred.

Experience:
No prior working experience is required to apply for this internship. However, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs. This internship is particularly suited for those looking to gain practical experience in international development and UN operations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to speak, read, write, and understand both languages fluently. Knowledge of additional languages, such as French, is considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The internship duration is expected to be between 3 to 6 months, with a minimum commitment of two months on a full-time basis. The internship is unpaid, and candidates are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns must provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship and submit a medical certificate of good health prior to starting. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any fraudulent activities related to job offers.