Partnerships Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established to support the implementation of projects and operations in various countries, UNOPS has a mission to provide project management, infrastructure development, and procurement services to help governments and international organizations achieve their development goals. The organization operates in multiple countries across West Africa, including Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Senegal, as well as other nations such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Togo, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Gambia. UNOPS has developed strong relationships with governments and international development partners over the years, focusing on key areas such as infrastructure rehabilitation, capacity development, and management services.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Intern will be based in the West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) in Dakar and will report directly to the Partnerships Specialist. This role is designed to support the Partnerships Unit in expanding UNOPS's presence in the sub-region, growing the project and program portfolio, and developing strategic partnerships. The intern will conduct research on donors and market trends, assist in implementing the Communications Plan to enhance UNOPS's visibility, and provide administrative support for the development and finalization of project documents. The intern will also be involved in external communication, knowledge management, business intelligence, and partnerships and project development, ensuring that the organization effectively communicates its achievements and engages with potential partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships Intern will have a variety of responsibilities, including supporting the update of the Hub Communication Plan, preparing external communication materials for key audiences, developing content for social media, and ensuring that project achievements are captured in appropriate formats. The intern will also manage organizational systems, provide regular reports on the business acquisition pipeline, take minutes at meetings, and liaise with communications colleagues. Additionally, the intern will conduct analysis of donor priorities, prepare business analysis reports, research opportunities for UNOPS interventions, and support the development of project-related documents. The role requires a proactive approach to liaising with potential donors and ensuring timely follow-up on partnerships.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be pursuing or have recently completed a university degree in relevant fields such as Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Project Management, Communications, Business Administration, or Marketing. While no prior work experience is required, some professional experience in management, research, project management, proposal development, data analysis, marketing, consulting, or partnership development is highly desirable. The intern should possess strong research, writing, and editing skills, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be pursuing a university degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in relevant fields or be recent graduates (within the last 3 years). This educational background is essential to ensure that the intern has the necessary theoretical knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to the Partnerships Unit's objectives.

Experience:
While no prior work experience is mandatory, having some professional experience in relevant areas such as management, research, project management, or partnership development is highly desirable. This experience can help the intern to better understand the dynamics of working in an international organization and contribute to the team's efforts more effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English (written and spoken) is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication within the diverse environment of UNOPS and for engaging with various stakeholders across the region. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The internship is for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension up to 12 consecutive months, subject to satisfactory performance and available budget. It is important to note that this internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS, and there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship. Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS, provided they do not receive funds from other institutions. Additionally, UNOPS may offer a one-time travel lump sum of 500 USD, but interns are responsible for their own accommodation, travel, and visa arrangements. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups.