Intern - Staff Wellbeing

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is a key department within the UN Secretariat, established to bring together various humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to complex emergencies and natural disasters. OCHA plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian efforts and ensuring that all actors can contribute effectively to the overall response. The organization is dedicated to advocating for the rights of people in need, promoting preparedness and prevention, and facilitating sustainable solutions. OCHA operates globally, engaging with national and international partners to fulfill its mission, and is known for its commitment to effective and principled humanitarian action.

Job Overview:
This internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is situated within the Staff Welfare Team of OCHA, specifically in the People and Culture Section of the Executive Office in Geneva, Switzerland. The internship can be conducted in-person, in a hybrid format, or fully remote, and offers flexibility in terms of part-time or full-time engagement. The Staff Welfare Team is responsible for providing psychological support to OCHA staff and their families, as well as offering psycho-social support during critical incidents and facilitating referrals to relevant stakeholders. Interns will work under the guidance of the Staff Welfare Officer/Staff Counsellor and will contribute to OCHA's mission by supporting various initiatives aimed at enhancing staff wellbeing. Responsibilities will vary based on the intern's background and may include research, analysis, and the preparation of written documents such as studies, background papers, and psychological risk assessments. Interns will also assist in organizing meetings and workshops, contributing to the exchange of professional expertise, and performing tasks as assigned by their supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be expected to support the Staff Welfare Officers/Staff Counsellors in a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting research and analysis on assigned topics; preparing written documents such as sections of studies and presentations; maintaining reference and resource information on specific subjects; responding to inquiries and information requests; assisting in the organization of meetings and workshops with other agencies; serving as a reporter for events; and performing additional tasks as directed by the supervisor. The role requires a proactive approach to learning and contributing to the team's objectives, with a focus on enhancing the wellbeing of OCHA staff.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). The degree must be in social science, psychology, counselling, or a related field. While professional work experience is not required, a relevant field of study is essential. Candidates must provide proof of their academic status or completion of their degree as part of the application process.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a university degree in a relevant field such as social science, psychology, or counselling. This can include being enrolled in the final year of a bachelor's program or having completed a master's or Ph.D. program. Proof of enrollment or degree completion will be required during the application process, and candidates must be able to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Experience:
While no professional work experience is required for this internship, candidates should have a strong academic background in a field closely related to the internship. This may include coursework or projects that demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge applicable to the responsibilities of the internship.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this internship, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it is also a working language of the UN, and proficiency in both languages would enhance the intern's ability to contribute effectively to the team.

Additional Notes:
Interns will not receive financial remuneration from the United Nations. All costs related to 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 Switzerland may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. Additionally, the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.