Partnerships and Interagency Engagement Intern

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 to reduce disaster risks. The organization aims 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 has a workforce of over 150 staff members based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as in regional offices. The organization plays a crucial role in guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supporting its regional and national implementation, and catalyzing action to enhance global awareness of disaster risk reduction. The UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean (ROAC) is instrumental in fostering interagency and partnership engagement across key strategic platforms, including the Peer Support Group, the Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP LAC), and Issue-Based Coalitions (IBCs). Additionally, it collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and parliamentary actors, contributing to global policy and capacity-building initiatives that position disaster risk reduction as a priority in sustainable development efforts.

Job Overview:
The internship at UNDRR is designed to provide a comprehensive experience in the field of disaster risk reduction and interagency collaboration. The position is unpaid and requires a full-time commitment for a duration of six months, with an expected start date of September 1, 202

• The intern will work under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of UNDRR ROAC and will be involved in various activities aimed at enhancing interagency collaboration within the Regional Collaborative Platform LAC and the Issue-Based Coalition on Climate Change and Resilience. The intern will also engage with the United Nations System at both national and regional levels, assisting in the preparation of agendas, background materials, and research for meetings and engagements. This role will provide valuable insights into the workings of the UN and the importance of partnerships in disaster risk reduction efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties, including supporting the coordination and follow-up of interagency collaboration within the Regional Collaborative Platform LAC and the Issue-Based Coalition on Climate Change and Resilience. They will assist in preparing agendas, background materials, and summaries for the Peer Support Group and other engagements. The intern will also support the collection and systematization of Voluntary Commitments made to UNDRR by partners and stakeholders, assist in organizing joint events and advocacy sessions with UN agencies and parliamentary networks, and contribute to documenting good practices and lessons learned from regional interagency collaboration. Additionally, the intern will help develop partnership databases, contact lists, and mapping exercises, and draft notes for the record, concept notes, presentations, and policy briefs as needed.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (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 level or equivalent). Candidates must be pursuing or have pursued their degree in areas related to this job opening. Good knowledge of standard software applications, particularly MS Word, PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is required. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
Applicants must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or in a Master's or Ph.D. program, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. program. The field of study should be closely related to the internship position being applied for, ensuring that candidates have the relevant academic background to contribute effectively to the work of UNDRR.

Experience:
While applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience, it is essential that they have a field of study that closely relates to the type of internship they are applying for. This ensures that the intern can effectively engage with the tasks and responsibilities assigned during their time at UNDRR.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this internship, as it is the primary working language of the UNDRR Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean. Additionally, English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, so proficiency in these languages is beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Panama may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. Candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and they do not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts. The organization encourages applications from qualified women, men, and people with disabilities, and strongly encourages female candidates to apply.