Program Management Support 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. With over 150 staff members, UNDRR operates from its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and has regional offices across various locations. The organization is dedicated to guiding, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-203

• It collaborates with UN Member States and a diverse range of partners, including civil society, the private sector, and the scientific community, to enhance global awareness and action towards reducing disaster risks, particularly in both developed and developing countries. UNDRR's mission is increasingly relevant as climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of disasters, necessitating a focus on understanding and mitigating risks associated with extreme heat and wildfires, especially in vulnerable regions such as the Americas and the Caribbean.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed to provide program management support aimed at enhancing the understanding of extreme heat and wildfire risks in the Americas and the Caribbean. The intern will engage in various tasks that contribute to the overall mission of UNDRR, particularly in the context of climate change and its impacts on disaster risk. The role is part-time and remote, allowing for flexible working arrangements. The intern will report directly to the Programme Management Officer (Risk Knowledge and Climate Change) based in Panama, and will be involved in critical research and analysis that informs early warning systems and adaptation strategies. This internship is an opportunity for individuals to gain practical experience in program management within a global organization, while contributing to significant environmental and social issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a range of duties that include conducting desk research to build evidence on the impacts of extreme heat and wildfires in the Americas and the Caribbean. This involves identifying suitable quantitative and probabilistic risk assessment methodologies, as well as open data sources for modeling risks associated with extreme heat and wildfires. The intern will also review methodologies for accounting for non-economic losses related to these hazards. Additional responsibilities include assisting in the drafting and preparation of official documents such as meeting summaries, concept notes, and agendas, as well as attending and summarizing conferences and meetings. The intern will support the preparation and reporting of workshops and contribute to the production of communication materials, including media posts and policy briefs. Overall, the role is integral to enhancing the understanding of disaster risks and supporting the UNDRR's mission.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent). Candidates should be pursuing or have pursued their degree in fields related to the internship. Proficiency in standard software applications, particularly MS Word, PowerPoint, and MS Teams, is essential. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate skills in statistics, probability, data management, and data processing. A strong ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is also required, along with a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be students in the final year of their first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), or enrolled in or have completed a Master's or Ph.D. program. The educational background should be closely related to the internship's focus on disaster risk reduction, climate change, or related fields. Proof of enrollment or completion of the relevant degree program must be provided with the application.

Experience:
While professional work experience is not required for this internship, candidates should have a field of study that closely aligns with the internship's focus. This allows interns to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting and gain valuable experience in program management and disaster risk reduction.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this internship, as these are the primary working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, and familiarity with Portuguese is considered desirable, enhancing the intern's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The internship is unpaid and designed to be part-time and remote, with a duration of six months. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Candidates who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is located may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization. It is important for successful candidates to discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and they encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, disability, or background.