Humanitarian Affairs and Coordination Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is a vital department within the UN Secretariat. Established to ensure a coherent response to complex emergencies and natural disasters, OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors. The organization aims to alleviate human suffering during disasters and emergencies, advocate for the rights of people in need, promote preparedness and prevention, and facilitate sustainable solutions. OCHA operates globally, engaging with various humanitarian actors to ensure effective responses to crises.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Affairs and Coordination Intern will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Humanitarian Affairs officer in OCHA’s Liaison Office in Kuwait. This internship is designed to provide support related to humanitarian engagement with the Government of Kuwait and other partners in the country. The intern will be involved in various tasks that contribute to OCHA's mission, including monitoring and analyzing humanitarian needs, assisting in event planning, developing information materials, and coordinating meetings with partners. The internship is in-person and has a maximum duration of six months, starting at a mutually agreed time.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will perform a variety of tasks, which may include: monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on humanitarian needs; assisting in the planning and organization of events co-organized by OCHA in Kuwait; developing and disseminating information materials on humanitarian issues; ensuring visibility for OCHA-Kuwait partnerships; coordinating meetings and consultations with partners; drafting summaries, meeting minutes, and reports; and performing any other administrative tasks as required. The role is dynamic and may evolve based on the needs of the office and the intern's skills.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school program (second 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) in fields such as political and/or social science, international relations, public administration, law, economics, communication and media, or other related areas. While professional working experience is not required, any academic or practical experience in humanitarian affairs, including knowledge of humanitarian financing mechanisms, funding trends, climate change adaptation programming, emergency preparedness, crisis management, rehabilitation, development, and disaster risk reduction is desirable. Additionally, applicants should be proficient in standard software applications and demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a relevant educational background, which includes being enrolled in or having completed a graduate program or the final year of a bachelor's degree in fields related to humanitarian affairs, political science, international relations, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the UN's role in global crises.

Experience:
While no professional experience is required for this internship, any academic or practical experience related to humanitarian affairs is considered advantageous. This could include involvement in projects or studies focused on humanitarian financing, emergency response, or disaster risk reduction, which would provide valuable context and understanding for the intern's responsibilities.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Fluency is defined as being able to speak, read, write, and understand the languages proficiently. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication within the diverse environment of the UN and its partners.

Additional Notes:
Interns are not financially compensated by the United Nations, and 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 Kuwait 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. Additionally, it is emphasized that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.