Intern

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization founded in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda, aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women globally. It was established by merging four distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender issues. UN Women operates in numerous countries, including Sierra Leone, where it has been active since 2002, building on the legacy of UNIFEM. The organization works with various stakeholders, including public and private sectors, to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, promote women's empowerment, and ensure equality between genders. UN Women has a significant presence in Sierra Leone, focusing on key areas such as women's participation in governance, ending violence against women, and women's economic empowerment. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of women facing multiple forms of discrimination and marginalization, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of gender equality.

Job Overview:
The internship at UN Women is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for graduates in Sierra Leone and globally. Interns will work under the guidance of a designated Programme specialist or operations manager, collaborating closely with the UN Women team. The internship aims to support the implementation of program activities, operations, and administrative functions of the country office. Interns will gain practical experience in various sectors, including agriculture, trade, fisheries, and digital innovations that empower women and youth. The internship will also focus on critical issues such as ending violence against women and promoting women's roles in peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, governance, and politics. Through mentorship programs led by experienced specialists, interns will enhance their skills and gain insights into their career aspirations while contributing to the agency's key portfolio areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be expected to perform a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall goals of UN Women. Responsibilities may include assisting in the implementation of program activities, conducting research, writing reports, and supporting administrative functions. Interns will collaborate with team members on various assignments, participate in meetings, and contribute to discussions on gender equality and women's empowerment. They will also be involved in data collection and analysis, helping to assess the impact of UN Women’s initiatives. Additionally, interns may assist in organizing events and workshops aimed at promoting women's rights and gender equality, as well as engaging with stakeholders to foster partnerships that support the agency's mission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral, in English. A strong understanding of gender issues and a commitment to promoting gender equality are essential. Interns should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in collaborative settings and possess strong research, writing, analytical, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, and familiarity with design applications is considered an asset. Interns should also exhibit accountability, creative problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills, along with a commitment to inclusive collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated within the past year. Alternatively, candidates may be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program that is part of a degree program and undertake the internship as part of the program requirements. Relevant fields of study include agriculture, trade, fisheries, digital innovations, gender studies, and other related disciplines.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory for interns, any relevant experience in gender equality, women's empowerment, or related fields will be considered an advantage. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively. Experience in research, writing, or project management will also be beneficial.

Languages:
Excellent communication skills in English are required for this position. A working knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to UN Women’s global initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The internship is designed to provide a stipend to interns who are not receiving financial support from other sources, such as universities or other institutions, to help cover basic living costs during the internship period. This position is part-time and may involve both virtual and on-site work, depending on the needs of the organization and the intern's availability. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and competence, regardless of their background. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.