Intern-Humanitarian Affairs

This internship position is in the Programme Unit of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) secretariat at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York. CERF is a global humanitarian fund with a funding target of $1 billion annually. It is one of the fastest and most effective ways to support rapid humanitarian response for people affected by natural disasters and armed conflict. CERF receives voluntary contributions year-round to provide immediate funding for life-saving humanitarian action anywhere in the world. OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions. The intern will participate in all aspects of the programmatic work at CERF. This job opening may also be used by other parts of OCHA to recruit interns. Responsibilities Under the supervision of a Humanitarian Affairs Officer in the Programme Unit of the CERF secretariat, within the limits of delegated authority, the intern will be responsible for the following duties:

• Monitor and analyse humanitarian developments in countries affected by disasters and emergencies, in collaboration with relevant OCHA desk officers
• Conduct quantitative analyses and qualitative research to support the decision to allocate funding to the most underfunded emergencies and as a rapid response to new crises
• In support of a Humanitarian Affairs Officer, review incoming CERF applications, draft responses to Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators, heads of agencies and agency focal points
• Liaise with other branches and units within OCHA and UN agencies to ensure that incoming CERF applications are being reviewed in a coherent manner, maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability
• Ensure timely and appropriate support to Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators and OCHA field offices for CERF-related processes
• Support the preparation of and participate in CERF trainings
• Prepare or contribute to the preparation of various documents, e.g. draft sections of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, briefings, etc.
• Contribute to the revision of CERF’s operational handbook, other guidance
• Develop and maintain reference and resource information on specific topics or policy-related issues; respond to various inquiries and information requests; keep abreast of latest humanitarian developments, provide information and advice on a range of related issues
• Analyse, summarise and report on data on CERF grants
• Perform other duties as required

Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to gender equality within OCHA Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related humanitarian rights issues. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources and conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Education To qualify for an internship with the United Nations, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

•  be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent).

Interested candidates must be pursuing or pursued their degree in areas related to this Job Opening: political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences, graphic design, communications, public relations or marketing, statistics, human resources or a related field. In addition, interested candidates must:

• Be computer literate in standard software applications including MS Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point);
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and,
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is desirable. Please explain below how your experience meets this criterion using examples. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this internship, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN Official language is an advantage. Deadline for Application:  31st July, 2020 More Information and Application details.