Org. Setting and Reporting
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordinates the global emergency response to save lives and protect people in humanitarian crises. The Human Resources Section, Within the Executive Office (EO) is responsible for human resources management in OCHA. It administers the recruitment and placement of staff, manages contracts, benefits and entitlements, reassignments and separations, and develops policy guidance.
This OCHA EO Human Resources internship advertisement is fill multiple internship positions on a rolling basis, throughout 2018 and 2019. Selected interns will be expected to serve for a minimum period of two months, with an opportunity for extension, depending on the needs of OCHA and the availability of the selected candidate.
The internship may be available in either New York or Geneva, with either the HR Business Partnering and Management Team or the HR Policy and Strategy Team, depending on the needs of OCHA and the preference of the selected candidate.
The internship is UNPAID and full-time.
Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.
Responsibilities
Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background; the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period.
HR Business Partnering and Management Team (Geneva and New York)
The HR Business Partnering and Management Teams provide a wide range of HR advisory and administrative services to their respective client entities, covering all of OCHA at Headquarters and in the field. Its HR Business Partners work closely with managers on people management matters such as workforce management and capacity gap identification, talent management and development, performance management, change management or recruitment strategies. Its HR Managers are the clients’ direct interlocutors on HR administration matters such as questions related to contracts (e.g. duration and extension), re-assignments, leave and other time-management matters, engagement in outside activities, etc. In these teams, interns will have the opportunity to learn about and contribute to the provision of effective HR administrative services, support with the maintenance and analysis of HR data, be exposed to and assist with recruitment processes, and participate to HR projects as necessary.
HR Policy and Strategy Team (New York only)
The HR Policy and Strategy team ensures that OCHA has a sound policy application environment and approach that enables OCHA to successfully meet its human resources needs. The HR Policy and Strategy Intern will have the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of human resource priorities. Specifically, the Policy and Strategy team: develops OCHA HR and people related policies in line with the OCHA organizational strategy, operational needs, control frameworks, applicable UN common system policy frameworks, and changes in relevant legislation; builds partnerships within the UN system to promote a flexible and innovative approach to addressing common and specific challenges and opportunities; develops OCHA position papers and advice on all matters related to common system HR priorities, including represent OCHA in common system discussions on HR policy matters; develops and enables implementation of organizational strategies and corporate initiatives, such as on gender parity, duty of care, diversity and inclusiveness.
Competencies
Professionalism:
-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 the 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
Planning & Organizing:
-Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
-Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
-Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
-Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
-Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
-Uses time efficiently
Education
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
(a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
(b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
(c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation;
Be computer literate in standard software applications;
Have an 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 are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship.
Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
A completed online application (Cover Letter and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Your Cover Letter must include:
Your availability (dates) for the internship.
Your preference for the Internship to be undertaken in the HR Business Partnering and Management Team (either Geneva or New York) or the HR Policy and Strategy Team (New York only)
Your Degree Programme (What are you currently studying or have recently graduated from?).
Your Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?)
The IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in.
Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences and three references.
Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.
