Intern - Human Resources (Gender Mainstreaming)

The internship position is located in the Staffing Diversity, and Outreach Section within the Office of Human Resources (OHR). The Staffing Diversity and Outreach Section plays a vital role in bringing staff of high caliber into the Organization. It develops strategies and initiatives aimed at building a diverse workforce across the Organization and coordinates Organization-wide efforts to increase geographical and regional diversity across all departments, offices and missions. It supports the Secretary-General’s system-wide strategy on gender parity and promotes access to opportunities by persons with disabilities by undertaking targeted outreach campaigns to draw upon the broadest pool of candidates for Secretariat positions.

The integration of social media platforms, including social networking tools—such as Facebook, Twitter, Weibo and WeChat—forms a critical component of the section’s communications strategies.

The UN offers an exciting diverse and inclusive workplace. This internship provides a unique opportunity to work with colleagues of diverse background to solve a variety of problems. We are seeking an energetic, responsible intern to join the Organization. If you are selected, you will join a global intern cohort and make a real impact by working on challenging and rewarding projects

The OHR internship is for three months with an opportunity for extension to no longer than six months, depending on the needs of the department.

Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office where they are assigned.

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) is seeking a passionate young person who is an innovative doer and thinker and interested in making a difference for a better world.

Within delegated authority, the Gender Mainstreaming intern may be responsible for the following duties: 

•Conducts background research on gender and industrial and development issues. 

•Identifies and researches gender mainstreaming practices in international institutions, governments and private sector.

•Assists in the preparation and design of knowledge products and advocacy materials, brochures, newsletters etc.

•Assists in monitoring the gender mainstreaming; works with large datasets to make conclusions.

•Assists with targeted outreach activities. 

•Helps to organize events, gender focal point meetings and trainings.

•Updates reference library and intranet resources; performs other administrative tasks as required.

On completion of the internship, the successful candidate will have gained:

•An excellent understanding of the UN Secretariat, its structure and its ongoing human resources management reform;

•Valuable experience in human resources;

•Knowledge of the challenges of human resources management in a multicultural environment and in an inter-governmental organization;

•An understanding of staff selection processes, especially recruitment and outreach strategies;

•Design and writing skills for public information and communications in an international context;

•Extensive exposure to managers and staff members of the UN Secretariat and the UN System.

Professionalism:

•Shows pride in work and in achievements

•Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter 

•Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results

•Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns

•Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges

•Remains calm in stressful situations

•Self-starter that can complete assignments with minimal guidance

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

Technological Awareness

•Keeps abreast of available technology

•Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office

•Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks

•Shows willingness to learn new technologies

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

1. Applicants at the time of application 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) in journalism, communications, media studies, human resources, public administration, international relations or related field ; 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;

(d) If pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree n journalism, communications, media studies, human resources, public administration, international relations or related field ;

2. Be computer literate in standard word processing and software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel or similar; Be proficient in standard office automation equipment scanner, printer, etc.).

3. Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter.

4. 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.

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the internship programme.

Fluency in English is required, knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration.

A completed online application (Cover Letter and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Letter must include: 

•Title of degree you are currently pursuing

•Graduation date (when you will be graduating from the programme)

•Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme 

•Experience in conducting data analysis, including visualizing and validating data and social media

•Explanation of why you think you are the best candidate for this role

In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, data analysis experience and software used, and three references. 

Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.