Communications Intern at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

** Background Information – Job-specific

Background – Zimbabwe

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The UNOPS Zimbabwe Office fallsunder the purview of the UNOPS KEMC (Kenya Multi-Country Office) located in Nairobi, Kenya, which manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes a large portfolio of Infrastructure, procurement and project management service projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and several Island states.

Project

UNOPS Zimbabwe Office has a growing portfolio of projects. Following the devastation caused to life, livelihoods and property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019, the WB has allocated up to US$ 75 million to finance a recovery project for Zimbabwe and the African Development Bank has allocated US$ 25 million. The projects address both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture, transport). UNOPS has been requested to manage the WB funds and is establishing a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and is the Implementation Agency for the AfDB project. UNOPS will engage multiple UN partner organisations to deliver specific components of ZIRP and private sector companies to deliver on the infrastructure works under AfDB. Additionally, UNOPS manages the overall funding for the Government of Ireland funded project on ensuring safe and accessible channels for reporting Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) to beneficiaries of the Humanitarian Assistance Programme in Zimbabwe.

The PIU is being established as a facility to support the World Bank fund only. As the Fund Manager/PIU UNOPS will be responsible for multiple functions vis-a-vis the ZIRP including the design of an early recovery/emergency response facility, fiduciary management, legal and technical oversight Monitoring and Evaluation, reporting, quality assurance and communications. Communications Unit is housed within the PIU, providing strategic communication support across the portfolio of projects implemented in Zimbabwe.

Background Information – Job-specific

Under the direct supervision of the Communications Associate – Public Relations and Outreach, the Communications Intern will work in the Communications Unit based in Harare. The role will focus primarily on producing communications materials and reports for UNOPS Zimbabwe’s portfolio of projects covering a range of development sectors. The work of the Project Implementation Unit is diverse and requires a significant level of multitasking.

The intern will be required to deliver high-quality products to tight deadlines. Additionally, the Communications Intern will also closely coordinate with other programmes, infrastructure and procurement units.

We are seeking qualified applicants who have strong communication, planning and coordination skills. The successful candidate must be client/service-oriented as well as structured, organized and detail-oriented.

** Functional Responsibilities

Specific intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Writing, editing and proofreading high-quality copy for external news stories, newsletter, factsheets and project websites.
Assisting with research and writing for the annual report, advocacy papers and other publications.
Contributing to the design of information, education and communication materials.
Participating in management of social media platforms and website content.
Providing support in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Communication Strategy.
Assisting in the management, as well as effective and timely implementation of key communication activities as outlined in the annual communication plan.
Monitoring of external communications and tracking of uptake of communications activities.
Assisting in strengthening stakeholder engagement by supporting organization of stakeholder meetings, activities, and other related events.
Maintaining an updated database of stakeholders.
Reporting to and performing other duties as requested by the Communications Associate. Terms and Conditions

UNOPS Zimbabwe will provide the intern with the following:

Workspace in a shared office including computer, stationery, landline telephone.
Use of common office facilities, as for all UNOPS personnel.
A monthly stipend from UNOPS, if they do not receive funds from other institutions. Furthermore, UNOPS may provide a one-time travel lump sum of USD 500 if the intern is not receiving travel funding from other institutions. However, interns must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and insurance coverage.
Assistance with application for work visa.

The internship comes with no expectations of future employment with UNOPS as a direct result of the internship. The internship is offered for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension up to 1 year.

** Education

Enrolment in a University Degree or significant coursework (if degree still ongoing) in Journalism, Media Studies, Communications, Development or a related field is required.
Applicants who have graduated from such studies within the past 36 months will also be considered eligible for the position.

** Experience

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience but experience in writing and editing is desirable.
Working knowledge of Google Suite will be an added advantage.
Experience in Journalism/Communications is desirable.
Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in development work is an asset.
Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign is an asset.
Knowledge of a Content Management System (CMS) is an asset.

** Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required.

** Competencies

Integrity and Inclusion – Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Partnering – Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Results Orientation- Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Agility – Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Solution Focused – Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Effective Communication – Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

** Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

*It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
This position is based in a family duty station*

** Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Internship
Contract level: Intern
Contract duration: 6 months renewable subject to performance and the availability of funds
This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.
Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.
For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

** Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.