Infrastructure and Project Management Intern At UNOPS

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the UNOPS Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) serves all the regions and headquarters, primarily with advice and solutions to everyday implementation challenges. IPAS consists of a diverse team of subject matter experts in the six practice areas of HR, Administration, Legal, Finance, Procurement, Project Management and Infrastructure. IPAS has three main roles:

Support to operations in the field offices: IPAS provides timely advice and supports actively finding of solutions to everyday implementation challenges, based on policy and best practices. It also provides operational support in specific areas.

Business efficiency: IPASrecommends changes to policies, processes and operating standards based on the feedback and experience of the field offices. IPAS also ensures transparent and efficient project implementation, in line with policy and business needs.

Body of knowledge: IPAS contributes to research and coordination within the policy groups and project practitioners. It provides structured knowledge and subject matter expertise which is used across practice areas to provide coherent and tailored advice to the requesting offices.

Functional Responsibilities

In addition to the 6 teams mentioned before, IPAS has been given the responsibility to create a Surge Capacity team to meet the needs of UNOPS field offices. These needs include but are not limited to providing personnel for quick inception of new projects, supporting emergency responses, as well as covering gaps after unexpected departure of colleagues whose roles are critical to the operations of the office.

IPAS is setting up this mechanism over the next months and requires temporary support in particular on development and management of data, tools, systems and knowledge products. The incumbent will also provide support in a range of IPAS wide functions. This includes the reporting and data analysis to enhance IPAS maturity, maximize efficiencies and ensure a consistent approach with stakeholders. The role requires close interactions with all IPAS practice teams, policy groups as well as field colleagues. It also requires a good understanding of the diverse environment in which UNOPS operates.

This is a position for candidates from all nationalities passionate about Project Management, data analytics, and communication who can relocate to Copenhagen (Denmark) to join our team.

UNOPS offers not only an exciting work environment, an attractive remuneration package and flexible working arrangements, but you would also be working in one of the most sustainable buildings in Copenhagen: the UN City.

You can meet our team and get a sneak peek of our working environment in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8CyuSqczvI&feature=youtu.be

Specific Job Functions

Reporting to the Infrastructure and Project Management Specialist of IPAS Project Management and Infrastructure (IPAS PMI), the successful candidate may be required to work on the following:

• Contribute and support in the continuous enhancement and management of a risk management tool focusing on the timely and effective provision of proactive support. This includes updating datasets and processing information, undertaking analysis and monitoring of key performance indicators, supporting data visualization and findings presentation.
• Support the JIRA Development Project Manager working with ICT and other focal points as needed to ensure continuous troubleshooting and system improvements.
• Support the IPAS PMI team in ensuring requests for support and advice are managed and addressed timely.
• Analyse various types of data and prepare reports as required. This may include but not be limited to developing presentations and reports based on the analysis of several databases, developing and managing Google Data Studio dashboards, conducting surveys and statistical analysis based on the organizational need.
• Support IPAS PMI in the development and management of various initiatives within the team including the development and regular monitoring of the workplan leading to a more efficient work management within the unit.
• Support IPAS Manager and IPAS Team Leads in the preparation of webinars, workshops, meetings and conferences.
• Maintain, update and support all relevant knowledge management efforts for the unit, such as drafting tipsheets, preparing presentations, coordinating knowledge sharing activities, etc.
• Coordinate small projects, being responsible for managing deadlines, distributing tasks, and promoting effective communication.
• Other day-to-day tasks as assigned.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required.
• Candidate must be currently enrolled in, or have recently completed (within three years prior to the application date of the internship) a Bachelor/Master’s/Ph.D. Degree in a relevant area, preferably in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Architectural studies.
• Completion of an Advanced University Degree in the relevant areas is a strong asset.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be considered an asset.

Internship-related experience:

While no prior work experience is required the following experience is highly desirable:

• Knowledge of Google Workspace is an asset;
• Analytical skills;
• Database analysis, processing and reporting;
• Ability to prepare communication material including presentations;
• Website and intranet development;
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs, particularly with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and other publishing software.

Competencies

Integrity & 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.

Leading Self & Others: Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

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.

Contract type, level and duration – Internship

Contract type: Internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 6 months

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

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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• 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.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

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

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization

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