Intern – Development Unit At UN High Commissioner for Refugees

1. Operational Context **

The Regional Bureau for Western and Central Africa (RBWCA) has started its operations in January 2020 against the backdrop of the Regionalization/ Decentralization process undertaken by the Organization.

Inside the Strategic Management Pillar and under the Program Coordination Section, the Development Unit has been tasked to play the role of GCR focal point for the Bureau. There are no standard ToRs for Bureau GCR focal points and roles/ responsibilities have not been clearly defined, the Unit is therefore working on an ad hoc basis, trying to figure out what is expected from Bureau GCR focal points and country focal points. Towards the end of the year, the unit will develop standard ToRs for Bureau and country focal points. So far, in the capacity of GCR focal point, the Unit has established regular contacts with GCR focal points to ensure they receive and share the relevant information regarding the GCR process. Monthly briefings are organized with operations. The Unit is also coordinating meetings by the Bureau monitoring team composed of technical experts dealing with the GRF pledges areas of focus. The Unit is trying to enhance their involvement in the follow up of pledges made at country and regional levels. Considering the limited interest demonstrated by operations, the Unit is also planning to engage in capacity building activities related to the GCR to help disseminate the approaches and the tools.

As important events are planned for the end of 2021 (HLOM), the Unit is working with the support of HQ GRF Team on preparatory activities. For instance, the Unit is currently working with DIMA on the GCR Indicators Report expected in the month of October/November 2021. While DIMA is in charge of the data collection, the Unit is working on the narrative of the report.

An important project related to the GCR is the implementation of ECOWAS pledges and namely the one related to a 4-year action-plan for the operationalization of the GCR. ECOWAS is relying on the Bureau to initiate the first draft of the Action Plan before starting the discussions with State Members. The plan is to be adopted in the last quarter of 2021, before the HLOM planned in December 2021. Against this backdrop, in addition to the design of the Action plan, the Unit will have to work on the organization of 2 major events for Western Africa (Expert and Ministerial meetings on the Action Plan).

The Development Unit is also in charge of the engagement with Development actors, especially regarding non-transactional collaborations with organizations such as the WBG, AfDB, AFD, GIZ/BMZ, INTPA etc… The Unit is supporting operations, especially those without SDOs in their discussions with development actors. The Unit is expected to be more involved in discussions at regional level with some actors. A thematic entry point for which the Unit in close cooperation with the LEI unit would like to develop strategic documents for the region is Social protection. The involvement of the Unit is also to be enhance regarding this topic. The Unit is also supporting the engagement of the Bureau in the UN reform by representing UNHCR in Working groups established for Regional responses for the Sahel and the LCB situations. The SDO is also member of the Peer Support Group established by DCO to support UNCT’s engagement in the UNSDCF processes.

The Bureau is also involved in the preparations for the launch of a CAR support platform. A task force under the leadership of the Deputy Director in charge of the SMP has been working on preparations for the launch of the Platform. The Management of the Bureau has requested the Unit to play a greater role in the preparations for the launch of the platform. Organization of events is also foreseen to prepare the launch of the platform. The involvement of the Unit will be more and more required to this effect.

The unit is currently composed of a SDO and a development Associate. As indicated above, the Unit is expected to work on important deliverables before the end of this year and will therefore require a substantial support.

An internship within the unit will help the intern to get acquainted with key UNHCR pillars of transformation such as the GCR, the UN Reform and data and digitalization. The intern will be closely working with UNHCR L.O in Abuja regarding the elaboration of the 4 years action plan and the organization of the related events. S/he will also support the organization of events with ECCAS prior to the launch of the CAR Support Platform. The intern will provide a limited but instructive support to the Unit regarding the elaboration of Social Protection strategic documents. The internship will also provide the opportunity to familiarize with the inclusion of forced displacement in development actors’ interventions.

2. Duties and Responsibilities:**

Duties and Responsibilities

The Intern will support the Development Unit of the RBWCA especially regarding the operationalization of the GCR. S/he will

· Familiarize with the GCR approach and its implementation in Western and Central Africa (WCA) region

· Contribute to the design of the 0 Draft Action plan on the operationalization of the GCR in West-Africa

· Assist members of the team for the organization of events (Expert and Ministerial Meetings) planned with ECOWAS and ECCAS Commissions as part of the implementation of the GCR in WCA

· Learn about social protection systems and the inclusion of UNHCR people of concern in national systems.

3. Qualification:**

· Strong organizational skills especially analytical skills and attention to details

· Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate and disseminate information effectively and creatively to a broad range of stakeholders.

· Drafting and editing skills in particular on protection and solutions strategies, advocacy strategies, or partnership building.

· Ability to think creatively, and to explore, harness and translate innovative concepts into practice.

· Good prioritizing and self-management skills to work both independently and as part of a team.

· Excellent knowledge of French and English is required.

· Work experience in research institutes, UN, government, bi/multilateral donor agencies, or development agencies is desirable.

· Experience working on refugees/displaced populations is desirable.

4. Eligibility

In order to be considered for an internship, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

· Recent graduate (those persons who completed their studies within one year of applying) or current student in a graduate/undergraduate school programme from a university or higher education facility accredited by UNESCO; and

· Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant or of interest to the work of the Organization.

An individual whose father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister is a staff member of

UNHCR, including a Temporary Appointment holder or a member of the Affiliate Workforce, is not eligible for an internship.