INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Regional Ombudsman Office, Duty Station: Jerusalem

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST

UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Department/Office: Regional Ombudsman Office

Duty Station: Jerusalem

Type of Appointment: Full time internship

Duration: 3-6 months, with the possibility of renewal

Expected Starting Date: 01 November 2021

Terms of Reference

BACKGROUND

The Office of the Regional Ombudsman for UNRWA is part of the structure of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) which is the informal component of the system of the administration of justice in the United Nations. It is the primary informal recourse mechanism for resolving workplace concerns in UNRWA and at the United Nations at large providing alternative dispute resolution and Mediation services. The Office acts as an alternative to the formal complaints’ mechanism.**

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Office of the Regional Ombudsman for UNRWA is looking for an intern to support the Office staff in carrying out their respective areas of work. Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background: Under the supervision of the Ombudsman the intern will :1. Support to Outreach and Advocacy2. assist with outreach activities such as preparing and editing texts, articles and presentations. 3. Support to preparing data and preparing reports 4. Assist in the intake and follow-up of cases including the compilation of statistics and the preparation of regular monthly reports.5. Conducting research and help develop training in areas of conflict resolution, negotiation and consensus building.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

To qualify for consideration for an internship by UNRWA Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:(1) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);(2) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);(3) Candidates who are selected, must commence the internship programme either prior to graduation or within one year of graduation from an academic programme as described in (1) and (2).Applicants who are unable to commence the internship within one year of graduation shall not be accepted.

Work Experience

We are looking for applicants with a background in law, international relations, administration, conflict resolution, public relations, training for adults, social sciences or related fields. Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. However, work experience in relevant areas is an asset.

Languages:

English and Arabic are the working languages of UNRWA. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the Internship Programme. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an asset. Assessment Potential candidates will be contacted by Hiring Manager directly for further consideration. Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

Competencies

Professionalism Demonstrated understanding of conflict resolution and the functioning of international organizations. Ability to keep matters confidential and exercise good discretion in using information. Conscientiousness in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Applicant is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations. Applicant is/can become familiar with Office software, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals; Applicant 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. 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. Planning and 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Should you be interested, please send your CV, motivation letter and portfolio to internship@unrwa.org and ombudsman@UNRWA.ORG in the copy (Cc) no later than 15 October 2021 Please mention in the subject line “**Internship – Regional Ombudsman Office”**.

The motivation letter must include:

• Title of degree;

• Explain your interest in UNRWA and why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.

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

Please mind this internship is unpaid with the possibility of hybrid work modality (full time).

From time-to-time an intern may need to work hours that aren’t typical, so a flexible approach is needed to get the best from the job. Most of our work is digital, but we do have the occasional need to create print materials. Familiarity with both environments is useful. Additionally, an interest in global politics is helpful.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Only those applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

UNRWA staff and complementary personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, neutrality and impartiality at all times. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity, and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified women.

UNRWA will not be responsible for the costs of travel, visa, accommodation, or any other costs related to the placement. All costs connected with an intern’s participation must be borne by the intern, including arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc. Interns will be solely responsible to secure visas. Applicants should be able to travel in the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East.

At the stage of acceptance of an internship placement, interns must prove to the satisfaction of UNRWA that they have adequate medical and accident insurance coverage prior to commencing the placement.

Intern placements shall not constitute employment by UNRWA. Interns are considered to be complementary personnel with non-staff status. The purpose of the internship program is not to lead to further employment with UNRWA but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. Interns are eligible to apply as external candidates for UNRWA staff vacancies in accordance with normal selection procedures.

Please note that UNRWA does not charge fees at any stage of the application process. Vacancy announcements advertised at: https://www.unrwa.org/careers/internships[,](https://www.unrwa.org/careers/internships) will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (Amman time) on the deadline date.

UNRWA is a non-smoking environment.

26 September 2021