INTERNSHIP: Security Analysis and Operations Intern

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

CORPORATE BACKGROUND:

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries’ efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do. 

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

• Sustainable development
• Democratic governance and peacebuilding
• Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND: 

Recognizing the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women, the disparity in access women have to career development opportunities, networks and mentors in the field of International Security, and aiming to contribute to the UNDP’s Strategy for Gender Parity, the Regional Security Advisor office for Europe and Central Asia (RSA-RBEC) is committed to promote female talent to continuing substantial learning and professional development in a sector traditionally dominated by men. 

The Bureau for Management Services (BMS) is the UNDP’s central Bureau tasked with the development of corporate strategies, policies, tools and systems in key cross-cutting management areas. The BMS supports the achievement of development results through management advice, innovative business solutions, and other corporate services. The Service Delivery Model adopted by BMS aims to provide more integrated, effective, and customer focused services; delivering improved management services in the areas of Legal Support, Procurement Oversight, Information Management and Technology, Consolidated Transactions, Sourcing and Operations, and Security.

The UNDP Security Office is a client-oriented Centre of Excellence for Security Risk Management, focusing on high-quality, timely and effective support and advisory services, helping clients to assure an environment for safe programme delivery. The Security Office is responsible for providing effective Security Risk Management advice and support at all levels (HQ, Regional, Country Office and Project), within the overall UN Security Management System, thereby enabling security of UNDP operations, programmes, and personnel globally.

The Security Office Intern – Security Analysis and Operations – will work within the structure of the UNDP Regional Security Advisor office for Europe and Central Asia, researching and monitoring the security situation in the region, contributing to maintaining security information awareness of all aspects which could potentially affect the safety and security of the UNDP personnel and operations in field environments. 

The UNDP RSA RBEC internship provides an exciting opportunity for candidates interested in enhancing their understanding of: i) mandates and operations of the United Nations Development Programme in its efforts to provide support for achieving SDGs; ii) Corporate Security Risk Management Systems, specifically the UN Security Management System; iii) processes of security analysis, threat and risk identification and security management strategies in complex environments; iv) planning and implementing strategic processes and security policy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Knowledge Management and Research:

• Performing comprehensive, and accessible unclassified research of online media and other open sources of information, daily situation reports, incident reports, its collation, analysis, drafting advisories and dissemination;
• Providing timely and accurate information on current conflicts and security threat warnings directly to RSO decision makers;
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of events relating to the security environment;
• Assist in the process of developing security advisories for corporate clients in the Europe and Central Asia Region;
• Assist in the process of developing topic and strategic assessments on trends of security threats in the region.

Security Operations Management:

• Monitoring security incident trends that may affect UNDP personnel, assets and operations;
• Monitoring international security frameworks, policy implementation and crisis preparedness;
• Adjusting developed information on threats and trends of security incidents to changes in the operational security environment;
• Supporting Emergency Response and Crisis Management situations;
• Drafting situation and operational reports, lessons-learnt reports

Security Coordination:

• Supports liaison and coordination activities with partner organisations and counterparts;
• Attending conferences and meetings where relevant, providing meeting minutes, outcome notes, briefings and profiles;
• Support team events and training workshop;
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Excellent analytical skills, good research skills and a solid understanding of international political/security/economic developments and trends;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments;
• Attention to details;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• Remains calm in stressful situations;
• Proficient writing and communication skills, for a range of different audiences and media;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in European or Eurasian Studies, International Political Economy, Politics and International Relations, International Relations, Peace and Security, International Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Interdisciplinary studies, Military studies, Police studies, or any equivalent studies;
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent); in European or Eurasian Studies, International Political Economy, Politics and International Relations, International Relations, Peace and Security, International Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Interdisciplinary studies, Military studies, Police studies, or any equivalent studies;
• (Have recently graduated with a university degree in European or Eurasian Studies, International Political Economy, Politics and International Relations, International Relations, Peace and Security, International Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Interdisciplinary studies, Military studies, Police studies, or any equivalent studies; (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Experience:

• Experience in data collection and analysis in the field of social sciences is an asset;;
• Proficient writing and communication skills, for a range of different audiences and media;
• Experience working collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment is an asset.

IT skills:

• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools, including Excel;
• Knowledge of mapping, information and GIS systems and information management data bases is an asset.

Language skills:

• Excellent communication skills, and writing capabilities in English, with proven ability to take complex ideas and messages and communicate them effectively and creatively to a multitude of stakeholders and audiences;
• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively
• Knowledge of Russian or other UN languages is an advantage.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• Internships within the UN system are subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement.
• Starting from January 2020 interns will receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations.
• Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
• Current and complete CV in English;
• Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

Candidates who are selected must submit the following documents:

• Official letter from the University confirming enrolment in a graduate-level degree programme;
• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.
• UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance.

Subsequent Employment:

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. 

Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

More information available at: http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/about_us/jobs/internships/.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders) 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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