Disabilities and Community-Based Adaptation Intern, UNOPS – New York City

Organization: United Nations Office for Project Services

Position Title: Intern – Disabilities and Community Based Adaptation

Location: New York City, New York

Hours and Compensation: 3 months; unpaid

 Application Deadline: October 19, 2014

Description:

UNOPS is the operational arm of the United Nations, helping a range of partners around the world implement $1 billion worth of aid and development projects every year. We are dedicated to serving people in need by expanding the ability of our partners to manage projects and provide vital infrastructure and supplies to communities worldwide.

The intern will work with and directly report to the CBA Coordinator within SGP’s Central Programme Management Team (CPMT).  The Intern will be expected to liaise and collaborate with the Program Officer for the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), CBA’s project partners and SGP National Coordinators. The intern will assist in conducting research, analysis of data and aggregation of information for the development of the guidance note.

Responsibilities:

1. Assist in the development of a Guidance Note on ‘mainstreaming people with disabilities into CBA projects’.

• Liaise with DRF Program Officer in all aspects of the publication and contact the SGP National Coordinators,  disabled persons organizations (DPO) working with SGP in the SIDS on an as needed basis, while fully utilizing the SGP database and other related documents to study the subject matter.
• Carry out reviews based on the information generated from research and identify practical examples from the field either within SGP and or with practices already tested and proven by the Disability Rights Fund.
• Identify and discuss key strategic support needed to enhance the involvement of disabled persons in climate change adaptation that can also be incorporated within the guidance note.

2. Undertake any other tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

1. All applicants must be studying for a Master’s Degree, or Ph. D. (or equivalent); or have graduated from such studies within three years prior to the application date of the internship. The field of study must be related to environment, climate change, or sustainable development.   Any professional experience in the area of sustainable development, including risk management, energy, environment, climate change policy, or international development will be an added advantage although not strictly required.
   2.  Experience in preparation of manuscripts, publications/guidance notes and analytical research with demonstrated strategic thinking with a focus on climate change impacts on minority groups in developing countries, is preferred.
   3. The successful candidate (s) will have demonstrated academic excellence, strong analytical and writing skills as well as a commitment to sustainable development.
   4. Advanced skills in Excel and Power Point, and experience with aggregating reports from websites and other sources of information is a plus.
   5. The intern must have the ability to work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
   6. The intern should be able to undertake independent research and to work effectively and creatively with minimal supervision.

How to Apply: Apply online at the UNOPS website. The screening of your application will be conducted based on the information in your profile. Before applying, we strongly suggest that you review your profile to ensure completeness, especially the education and experience sections.

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.