Intern - Humanitarian Affairs

Organizational Context

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is part of the UN Secretariat, responsible for coordinating humanitarian actors to ensure effective responses to emergencies. The Strategic Prioritization and Practices Branch (SPPB) focuses on improving coordination through needs assessment, planning, and monitoring. This internship is within the Approaches and Practices Section (APS) of SPPB, supporting global and field-level humanitarian policy and coordination.

Job Purpose

This internship within OCHA's Strategic Prioritization and Practices Branch (SPPB), specifically the Approaches and Practices Section (APS), aims to support humanitarian policy and coordination efforts. The intern will contribute to ensuring effective joint responses by assisting with research, analysis, and the drafting of various materials. The role involves supporting the translation of policy into practical coordination approaches and capacities, ultimately contributing to OCHA's mission of mobilizing and coordinating principled humanitarian action to alleviate suffering and advocate for people in need during disasters and emergencies. The position offers a valuable learning experience in humanitarian coordination and response mechanisms.

Responsibilities

The intern will assist in researching, analyzing, and presenting information on humanitarian coordination issues, such as intercluster coordination. Responsibilities include drafting written materials like study sections, background papers, policy notes, and presentations. The intern will also help maintain reference materials on humanitarian policy and coordination. Additionally, support will be provided for organizing meetings, workshops, and other events, including taking notes. The role involves performing other tasks as assigned by the supervisor, contributing to the overall work of the Approaches and Practices Section and the Strategic Prioritization and Practices Branch.

Work Experience

Professional work experience is not required for this internship. However, a strong academic background in a relevant field is necessary. Experience and confidence using MS Excel are required. Desirable experience includes previous work with an NGO, and skills in data analysis and visualization.

Skills

Excellent writing and communication skills are desirable. Skills in information management are desirable. Experience and confidence using MS Excel are required. Data analysis and visualization skills are desirable. Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French or another UN official language is desirable.

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