Background
UNDP works to support governments achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with a focus on six signature solutions: eradication of poverty, accountable and inclusive governance, resilience, nature-based development solutions, clean and affordable energy and gender equality. Read more here: www.undp.org and https://www1.undp.org/content/brussels/en/home.html.
The ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme is a capacity-building programme that aims to build the profile and improve the management of Development Minerals. The programme is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), financed by the European Union and UNDP, and implemented by UNDP.
The mining of development minerals has important implications for sustainable development. Often referred to as Low Value Minerals and Materials (LVMM) due to their low price as a function of their weight, and their relatively low value to international commodity markets, Development Minerals provide crucial inputs for domestic economic development (infrastructure, manufacturing, construction and agriculture to name a few) and have the potential to be high value in terms of domestic development.
The programme is being implemented in 10 countries namely: Cameroon, Fiji, Guinea (Conakry), Jamaica, Uganda, Zambia, Suriname, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Burkina Faso. Training and support are being provided to artisanal and small-scale miners, mineral processing enterprises and communities on: 1) formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining operations and improving the business environment; 2) increasing and stabilizing incomes of artisanal and small-scale mining enterprises; 3) addressing environmental and social impacts; 4) supporting women-owned and -run artisanal and small-scale enterprises; 5) facilitating knowledge exchanges between African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
As part of a team working with four different continents and in diverse development settings, the intern will gain experience with the production business communications content relating to Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM), health, safety and environmnent, community and small business development, production of low-carbon construction materials, circular economy and climate resilience. Furthermore, he/she will gain valuable exposure in the use of communication tools for development, catering for different types of target audiences, as well as the organization of multi-country events.
The intern will also obtain an understanding of how international organizations function, gain knowledge on key and acute global development challenges and be exposed to a group of dedicated international staff.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager, the intern shall perform the following tasks:
- Support the management of the Programmeโs social media handles by feeding them with relevant and timely content including analyzing social media performance.
- Support the upgrading and management of the Programmeโs website with relevant stories from the field.
- Develop infographics based on information and data from the Programme.
- Assist with the production of the Programmeโs Bulletin and management of the mailing list of the Programme.
- Organize and curate the photo and video archive as well as other communications assets of the Programme.
- Assist with the organization of communications and visibility and knowledge-sharing events.
- Contribute to and perform other duties as may be assigned.
Competencies
- Solid organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and writing skills.
- Ability to work as a member of a team, and with partners in other time zones and from diverse and multi-cultural contexts)
- Strong social media skills.
- Ability to organize events, including online.
- Good data analysis skills, such as social media analytics.
- Computer proficiency in standard software applications (MS Office, Excel, Word, Powerpoint) including file management and organization skills. Familiarity with content management, mail management tools, knowledge of photo editing, web publication and graphic design and other relevant software is an asset.
- Knowledge of mining issues in Africa, the Caribbean or the Pacific, preferably artisanal mining, is an advantage.
- A background in or exposure to working in development areas relevant to the Programme, such as community development, informal sector development and/ or small business development, is an asset.
- Knowledge of the UN/UNDP and commitment to UN mission and UNDP mandate is an advantage
- Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN/UNDPโs values and ethical standards.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Required Skills and Experience
Language:
Fluency in English and French (written and spoken).
Eligibility:
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as Bachelorโs degree or equivalent) in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies or Sustainable Development, Development Studies, International Relations or other related field;
- be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a Masterโs programme, or higher) in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies or Sustainable Development, Development Studies, International Relations or other related field;
- have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation;
Application process:
Interested applicants must include the following documents when submitting their applications (NB: As only 1 (one) file can be uploaded, please include all documents in a single file):
Updated CV with contact details (email and telephone number).Motivation letter specifying reasons why the applicant is seeking the internship and what is expected from the experience.Letter of recommendation from a professor or professional references.Letter from university confirming current enrolment and graduation date, and if a graduate, certificate of graduation.
Only those candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.
The successful applicant will be requested to provide electronic copies of the following documents upon selection:
Copy of most recent school transcript.Copy of passport.Copy of valid visa for Belgium or valid Belgian residency card if the intern is not an EU citizen.Recent medical Certificate of Good Health from a recognized physician.Proof of medical insurance cover, valid for the duration of the internship programme in Belgium. For applicants who are not residents of Belgium or who are not Belgian nationals, the insurance coverage must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which:a. Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment.b. Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country or country of residence.General Conditions:
In accordance with the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with a rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions.Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.The purpose of the internship programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an internโs studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.Applicants must be eligible to work and live in Belgium. UNDP will not provide administrative support for applicants' visa and work permits. All costs related to visas and work permits are fully borne by applicants.UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.