Background Information - Job-specific
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partnersโ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources. Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce โ a strength that helps us better understand and address our partnersโ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. Background Information - Job-specific
Background information - IPAS
The Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) is a part of the Shared Service Centre (SSC). Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, IPAS serves all the regions and headquarters, primarily with advice and solutions to everyday implementation challenges. IPAS consists of a diverse team of subject matter experts in HR, Administration, Finance, Procurement, Project Management and Infrastructure. IPAS is composed of six teams - one team for each of the five practice areas, and the surge team that provides short term support to country offices. IPAS has three main roles:
Support to operations in the country offices: IPAS provides timely advice and supports actively finding solutions to everyday implementation challenges, based on policy and best practices. It also provides operational support in specific areas.
Business efficiency: IPAS recommends changes to policies, processes and systems based on the feedback and experience of the country offices. IPAS also ensures transparent and efficient project implementation, in line with policy and business needs.
Body of knowledge: IPAS contributes to research and coordination within the policy groups and project practitioners. It provides structured knowledge and subject matter expertise which is used across practice areas to provide coherent and tailored advice to the requesting offices.
Role of the HR Intern
The Human Resources (HR) Intern will be responsible for providing support in the execution and delivery of HR efficiency projects within IPAS HR. The HR Intern will be entrusted with project tasks that s/he will be able to manage independently and will get a privileged exposure to global HR operations in a UN organization. The role will be focused on gathering, communicating and innovating our existing tools in a dynamic and practical manner; always focused on the efficiency of our work. The role will provide internal support and administration, communication, reporting and analysis to the IPAS HR team.
This is a unique opportunity to learn within an international work environment. The ideal candidate will be engaged, enthusiastic and committed, and bring some new perspectives to our work. The ideal candidate may have a background in communications or a related function, ideally with some knowledge or at least an interest in HR and/or data analytics. However, as internships are designed to be valuable learning experiences, previous work experience is not a requirement.
The internship is paid and for a duration of 6 months. This period can be renewed once for another 6 months, subject to performance and availability of funds.
Functional ResponsibilitiesThe role has 2 main pillars: 1) communications/knowledge management and 2) data analytics. Ideally we would like to find a candidate with skills and interest in both pillars, but depending on the profile of the selected candidate, the functional responsibilities will be tailored (e.g. focus more on one area rather than the other).
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the HR Specialist, IPAS HR, the HR Intern will be responsible for supporting a variety of tasks and work packages.
Some of the specific tasks may include, but are not limited to: 1. Communication, Capacity building and Knowledge Management:
2. Data analysis and Reporting:
Support with the development of reports, and key conclusions from the analysis of IPAS HR data: Support in data collection and market research on existing, new and innovative trends in HR Support the development of communications for internal audiences Assist in the collation, verification, and analysis of HR data from various sources (JIRA, etc.) Maintenance and improvement of IPAS HR dashboards in Google data studio Assist in the design and analysis of various surveys and reports Provide support in the development of various tools to enable evidence-based HR decision making and improve IPAS HR operational efficiencies;
3. Team Support
Provide support to the various efforts that the IPAS HR advisory team are working on and with incoming demands, this may include: Support event planning efforts through webinars, workshops, intranet/dashboard updates. Support Confluence content updates Support in building communication material Support in the harmonization of presentations and various documents Supports in the enhancement of existing business processes Technical and administrative contribution to various IPAS HR projects
At the end of this internship, the successful candidate will have gained in:
Exposure to and experience in UNOPS HR processes, standards, and activities at the corporate level; Exposure to a wide range of work areas (HR, data analytics, communications, etc.) and the opportunity to network with diverse colleagues in the UN City in Copenhagen; Experience in analyzing diverse data and information into meaningful insights Exposure to an international multicultural work environment and team Exposure to headquarters and field offices Experience in analyzing diverse data and information into meaningful insights Competencies Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required. To be eligible for this particular internship with UNOPS, the candidate must be studying towards a university degree or have graduated in the past three years Experience:
Strong computer literacy is required and may include skills such as: Advanced Excel / Google Sheet skills, advanced Powerpoint / Google Slides skills, advanced Word / Google Docs skills and ideally video editing using relevant software. While no prior work experience is required, some experience in HR, knowledge management, communications or data analytics would be an asset. Competency in content development/storytelling/drafting is desirable Experience in using and creating dashboards in visualization tools such as Google Sheets / Google Data Studio is an asset. Languages:
Fluency in English is a requirement. Knowledge of another UN language such as French or Spanish will be considered an asset.
IMPORTANT: It is highly encouraged that applicants submit a Cover Letter with their CV that outlines their motivation for participating in this internship. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Internship
Contract level: Internship
Contract duration: 6 months with possibility of extension
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.