Background Information - Job-specific
Background Information UNOPS, GPO, Water, Environment, and Climate (WEC) Portfolio The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolios Office. WEC has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support. WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WECโs ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
Background on Green Climate Fund (GCF)
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has established the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme and Project Preparation Facility (RPSP/PPF), to assist developing countries in accessing funding from the GCF for their climate resilient and low emission transformation, and to enhance ownership of the countriesโ envisaged low carbon trajectory.
In 2018, GCF selected UNOPS to provide grants management support on their behalf, to Delivery Partners that wish to obtain support from the RPSP/PPF programme. UNOPS is responsible for ensuring that the individual projects are implemented in full compliance with agreed GCF and UNOPS rules and regulations. Finally, UNOPS has a financial and programmatic reporting responsibility defined in the Project Agreement as well as reporting to the GCF-UNOPS Project Board.
As of June 2024, UNOPS is providing Grant Management Services to approximately 270 Readiness and PPF projects globally. UNOPS has established a dedicated project team (GCF Project Team) within WEC based in Vienna and in Copenhagen.
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Management - Senior Associate, the Intern is expected to provide support to GCF Grants management performing a variety of administrative processes, ensuring high quality and accuracy of work.
Functional ResponsibilitiesThe intern will be an integral part of a dynamic and diverse team, playing a key supportive role in Grant Management Services. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience in climate financing, grants management, monitoring and reporting, as well as stakeholder engagement.
I. Project/Grants Management Support
Collect and verify key documents relevant to the grant set-up, including project proposals, budget, etc, ensuring accuracy and completeness with the support from supervisors.
Support supervisors in monitoring the implementation of grants by tracking the timely start, progress, and completion of activities, highlighting any potential delays for discussion and actions, and assisting with extensions and revisions by drafting amendments.
Assist in monitoring the performance of Delivery Partners implementing grants.
Support in collating information of individual grant implementation progress and financial performance.
Assist in the preparation of Quarterly Progress Reports for GCF and UNOPS Project Board.
II. General
Support development and upkeep of records, logs, reports and other documents, are maintained as per corporate requirements.
Attend the meetings with GCF, Delivery Partners, and other stakeholders and support by drafting of meeting minutes and/or translation.
Perform any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
2. Learning and Development
Our team places importance on learning and development of strong transferable skills. We want to ensure this internship provides a valuable experience to the incumbent. Whilst most of the learning is done through on-the-job experience, we also give importance to regular chats with line managers, providing constructive feedback, as well as formal online courses.
Below are some examples of what learning and development activities may look like:
Access to the UNOPS Learning Zone with specialized courses on project management, finance, data management and other thematic areas.
Access to the UNOPS intranet, the Project ERP system and the Communities of Practice (COPs) in Project Management, Gender Mainstreaming, Innovation and Research, and Sustainable Infrastructure.
A unique view at grant management with exposure to regional and national contexts in climate financing.
Attend the bi-weekly coordination meetings with GCF colleagues.
Education/Experience/Language requirementsEducation;
The incumbent should be enrolled in a Bachelor's degree, Masterโs or be enrolled in a postgraduate program or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the start date of the intern assignment. Area of study should preferably relate to business administration, political science, public administration, law, procurement, finance, or related areas. Internship-related experience:
Applicants are not required to have professional work experience but experience working or volunteering in a multicultural working environment in any of the following areas is desirable: Project/Grants Management Database Analysis Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation
Computer Literacy
Familiarity using Google suite and MS Office Suite will be an advantage. Experience working with large datasets would be an asset. Additional RequirementsStrong analytical skills and attention to detail. The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. The incumbent should provide confirmation that they are fit specifically for the duty station conditions, as certified by a medical practitioner. Interns are responsible for receiving clearance from a medical doctor. Languages
Fluency in English is required. A working knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be desirable. Contract type, level and duration - Internship
Contract type: Internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 6 months with possibility for extension up to 12 months based on funds availability.
This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.
Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.
For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx 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.
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. Additional Information
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.