Project Support (Internship)

Background Information - Afghanistan

Afghanistan

With more than 20 years of experience in the country, UNOPS Afghanistan focuses on providing maximum support to the people of Afghanistan through the delivery of projects and services that improve the lives of people in need. The UNOPS Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) serves as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFCO activities cover a range of sectors including humanitarian, basic human needs, cash for work, infrastructure, development, procurement and HR services.

The functional objective of UNOPS AFCO is to contribute to improving the lives of girls, boys, men and women living in Afghanistan. The aim of UNOPS AFCO is to provide efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the humanitarian response and development of the country. UNOPS AFCO’s mission is to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders in the delivery of AFCO services, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances, in order to improve the lives of Afghans in need.

Project Information

UNOPS is implementing the Verification of Claims and Expenditures Project (VCEP) to conduct a verification of outstanding claims from contractors, consultants, suppliers and project management offices for the works and services completed in Afghanistan under ADB-financed and administered projects prior to 15 August 2021. Concurrently, UNOPS is also requested to be the grant recipient and the executing agency to the follow-on Payments of Verified Expenditures Project (PVEP). The PVEP will be executing payments to contractors, consultants, and suppliers for the verified claims and expenditures for works and services performed before 15 August 2021 under the existing ADB-financed sovereign projects, based on verification results under the VCEP.

Key project stakeholders are the financier of the proposed project, working level staff of Afghanistan De-facto Authority ministries, contractors, consultants, and suppliers (both international and local).

Job-Specific Information

UNOPS is seeking an Intern in order to assist in project management support responsibilities of the payments of the verified expenditures and claims. The intern joins the PVEP team as an equal member and is offered a good mix of support work and independent assignments with substantial responsibility. The Intern will be working under the direct supervision of the Project Management Support Specialist (PMSS), and overall direction from the Senior Project Manager, and will have the following specific responsibilities and duties:

Key Responsibilities

Project Implementation

Familiarize with relevant matters relating to finance, human resources, procurement and other support functions in compliance with established procedures, SOPs and the UNOPS policies and regulations.

Ensure that project records and other relevant documents are properly maintained and updated in the internal systems.

Support in the compilation, consolidation and analysis of relevant project data during quarterly assurance tasks.

Assist in the preparation of project reports and updates.

Ensure the eligibility of incoming project payment requests and their compliance with UNOPS FRR and the project agreement.

Compile all the appropriate and complete supporting documents to be used for preparation of payment requests.

Raise requisitions for project procurements of goods and services, and prepare Receipt and Inspection Reports (RIR) for goods received.

Familiarize with procurement of goods and services for the project; collaborate with the Procurement team and other relevant units to facilitate and expedite the project procurement activities. Operational and Logistical Support

Handle routine project logistics functions and escalate issues to the supervisor with possible recommendations for the course of action.

Issue equipment and supplies to the project teams and maintain updated project inventory records.

Assist in maintaining a sound project assets and expendables management and control system per UNOPS’ Asset Management policy.

Learning Objectives

It is expected that by the end of the assignment, the intern will have hands-on experience, growth opportunities, and improved capacity in effective and efficient project management support in the following areas:

Project procurement, logistics and other operational activities

Documents management and reports preparation

Collaboration and Communication

Additionally, the intern would also be conversant with UNOPS financial rules and regulations as well as other relevant policies and guidelines.

a. Education and qualifications

To be eligible for this particular internship with UNOPS, the candidate must have graduated in the past four years in the following areas: Finance, Management, Business/Public Administration, or other relevant discipline.

Computer literacy is required and may include skills such as: Advanced Excel / Google Sheet skills Powerpoint / Google Slides skills, advanced Word / Google Docs skill.

b. Work Experience

No specific professional experience is required for this position; however, familiarity with general operations is an advantage.

c. Languages

Fluency in English – both written and oral

Fluency in Dari and Pashto – written and oral
IMPORTANT: It is highly encouraged that applicants submit a Cover Letter with their CV that outlines their motivation for participating in this internship. 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. Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Intern
Contract level: Intern
Contract duration: 4 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.