Strategic Planning and Research

Work LocationUN House - Kuwait Expected duration3 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Kuwait supports the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in delivering integrated, strategic, and high-quality UN support to Kuwait’s national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The RCO plays a pivotal role in sustainable development analysis, strategic planning, programming, financing, partnerships, and advocacy. Under the direct supervision of the Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO, and Strategic Planner, the intern will provide support in research, coordination, and administrative tasks related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Kuwait. This internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in UN coordination efforts and development frameworks while contributing to strategic initiatives within the UN system. Duties and Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO, and Strategic Planner, the intern will perform the following duties: 1. Research and Analysis - Assist in conducting research and policy analysis on sustainable development, 2030 Agenda, and national development priorities. - Support in drafting briefing notes, talking points, and reports for high-level meetings. - Assist in monitoring and analyzing trends related to SDGs, development cooperation, and UN partnerships in Kuwait. 2. Coordination and Support - Assist in coordinating inter-agency meetings, workshops, and consultations with government counterparts, civil society, and private sector stakeholders. - Support the preparation of background materials and minutes for UNCT and RCO meetings. - Assist in tracking and following up on action points from meetings and initiatives. 3. Communication and Advocacy - Contribute to the preparation of communication materials, presentations, and social media content on UN activities and SDG progress in Kuwait. - Assist in organizing events, campaigns, and dialogues to raise awareness of UN priorities and SDG implementation. 4. Partnerships and Resource Mobilization - Support in mapping and identifying potential partners for UN collaboration in Kuwait. - Assist in updating databases on UN cooperation with government, private sector, and civil society partners. - Help prepare briefing notes on joint resource mobilization efforts. 5. Operational and Administrative Support - Provide logistical and administrative support for events, including invitations, venue arrangements, and documentation. - Assist in preparing official correspondence and organizing files related to UN coordination work. - Support data entry and knowledge management initiatives to ensure systematic documentation of RCO activities. Qualifications and Requirements - Education: Enrolled in or recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. - Languages: Fluency in English and Arabic (required). - Skills: - Strong research and analytical skills. - Excellent written and verbal communication. - Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). - Ability to work in a multicultural environment. Learning Outcomes The intern will: - Gain first-hand experience in UN coordination and sustainable development work. - Develop analytical and communication skills by working with policy documents and stakeholders. - Learn about inter-agency coordination and strategic planning in a UN country office. - Build professional skills in organizing events, drafting reports, and supporting UN partnerships. Additional Information - Duration: 3 to 6 months. - Location: UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, Kuwait. - Compensation: Internship at the UN RCO Kuwait is unpaid. - Application Deadline: [To be specified] This internship presents a unique opportunity to contribute to UN efforts in Kuwait while gaining valuable experience in development coordination and strategic planning. The duration of a United Nations internship is for a minimum of two months on a full-time basis - this may be exceptionally extended for a maximum period of six months. Qualifications/special skillsTo qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: 1. Applicants must: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above); 2. Applicants must: (a) be computer literate in standard software applications. (b) have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and (c) have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationA completed online application must include, beside the mandatory Personal History Profile, a Cover Note mentioning the following: • Degree Programme (what are you currently studying?). • Graduation Date (when will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?). • List of the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. • List of your top three areas of interest. • Explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship. • Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the conditions of service. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship at the duty station and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to the commencement of the internship. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. This position allows for flexible working arrangements, contingent upon written agreement by the receiving entity. Interns under these arrangements must commit to an equivalent of at least two months full-time work and complete their internship within six months. Intern Specific textInterns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.