Host Country Services Internships at United Nations

The UNON Host Country Services internship is for 3 months with a possibility for extension depending on the needs of the Organization.

The Internship is UNPAID and full-time.

Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Responsibilities

Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background; the intern’s assigned office as well as the internship period.

Under the Supervision of the Chief, the intern will:

• Develop a Public Relations strategy and communication protocol used by all client agencies subscribed to the UNON Host Country Services, by analyzing and interpreting client opinions, attitudes and issues that might impact, for good or ill, the operations and plans of the unit;
• Assist in updating the Standard Operating Procedures of the unit to include all the major changes in immigration, duty free and vat exemption procedures initiated by the Government of Kenya in the last year;
• Assist in reworking/redesigning the present staff members guide (on immigration, duty-free and vat) to make it user friendly and more helpful to new, existing, and separating/retiring staff members;
• Develop standard uniform templates for communicating important internal/external notices to agencies as and when required;
• Research and suggest new methods of establishing effective communication with the various Government of Kenya departments that the Host Country Services Unit interfaces with regularly.

Core Competencies:

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
• Places team agenda before personal agenda
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect
• Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client

Requirements

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications.
• Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
• 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.
• Preferred area of study: Bachelor of Business Management, or International Development
• Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme.