Back Intern LGBTI Inclusion, Africa (Research, Communication, and Partnership)

Background

The UNDP strategic plan emphasizes its role as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System, as well as its role serving as the integrator for collective action to realize the SDGs, across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the plan’s “signature solutions”. The second of UNDP’s three “signature solutions” emphasizes the strengthening of “effective, inclusive and accountable governance”, following “diverse pathways towards peaceful, just and inclusive societies”, including “access to justice... improved regulatory capacities, enhanced legal frameworks, strengthened institutions and local governance capacities”. 

UNDP’s HIV, Health and Development global programme includes pillars emphasizing the reduction of inequalities and social exclusion that drive HIV and poor health as well as the promotion of effective and inclusive governance for health.  Globally and within Africa, this work includes an emphasis on populations that are marginalized and excluded because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (LGBTI populations).  

This intern will work as part of UNDP’s “Inclusive Governance Initiative”, which is designed to support countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to become increasingly accountable to, and inclusive of, their entire populations, including LGBTI people. This in turn will contribute to better laws, more responsive public sector services, and social norms that affirm LGBTI rights. The project is focused on five outcomes, concentrating its country-level work in a sub-set of countries with strategic windows of opportunity for positive change.

Stipend

The intern will receive a monthly stipend of up to 7,200 ZAR  (approximately $425 USD). This amount may be reduced depending of any eventual financial support the Intern receives from a nominating institution, related institution or government.

Training Components and Learning elements

As a full member of the “Inclusive Governance Initiative” team, the intern will:

• Benefit from mentoring from a UNDP staff person and benefit from dedicated trainings and UNDP online learning tools
• Learn the structure, mechanisms, policies and practice areas of UNDP
• Strengthen his/her effective writing and visual communication skills
• Participate in team working groups, workshops and events (which may be virtual or in-person)

Starting Date of Internship

With consideration for the ongoing COVID-19 context and its implications on working arrangements in general, the selected candidate may be expected to start her/his/their internship working virtually from their current location and later on travel to duty station when permitted. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Research (35%)

• Assist in research and monitoring of LGBTI inclusion and rights issues in the Inclusive Governance Initiative’s priority and additional focus countries in Africa
• Assist in identifying key stakeholders for potential engagement with the Inclusive Governance Initiative, including parliamentarians, senior civil servants, key development NGOs in the region focused on the SDGs, religious leaders and other decision-makers and influencers

Communication and Knowledge Management (35%)

• Assist in strategy development and management of social media and knowledge management platforms for the Inclusive Governance Initiative, targeting and facilitating interactions with relevant stakeholders
• Research relevant content and stories to post on Inclusive Governance Initiative’s platforms, and keep track of the key performance indicators (KPI’s) for each network
• Support the development of a contact list of supportive journalists in the region and in maintaining communications with these journalists

Design (20%)

• Support the development and application of a design approach for the Inclusive Governance Initiative, including a visual brand, PowerPoint templates, PowerPoint presentations, newsletter design, one-pagers & infographics
• Ad-hoc graphics for team presentations, outreach and projects

Other (10%)

• Support to any ad hoc activities related to the Inclusive Governance Initiative

Competencies

• Understanding of LGBTI issues in developing countries and sensitivity to working with front-line activists;
• Understanding of strategic communication and how it can contribute to the achievement of specific development goals;
• Ability to engage with a wide range of partners and forge productive working relationships;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task;
• Responsible, responsive, enthusiastic;
• Strong attention to detail; and
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. Applicants to UNDP internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:

(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);

(c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Communication: Ability to summarize a large amount of information and translate it into a compelling product for a public audience.

Software skills: Strong IT skills including full competency in MS Office/365.  Good knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and/or Photoshop is an asset.

Language skills: Fluency in English is required and additional fluency in Portuguese is strongly desired.  Good working knowledge of French is an asset.

Intern requirements:

• UNDP interns receive payment of a monthly stipend based on the rate established by the duty station
• UNDP interns accrue leave at a rate of 1.5 days per month;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
• Applicants should indicate which months they are available part- and/or full time and when they complete their studies (if still enrolled);
• Interns need to make own arrangements for travel, VISA, accommodation, etc

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.