Background Information - PG
The Procurement Group (PG) is based at UNOPS HQ in Copenhagen. It leads the organization’s procurement practice and is responsible for: articulating strategy, policy positions and innovative solutions for procurement at UNOPS; enabling the operationalization and managerial oversight of UNOPS procurement activities through appropriate systems and reports; strengthening the knowledge, skills and career development of procurement practitioners; and leading the implementation of Sustainable Procurement across the organization.
As a central procurement resource for the United Nations system and its partners, UNOPS emphasizes efficient, transparent, cost-effective and sustainable delivery of goods, services and works; in line with public procurement best practices. Every year, UNOPS procures over USD 1 Bn worth of goods, services and works on behalf of our partners. These include a broad base of categories, including life-saving pharmaceuticals, mine action equipment, vehicles or road construction services.
Sustainable Supply Chains go beyond simple sustainable procurement, they require strategic thinking to ensure that all activities linked to procurement integrate requirements, specifications and criteria that are compatible and in favour of the protection of the environment, social progress and in support of economic development, namely by seeking resource efficiency, improving the quality of products and services and ultimately optimizing costs.
Building on over a decade of effort and investment UNOPS has established itself as a leader in sustainable procurement within the UN environment. Achieving this by ensuring that sustainability underpins the core principles of UNOPS Procurement. To operationalise its commitment UNOPS relies on its Sustainable Procurement Framework which among other things focuses on:
- Guidance and mandatory requirements - Since 1st January 2020, UNOPS has mandatory sustainability requirements for our procurement processes.
- Supplier sustainability - Through its DRiVE programme (Delivering Responsibility in Vendor Engagement programme) UNOPS strives to ensure its suppliers operate responsibly and in accordance with high standards of integrity.
- Market development and supplier improvement - Possibilities Programme, which is UNOPS supplier diversity and inclusion programme aimed at building the capacity of suppliers and increasing the diversity of the UNOPS supplier base, targeting Women-owned businesses, youth-owned businesses and encouraging disability-inclusive procurement. Functional Responsibilities
1. Duties and responsibilities:
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Sustainable Supply Chains Manager, the Sustainable Supply Chains Intern will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the areas in the UNOPS Sustainable Procurement Framework with a particular focus on supplier diversity and inclusion efforts, as well as other team tasks and work packages working towards the expansion and improvements of sustainable supply chain efforts.
Some of the specific tasks may include, but are not limited to:
- Coordination support: Support the Sustainable Supply Chains team with the implementation of Supplier Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, including supporting the expansion of UNOPS supplier base. This will include the day-to-day support of the operationalisation of the Sustainable Procurement Framework.
- Communication & Advocacy: Support internal communications efforts through webinars, workshops, case studies, and intranet, as well as the monitoring of different team email inboxes. Support the development of new guidance materials, tools and templates on sustainable procurement.
- Research and analysis: Support in data collection and market research on existing, new and innovative diversity and inclusion and sustainability trends for the development of guidelines and publications.
2. Training components and learning elements:
At the end of this internship, the successful candidate will have gained in:
- Exposure to and experience with sustainability at the corporate level, in a core function within UNOPS and the UN
Exposure to sustainable procurement and supply chains in a global context, with a variety of suppliers Exposure to an international multicultural work environment and team; The intern will join a dynamic team and learn on the job daily. The intern will have dedicated time with the supervisor for learning and development, and to discuss specific projects and inputs that can be carried out by the intern. The intern can participate in UNOPS and UN training courses, with specifics discussed upon arrival.
3. Additional comments
We are seeking a motivated and passionate individual preferably with a background in diversity and inclusion, sustainability or a related area of expertise. Working knowledge of procurement or supply chain as well as an understanding and appreciation of the role that data plays is considered an asset. However, as internships are designed to be valuable learning experiences, previous work experience is not a requirement.
We encourage you to please attach a cover letter explaining your motivation for this position and describing how relevant your experience is.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
1. Academic qualifications
Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required. To be eligible for this particular internship with UNOPS, the candidate must be studying towards a university degree or have graduated in the past three years.
2. Language Skills
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language such as French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese or Arabic will be considered an asset.
3. Computer Literacy
Strong computer literacy is required: Good knowledge of Google Workspace or Microsoft Office suite, profound knowledge of Google Sheets/Excel and developing presentations in Google Slides/PowerPoint/Canva.
4. Internship-related experiences
While no prior work experience is required, some previous experience in diversity and inclusion, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (through work, education or other) is an asset. Knowledge of supplier/vendor management, circular economy principles, and/or diversity and inclusion in procurement is an asset. Knowledge of business operations, procurement, supply chain, and logistics is desirable. Experience in developing communication materials (including posters, videos, and publications) is an asset Experience in using and creating dashboards in visualization tools such as Google Sheets / Google Data Studio, PowerBI, and Tableau is an asset. 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. 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: 6 months, extendable to maximum 12 consecutive months, subject to satisfactory performance and funding 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 (currently USD 1631 in Copenhagen) from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 300, 500 or 800 USD (depending on the location at the moment of being selected for the position). 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
UN City in Copenhagen - short presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF25xfMW0KQ
Internships in UN City Copenhagen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhkLcwx009I&list=TLGGlHcczC1BudwwNDA1MjAyMQ&t=12s Additional Considerations
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks. Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.