Crisis Analysis and Coordination Intern

Job Description:

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a 'leave no one behind' approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Position Information
Job Title: Crisis Analysis and Coordination Intern
Programme/Project: UNDP Lebanon / Strategic Policy and Planning Unit (SPPU)
Reports to: CTA, Crisis Response Programming and Head of SPPU
Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon Project reference: UNDP Lebanon / SPPU / Crisis Response Programming
Duration of Internship: 3 months, renewable up to 6 months subject to satisfactory performance and office needs
Status (full time/part time): Full time
Job Purpose
UNDP has been operational in Lebanon for nearly six decades, since 1960, working in partnership with the government of Lebanon, development partners, UN agencies, civil society, and local communities, contributing to green and inclusive growth, democratic governance and crisis prevention and recovery. The overall purpose of the Strategic Policy and Planning Unit (SPPU) is to strengthen the Country Office's strategic positioning through strategic advisory, coordination and conceptual support to management and programme units. In the context of multidimensional crisis SPPU provides an evidence-driven platform for UNDP to influence development policies/strategies, partnerships and plans which underpin three programmatic components: governance, crisis prevention, response and recovery, and green and inclusive growth, as well as cross-cutting issues such as gender equality. Led by a Chief Technical Adviser, the Unit reports to the Resident Representative on strategic positioning questions, crisis response programming, analysis and coordination products and works closely with other UN sister agencies in the context of the UN Cooperation Framework and the Lebanon Response Plan (LRP), collaborating with relevant programme and project teams on stakeholder engagement and programmatic coordination. The Unit regularly reviews the political, socio-economic and conflict context, analyses key changes and advises Country Office senior management on strategic implications. The CTA also leads the Tensions Monitoring System, a resource for all LRP partners, engages with programme units to develop programmatic solutions to contextual requirements and supports the development and adaptation of portfolios and approaches.
The intern will support the CTA and the SPPU on practical tasks linked to the Tensions Monitoring System (TMS) and related crisis response work. The intern is expected to work in close coordination with all SPPU colleagues and in liaison with programme/project teams as required.
This is an entry-level, hands-on learning assignment for a master's-level candidate or recent graduate. The intern will be managed by the CTA and Head of SPPU, with day-to-day task supervision and guidance provided by the Analysis Associate / tensions team for analysis-related work and by the Crisis Response Policy and Coordination Analyst (JPO) for coordination, reporting and event-related work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the CTA, Crisis Response Programming and Head of SPPU, the intern will support three main workstreams:
Support to analysis products and routine monitoring
* Assist with the collection and organization of information from social media monitoring, perception tracking, incident data and partner inputs, as relevant.
* Carry out desk research on tensions and social stability trends, and summarize findings in short notes, tables, slides and draft inputs for briefs or presentations.
* Support routine analysis products by compiling source material, checking references, formatting simple visuals and updating trackers.
* Help maintain records of analysis products, source files and feedback from internal users.
Support to coordination, reporting and events
* Support compilation of inputs for internal updates, donor reports, briefing notes, talking points, meeting notes and presentation decks.
* Help maintain reporting calendars, action trackers, contact lists and event preparation checklists.
* Provide practical support for workshops, learning events, consultations and donor or partner visits, including participant lists, invitations, background packs, minutes and follow-up notes.
* Assist in organizing knowledge materials and carry out basic formatting and quality checks on documents before clearance.
Support to AI-enabled analytical workflows, if time permits
* Support the team and the Information Management Team in identifying repetitive analytical tasks that could be assisted by AI tools or simple agents.
* Help prepare test materials, structured prompts and feedback logs for pilot tools under close supervision.
* Assist in documenting use cases, limitations, quality issues and lessons learned from early testing.
* Support simple file organization, user guidance and administrative follow-up for pilot work.
The intern may also provide flexible support to urgent SPPU tasks during periods of high workload, consistent with the learning objectives of the internship and the level of the role, based on discussion and agreement with the CTA.

Competencies
*
Excellent speaking, writing skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills;
*
Excellent interpersonal skills: being able to listen and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders;
*
Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
*
Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set;
*
Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
*
Displays cultural, gender, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability;
*
Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
*
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
(a)Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master's programme, or higher) in international relations, political science, public policy, development studies, economics or sociology or related fields;
(b)Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor's degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, public policy, development studies, economics or sociology or related fields;
(c)Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
(d)Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
Experience
* Knowledge of conflict analysis, social cohesion, research methods, reporting, event organization, data analysis or the Lebanon crisis context is desired.
* Highly Proficient in Microsoft (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
Language Requirements
* Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required.
* Knowledge of French is a plus.
Other
* No prior full-time professional experience is required.
* Strong research and drafting skills developed through academic work, volunteering, student activities or previous internships are an asset.
* Interest in crisis response, social stability, policy analysis and coordination is strongly preferred.
* Familiarity with AI tools for research or information organization is an advantage, but not required.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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