Intern – Elections (ACE Electoral Knowledge Network)

Intern – Elections (ACE Electoral Knowledge Network)

Location : NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Application Deadline :30-Nov-15

Type of Contract :Internship

Post Level :Intern

Languages Required : English  

Duration of Initial Contract :6 months

Expected Duration of Assignment :11/01/2016 - 10/06/2016

Background

The ACE Electoral Knowledge Network is the main portal to the world of elections. The ACE network promotes credible, and transparent electoral processes with emphasis on sustainability, professionalism and trust in the electoral process. ACE offers a wide range of services related to electoral knowledge, assistance and capacity development. UNDP is one of the nine partners supporting the ACE partnership. The intern will be predominantly working with the ACE team which is responsible for the management and development of the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, a dynamic online knowledge facility that provides comprehensive and authoritative information on electoral processes and promotes effective networking among reputable election professionals from across the world. The major aim of ACE is to provide election officials, electoral assistance providers and other stakeholders with all necessary information and best practices to increase the transparency and improve the credibility and efficiency of electoral processes. The ACE team consists of staff members based in several of the ACE partner organizations. The ACE coordination unit reports to the ACE Steering Board with representatives from all partner organizations

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will support the ACE team in their development and maintenance of the ACE Electoral Knowledge Network, and occasionally support the UNDP elections team in daily matters, as well as in regard to UNDP’s contribution to BRIDGE (Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections). The intern will perform the following activities: Conduct research for comparative data and electoral materials; Fact check and edit topic areas in the ACE Encyclopaedia; Assist the ACE team in answering questions from ACE users; Assist the ACE team in consolidating replies from the ACE Practitioners’ Network; Assist the ACE team in the research/development/translation of election related polls, quizzes, news, social media outreach etc.; Assist in the preparations for IDEA and ACE events as deemed necessary; Provide support to the development of BRIDGE curricula and workshop implementation if requested; Support the UNDP Elections team in regard to policy and programming support; and Assist in other initiatives as directed by the Supervisor. In addition to the above mentioned tasks, there will be room for the intern to influence the work to suit her/his specific interests and areas of expertise. This includes but is not limited to research, writing, translations, development of outreach mechanisms and technical applications to contribute to the quality and accessibility of ACE. Expected outcome/learning opportunities: The intern is expected to benefit from the position by gaining insights, experience and knowledge on: Working processes of a multilateral, multicultural organization; The systems, management and operations of electoral processes; Recent and new developments in the field of electoral processes and electoral assistance; Website editing and database management. The intern will also have the opportunity to develop his/her analytical and researching skills. The objective of the internship is to provide a learning opportunity for an interested and talented student within a relevant study area. The intern is expected to act as part of the team, learning from all team members in their different capacities.

Competencies

Analytical, drafting and problem solving skills; Ability to appreciate diversity and work as part of a team in such an environment; Ability to assess, manage and structure information; Good interpersonal skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: To be enrolled in a Master Degree Programme. Experience: Knowledge of Microsoft Office package (including Excel) and Internet; Knowledge of information management systems would be an asset. Language: Fluent written and oral English required; Arabic and French language skills would be a strong asset. Important Information Related to Internships with UNDP: Required Documentation In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of: A copy of his/her most recent resume or curriculum vitae; A duly completed “UNDP internship application form” (to be provided upon selection); A letter from his/her University confirming current enrollment and graduation date; A copy of his/her school transcript; Copy of his/her insurance coverage; Medical Certificate of good health from a physician; A letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised the applicant in the recent past and who is fully acquainted you performance; and A brief paper setting out the reasons why s/he is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience. Interns’ Expenses: Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. All costs connected with an intern's participation in the Programme must be borne by: The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or Students, will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc. Insurance UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. As interns are not covered under any insurance, including MAIP, they should not travel to hazardous locations in the course of their internship with UNDP. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which: Requires transportation to the Home Country or Country of Residence for further treatment; or Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the Home Country, or Country of Residence. Subsequent Employment The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.  Should an offer of employment be envisaged, a 3-month break, from the end of the internship, must be respected. Interns cannot apply for posts during the period of internship.