In 2021, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will convene a Food Systems Summit as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.  The Summit will serve as a pivotal moment in a decade-long effort to unleash ambitious new actions, innovative solutions, and plans to transform our food systems and leverage these shifts to deliver progress across all of the SDGs. It’s vision, objectives, work streams, and outcomes continued to be refined and advanced in strategic collaboration with member states and other stakeholders.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has been appointed as the administrative agency for the Summit on behalf of the UN system. It is hosting and managing a multi-donor trust fund on behalf of the Summit and in alignment with international best practices for full accountability and transparency to stakeholders. WFP is also supporting all operations of the Secretariat in terms of finance, budget, HR, recruiting, IT and beyond.

Internship Assignment

The Food System Summit Secretariat (FSSS) will be responsible for supporting the efforts of the Special Envoy and all governance mechanisms of the Summit. The Secretariat headquarters is in Nairobi where the Special Envoy is based, but it also includes satellite offices in Rome and New York to facilitate key connections with the UN, Rome-based agencies, permanent representatives, and other stakeholders. Reporting to the Special Assistant FSSS, the Intern will provide support to policy analysis, policy development and programmatic activities.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate programme (for example, Bachelor’s degree) from a recognised university and have completed at least two years of the programme. Candidates should have attended classes in the past 12 months in the areas ofInternational Relations, International Development, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Nutrition / Health, Economics, Statistics or another related field 
  • Be currently enrolled in a graduate programme (for example, Master degree) from a recognised university and have attended classes in the past 12 months in the areas ofInternational Relations, International Development, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Nutrition / Health, Economics, Statistics or another related field.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point);
  • Fluent in English
  • Must be available for 6 Months without interruption to work in person or remotely
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point);
  • Demonstrated interest in programme lifecycle, strategic policy and implementation of technical projects and programmes;
  • Good understanding of new and evolving food systems and technologies;
  • Ability to edit documents and/or summarize content for various audience;

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are currently seeking to fill an internship position under the Food Systems Summit Secretariat. The 2 Intern positions will be based at our Nairobi Office. The Internship will be for an initial period of 6 months. 

JOB PURPOSE

The selected candidate will be assisting the Food System Summit Secretariat (FSSS) with the following key duties:

  • Contribute ideas towards the development of projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance.
  • Support data gathering and monitoring systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained.
  • Research and analyse policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues in the development of policies, programmes and activities.
  • Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programmes and activities that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
  • Liaise with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects.
  • Support the identification, development and management of potential partnerships to collaborative work that will address FSSS priorities.
  • Support the capacity building of FSSS staff, partners and national government to prepare for and respond to work-related priorities, e.g. through project management support of learning initiatives.
  • Provide support to staff acting as a point of referral for policy matters and assisting with analysis and queries.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

  • Knowledge of policy analysis, policy development and programmatic activities in the areas of SDGs, sustainable food systems, food security and nutrition;
  • Ability to research and analyse complex information and present it as simplified ideas and concepts;
  • Good writing and oral skills
  • Must be able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.
  • Familiarity with main information and research platforms;
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and ad hoc deadlines.

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the United Nation’s values and ethical standards; 
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of FSSS/WFP; 
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; 
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism; 
  • Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Upon selection, proof of enrolment in a course of study will be required and your expected date of graduation. If you have graduated, a certified copy of your degree will be required.
  • Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP.
  • WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
  • The World Food Programme DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS.
  • WFP embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that celebrates diversity and inclusivity in all ways. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications and merit.
  • Applications for this position will close at 11:59 p.m. (East African Time) on the deadline date.
  • The deadline for recieving applications for this position is 21 April 2021.

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

Application Deadline:21 April 2021.

For More Information:

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