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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.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The UNDP’s Regional Service Centre for Africa RSCA implements a continent-wide Regional Programme supporting Africa’s transformational agenda in the following priority areas, namely:

• Priority 1 – People. African citizens (especially women and youth), in a context of reinvigorated social contracts, have a stronger voice and influence in African Union, regional economic communities and regional mechanisms policymaking and implementation processes.

• Priority 2 – Prosperity. African citizens (especially women and youth) benefit from a regionally integrated, structurally transformed, and inclusive economy.

• Priority 3 – Planet. African citizens (especially women and youth), supported by the African Union and regional economic communities and regional mechanisms, build a resilient Africa.

• Priority 4 – Peace. African citizens (especially women and youth), supported by the African Union and regional economic communities and regional mechanisms, achieve measurable progress towards sustainable peace.

The Regional Programme provides dedicated support to the African Union member States and regional institutions to ensure, inter alia, that regional growth and a using a ‘regional lens’ that promotes a coordinated approach and coherence between regional and national level interventions that align to regional frameworks and policies across Africa.

Objective:

As African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) State Parties start trading under the AfCFTA, UNDP and its partners continue to provide support to national and regional institutions through its AfCFTA support programmes. Dedicated actions are deployed to support, at national, regional, and continental levels, strengthening the capacities of women and youth-owned micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) to maximise opportunities arising from the free trade area. Against this background, the RSCA is currently looking to recruit an Intern to support the work under the regional AfCFTA programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Advisor – AfCFTA and direct guidance of the Regional Analyst, the intern will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist in implementing the UNDP AfCFTA Project through supporting preparation of knowledge products and regional value chain analyses. Duties include data collection and analysis.

• Support the team organize capacity building activities for youth and women led MSMEs on trade and investments issues

• Help organize trade forums and meetings within the AfCFTA framework.

• Analyze data and relevant information on AfCFTA and support policy advisory services on trade in goods, services, and digital trade.

• Respond to Ad hoc requests in the areas of Economic and trade integration

• Other tasks for all the Associates require attending team meetings and supporting administrative processes.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.

• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback.

• Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity.

• Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical Competencies

• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation.

• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mindset.

• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently.

• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities.

• Excellent computer skill (Microsoft Office and software applications).

Other competencies and attitudes:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.

• Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment and beliefs/backgrounds.

• Respond positively to feedback and differing points of view.

Learning Objectives

• Interest and motivation in working in the work of the United Nations and having a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter in an international organization.

• Increased understanding of UNDP’s work and the UN system.

• Improved knowledge and skills in African Continental Free Trade Area.

• Improved knowledge and understanding of administrative and operational rules, policies, and regulations of UNDP.

• Build and develop professional relationships with UNDP colleagues and colleagues from other UN agencies.

• Work as a team member in a multicultural setting

Job Requirements:

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Applicants must be enrolled (or have recently graduated from) in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) Or have recently graduated with a first-level university degree related to Economics, Management, Business Administration, International Relations/Development, or other relevant fields and must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

• Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.

• Interest in working on African Continental Free Trade Area issues.

• Ability to work for consecutive 6 months.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is an asset.

How to Apply

Please apply using THIS LINK

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

• Updated CV and cover letter (in English)

* Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!

* Please note that you will have to provide educational credentials at a later stage.