Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) is an inter-agency body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. The Pension Fund pays benefits in 17 currencies to more than 70,000 beneficiaries who reside in more than 190 countries, and services more than 130,000 participants who work in the 25 member organizations of the Pension Fund.

This internship position is located in the Business Transformation Unit (BTU) in New York. United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund – Pension Administration (UNJSPF-PA),
The Business Transformation Unit requires assistant programme management capacity for the Business Process Management, Performance Measurement Management, Programme Management, and Change Management at the Pension Administration.

The in-person internship is available for a period of six months, is UNPAID and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.

Responsibilities

The role of the intern will be to assist the BTU team with the various Business Transformation initiatives. Under the guidance of the Chief of BTU and the supervision and guidance of the Programme Management Officer, specific tasks may include the following:

• Acquire training and certification on Business Transformation and Change Management topics
• Assist in the documentation of various Business Transformation initiatives
• Assist in the creation of reports related to various Business Transformation initiatives
• Provide administrative tasks on drafting of mailers, announcements/broadcasts, brownbag, and training activities
• Aid in the maintenance of the BTU mailbox
• Aid in the maintenance of the UNJSPF-PA Suggestion Box
• Assist in the maintenance of the contents of the Business Transformation Portal
• Coordinate with other sections/units to collect data and information in relation to various Business Transformation initiatives
• Assist in the organization of brownbag workshops, training sessions, and meetings for the various transformation programmes
• Perform other related duties, as required

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Chief of BTU, Programme Management Officer, Programme Management Assistant, and the Deputy Chief Executive of Pension Administration, when needed
• Project Managers and Chiefs of Units and Sections throughout UNJSPF-PA

Expected results:

• Provides effective project management support to the BTU Team in their day-to-day tasks
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Processes work and initiates appropriate follow-up actions, under minimal supervision
• Demonstrates initiative in the identification and resolution of issues/problems
• Is well-organized and produces accurate reports, minutes and/or data, completed with general guidance only
• Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines, and procedures
• Effectively and, in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues, user groups, and other concerned parties internally and externally

Competencies

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve Organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

• Applicants to the programme must meet one of the following requirements at the time of their application:

(a) Be enrolled in or have completed a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or
(b) Be enrolled in or have completed the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)

• Applicants who have graduated (as defined in (a) or (b) above), if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation
• Applicants must be computer-literate in standard software applications

Work Experience

No working experience is required to apply for the United Nations Internship Programme. Your training, education, advance course work or skills should benefit the United Nations during your internship.

A field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.

Assessment

Potential candidates will be contacted by the Hiring Manager directly for further consideration.

Special Notice

A person who is the child or sibling of a staff member shall not be eligible to apply for an internship at the United Nations. An applicant who bears to a staff member any other family relationship may be engaged as an intern, provided that he or she shall not be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the
staff member. For purposes of this instruction, “child” means (i) the child of a staff member; (ii) the child of the spouse of a staff member (stepchild); and (iii) the spouse of a child of a staff member or a staff member’s spouse (son- or daughter-in-law). “Sibling” includes the child of both or either parent of a staff member and the child.

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship at the duty station and provide a medical
certificate of good health prior to the commencement of the internship.

A completed online application (Cover Note and Administrative Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:

• Degree programme (What are you currently studying?)
• Graduation date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?)
• List of the IT skills and programs that you are proficient in
• List of your top three areas of interest
• Explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
• Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme

In your online Administrative Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.

Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted.

G-4 VISAS FOR INTERNS:

All interns assigned to a United Nations Organization, including Funds and Programmes, at a United States-based duty station, i.e., New York or Washington, who are not United States citizens or United States legal permanent residents (LPR) will be required to obtain G-4 visas prior to travelling to the United States. Prospective interns who are already in the United
States on another non-immigrant status may need to apply for a change of status to G-4 prior to joining the United Nations for an internship. It should be emphasized that prospective interns are responsible for ensuring that they have an appropriate valid visa and employment authorization allowing them to undertake the internship.

If the applicant is in F-1 status and has a valid EAD, they may undertake an internship within the scope of their F-1 visa without seeking a change of visa status. Please note, however, that interns in F-1 status who wish to undertake an internship following completion of their academic programme as part of Optional Practical Training (OPT) may need to seek a change of visa status to G-4 (This process currently takes about 8-10 weeks) or obtain G-4 visa overseas. To qualify for G-4 non-immigrant status, interns must be serving essentially full time, i.e., 35 + hours per week.

IN PERSON INTERNSHIP:

Please also be advised that all candidates working in New York Headquarters will be required to submit proof of Covid-19 vaccination status.

REMOTE INTERNSHIP (COVID-19):

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may be requested to undertake the internship remotely in view of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to United Nations premises. Applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law,
violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH
INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.