Internship - Information Management and Data Science Internship for Early Warning, New York, (Intern) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Closing date: Wednesday, 16 August 2017

Internship  
Information Management and Data Science Internship for Early Warning, 
New York, (Intern)  
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
Closing date: Wednesday, 16 August 2017

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Background

UNDP’s Strategic Plan (2014-2017) recognizes the importance of preparedness, response, early recovery and the management of the risk cycle as fundamental for development. The objective of the Crisis Response Unit is to ensure that UNDP is well positioned to respond in the timeliest and most effective manner to crisis, triggered by natural disasters or armed conflicts alike. CRU is also the leading entity on emergency preparedness enhancement, including through early warning and risk management. UNDP’s Crisis Response Unit (CRU) is responsible for UNDP’s corporate crisis response strategy and capability, primarily regarding sudden onset crises and complex protracted crises, and serves advisory, coordination and operational functions.  The mandate of CRU includes guiding the organization’s corporate preparedness for crisis response, which encompasses corporate early warning capacities and crisis response preparedness. CRU’s early warning team provides support to HQ and to Country Offices (COs) to address their needs in contextual risk analysis, adaptation, early action and—acknowledging unique contextual circumstances as well as unique CO requirements—provide tailored support. In support of CRU’s engagement on early warning, CRU’s Rapid Response and Preparedness Team is seeking an information management intern to support the organization's early warning capacities, information gathering and management, tools, and competencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Information management and tools development support may include: Supporting the identification of the information management and visualization needs of UNDP country offices and headquarters, and transform these needs into CRD requirements for support offered by the team; Identifying additional data sources and manage data flows that support crisis risk analysis by engaging in data modeling and database development; Supporting the collection, management, and publishing of documents, data, information, and digital content, using UNDP’s content management systems; Developing customized applications and tools to strengthen CRD data collection, analysis and visualization capabilities; Developing customized CRDs that offer country- or issue-based tracking and analysis by designing and developing visual interfaces, human-computer interaction modeling, and usability testing; Researching innovative forms of acquiring data for early warning, particularly in context where data is scarce; Contributing new ideas for improving the CRD in terms of the early warning data, and in terms of how the dashboard is used for effective crisis risk analysis; Supporting the selection of online news and analysis relevant for early warning through the CRD. Knowledge management activities may include: Mapping of available methodologies and guidance tools related to early warning early action; Collection of past experiences and lessons learned by UNDP, UN entities and other relevant actors in the area of early warning early action, crisis risk analysis and scenario building; Other related duties as may be assigned by the Early Warning Programme Specialist. The intern is expected to participate as an active member of the team and openly contribute his/her perspectives throughout the internship.

Competencies

Technical Competencies: Data modeling, programming and database design, and data visualization; Design of interfaces, human-computer interaction modeling, and usability testing; Graphic design for the development of user-friendly and intuitive dynamic web-based interfaces; Managing web content, and support workflow tasks in document repository systems; Maintaining databases and electronic resources; Creating metadata for digital collection; Application of open source tools and technologies; Knowledge of one or more UNDP’s areas of work (sustainable development, democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate and disaster resilience). Core Competencies: Ethics & Values: Demonstrating / Safeguarding Ethics and Integrity; Is familiar with and acts in accordance with the standard of conduct for international civil servants, ethics and UN/UNDP values. Developing & Empowering People/Coaching and Mentoring: Self-development, initiative-taking; Takes initiative and seeks opportunities to initiate action. Working in Teams: Acting as a team player and facilitating team work; Works collaboratively with team members sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity. Communicating Information and Ideas: Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively; Uses tact and sensitivity when delivering sensitive information or resolving delicate issues. Self-management & Emotional Intelligence: Creating synergies through self-control Fosters a positive outlook and maintains focus during period of stress and heavy work load, inspiring and guiding others towards goal achievement. Knowledge Sharing & Continuous Learning: Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others; Actively seeks learning opportunities, adopting best practices created by others. Appropriate and Transparent Decision-making: Informed and transparent decision making; Makes decisions within his/her own span of control, recognizes issues requiring more advanced judgment and refers them to the appropriate level.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation. Experience: Be computer literate in standard software applications, and with particular knowledge/expertise in information management, information systems, geographic information systems (GIS), database development, web management, visualization, graphic design, or other related areas; Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and Language: Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Working Arrangement The intern will be under the direct supervision of the Early Warning Programme Specialist.  The intern will work closely with team members and relevant UNDP Country Offices, particularly related to Crisis Risk Dashboard operational support and further development. This is a full-time internship (five days a week) based in UNDP New York Headquarters. The duration of the internship is three months, with the possibility of extension. The intern will be required to bring their own laptop. These terms of reference may be modified until the beginning of the internship period. Any changes will be immediately communicated to the selected candidate. Please communicate your availability (specific possible start and end dates as well as duration) in the submission of your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Internship conditions: UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship; All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution; UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship; The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed; Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship or for six months immediately following the expiration date of internship; The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan; Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.