United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) (Readvertisement)

Deadline: 22 February 2021

Background information

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is the operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments. The Zimbabwe Cyclone Idai Recovery Programme (ZIRP) will fall under the purview of the UNOPS KEMC (Kenya Multi Country Office) Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the Kenya Multi Country Office manages a growing portfolio of engagements, including associated strategic and operational risks. The KEMC sub-region currently consists of an established Operation Centre in Nairobi/Kenya which manages a portfolio of engagements in multiple countries in East and Southern Africa. This includes a large portfolio of Infrastructure, procurement and project management service projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and several Island states.

Project background

Following devastation caused to life, livelihoods and property by tropical storm Idai in March 2019, the WB has allocated up to US$ 75 million to finance a recovery project for Zimbabwe and the African Development Bank has allocated US$ 25 million. The projects address both early and mid-term recovery needs in multiple sectors (livelihoods, health, education, agriculture, transport). UNOPS has been requested to manage the WB funds and is establishing a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and is the Implementation Agency for the AfDB-funded project for a similar cause. UNOPS will engage multiple UN partner organisations to deliver specific components of ZIRP and private sector companies to deliver on the infrastructure works under the AfDB fund.

The PIU is being established as a facility to support these projects. As the Fund Manager/PIU UNOPS will be responsible for multiple functions including the design of an early recovery/emergency response facility, fiduciary management, legal and technical oversight Monitoring and Evaluation, reporting, quality assurance and communications.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment : Responsible to the Communications Associate - Public Relations and Outreach, the Communications Intern will work in the Communications Unit in the main UNOPS office in Harare. The role will focus primarily on producing communications materials and reports for UNOPS Zimbabwe’s ZIRP and AfDB projects. These projects cover a range of development sectors. The work of the Project Implementation Unit is diverse and requires a significant level of multitasking. The intern will be required to deliver high quality products to tight deadlines. Additionally, the Communications Intern will also closely coordinate with other programmes, infrastructure and procurement units. The incumbent will be responsible to abide by the security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

Functional responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Communications Associate - Public Relations and Outreach, specific intern responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Writing, editing and proofreading high-quality copy for external news stories, newsletter, factsheets and project websites; Assisting with research and writing for the annual report, advocacy papers and other publications; Contributing to the design of information, education and communication materials; Participating in management of social media platforms; Providing support in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Communication Strategy; Assisting in the management, as well as in effective and timely implementation of key communication activities as outlined in the annual communication plan; Monitoring of external communications and tracking of uptake of communications activities; Assisting in strengthening stakeholder engagement by supporting organization of stakeholder meetings, activities, and other related events; Maintaining an updated database of stakeholders; Reporting to and performing other duties as requested by the Communications Associate.

Terms and conditions

UNOPS Zimbabwe will provide the intern with the following: Workspace in a shared office including computer, stationery, landline telephone; Use of common office facilities, as for all UNOPS staff; A monthly stipend from UNOPS, if they do not receive funds from other institutions. Furthermore, UNOPS may provide a one-time travel lump sum of USD 500 for international interns, if the intern is not receiving travel funding from other institutions. However, interns must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and insurance coverage; Assistance with application for work visa. The internship comes with no expectations of future employment with UNOPS as a direct result of the internship. The internship is offered for a period of 6 months renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.