Internship – Country Capacity Strengthening, Programme Support
PRO-T, Rome, Italy
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. We are currently seeking to fill a Country Capacity Strengthening (CCS) intern position in PRO-T of the Programme Division, based in Rome, Italy.
Brief description of PRO-T: To fulfil its mission to end global hunger, and to support national governments in doing this, WFP (1) supports countries with directly implemented programmes to respond to hunger challenges and, increasingly (2) provides technical assistance to strengthen national capacity, systems and programmes to address hunger and improve food security.
WFP recognizes strong and sustained national capacities are critical to addressing the multiple causes of hunger and responding to the food security and nutrition needs of vulnerable populations over the long-term. Through its extensive and deep field presence, WFP brings a solid understanding of context, beneficiary needs and local conditions, and regular contact with a wide range of actors who are key in the design and implementation of hunger solutions initiatives.
Agenda 2030 provides WFP with an opportunity to leverage this knowledge and expand its role from one of operational partner of choice to one of strategic capacity enabling partner. WFP embraces a Whole of Society approach to zero hunger which means it engages with – and supports capacity strengthening of – a range of state and non-state actors, as relevant to context to support the country capacities required to achieve national SDG2 food security and nutrition objectives and targets, as well as relevant SDG17 objectives.
General Information
- Title of Post: Internship
- Supervisor: Programme and Policy Officer
- Unit: PRO-T
- Country: Italy
- Duty Station: Rome
- Duration of internship: 8 months
- Expected Start Date: asap
Duties and responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of CCS Programme and Policy Officer, the candidate will perform the following duties:
- Support the dissemination of technical guidance and resources around the CCS framework and toolkit through sharing of materials and virtual forms of communication (workshops, calls, etc.).
- Support the integration of capacity strengthening approaches and activities in Country Strategic Plans (CSPs).
- Arrange meetings with COs and HQ units, draft NFRs, undertake translations.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications and experience
- Currently enrolled with at least two years undergraduate studies completed, or recently graduated (within the past six months) in international relations, development, humanitarian affairs or other relevant field;
- University course attendance in the past 12 months;
- Excellent command of English and French; Working knowledge of a third UN language would be an asset;
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
Required soft skills/WFP Competencies:
- Experience in the development, implementation, management, research, analysis or evaluation of capacity strengthening policies or programmes is a plus.
- Strong analytical, problem solving, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Abilty to work in a team and multitask as needed.
Working Languages
Working knowledge of English and French (proficiency/level C) is required.
Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision).
Under the direct supervision of Catherine Bellamy, the incumbent will be provided with close mentoring, guidance and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews as well as learning and development discussions will be elemental part of the supervision. Daniel Dyssel will be the second-level supervisor. With the support of a comprehensive induction package and assignment of a buddy/mentor, the intern will rapidly become a productive member of the team.
Training components
Throughout their assignment WFP interns have access to an industry leading learning platform, weLearn. Depending on opportunities and availability of funds, he/she may participate in WFP workshops or seminars, as appropriate.
Learning Elements
At the end of the assignment, the Intern should:
- Develop the relevant skills in coordinating support (from the CCS programme support pillar) to RBs / COs on the CCS toolkit and on the development of the CCS approach and activities within CSPs.
- Strengthen the ability to draft (and translate) reports and tools, and to develop presentations focused on engaging national counterparts and sustainable capacity strengthening.
Information on the Country of Assignment
- Living conditions in Rome, Italy
(Living conditions, security, health, etc)
The security situation in Italy remains in line with other European Countries. There are no specific threats against the UN in Italy. Considering the ongoing defeat of Daesh in the war territories, the trend in the short and mid-term will most likely continue to see the return of the militants to the countries of origins, including Italy. Insurrectional anarchism remains sufficiently organized on the Italian territory, as it has been present for many years. This movement could target the UN in the context of its anti-capitalism/anti-western narrative. 2) Whilst UN staff continue to be victims of minor crime such as street robbery and apartment break-ins, the infrequency of attacks and random nature of locations do not indicate that UN staff are at an elevated risk in comparison to residents or tourists in Italy. 3) Italy’s national territory is exposed to a broader range of natural hazards than any other European country. The vulnerability of its population and built environment is often severe and has in some cases been exacerbated by human activities.
- Other relevant information
VA Reference no: xxx
Closing Date: 23 February, 2021
Please note that the deadline is at 11:59 pm Rome time (GMT + 1)
Terms and Conditions:
- Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment.
- WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
- WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
- WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognised institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
- Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.
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.
Fighting Hunger Worldwide