Policy and Data Internship

Work Location

Port Louis

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The UN Resident Coordinator System encompasses all organizations of the UN system dealing with operational activities for development, regardless of their formal presence in the country. The UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) is the designated representative of the UN Secretary-General and leading the UN Country Team (UNCT) and assumes the overall responsibility for – and coordination of – the development activities of the UN system. The UNRC Office for Mauritius and Seychelles has a multi-country (MCO) status. The main office is based in Mauritius and also covers Seychelles. Key functions of the UN RCO include: strategic analysis, planning and positioning of the UN Country Team; facilitate development, implementation and monitoring of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF); support to joint UN programming and operations management; policy guidance; joint advocacy and communications in order to enhance UN coherence and improve overall programme impact of the UN System in Mauritius and Seychelles. The UN RCO for Mauritius and Seychelles is looking for an intern who has a strong interest and passion for working for the UN development system and will contribute to its crucial mandate of enhancing the coherence of the UN System through joint UNCT policy research and analysis. This is a critical time for the UN in both countries as we are implementing the signed UNSDCF 2024-2028 that governs the cooperation between the UN and Government to achieve their development priorities over the 5 years. Through support to the policy research, analysis & advocacy mandate, the internship will provide the successful candidate with a unique opportunity to learn about how the UN system operates at the country level. Among others, the intern will: learn about the functions and roles of a wide range of UN agencies; gain insight into the country’s programming process of the UN; and become familiar with how the UN interacts with government counterparts. The selected candidate will be required to assist in gathering data, data analysis, engage in policy research & drafting of policy briefs, organizing key policy advocacy related events supporting wider regional and global campaigns and support in communications and visibility actions including on social media. The intern will report to the Data Management Officer and the RCO Team Leader. Responsibilities The intern will support the Policy and data related activities of the RCO and the UNCT, including: 1. Data Collection and Analysis • Gathering quantitative and qualitative data from various sources such as surveys, databases, and reports. • Ensuring data is accurate, consistent, and properly formatted for analysis. • Using software tools (like Excel, SPSS, or Python) to analyze data and extract meaningful insights that inform policy decisions. • Preparing charts, graphs, and dashboards to present complex data for visualisation. 2. Policy Research and Support • Assisting in the research of current policies, regulations, and laws relevant to the UNSDCF focus areas. • Comparing policies from different regions, sectors, or countries to provide recommendations for improvement. • Reviewing academic journals, government publications, and Development Partner reports to inform policy development. • Keeping up with new trends, emerging policies, or regulatory changes that impact the organization’s goals. 3. Report/Policy brief Writing and Documentation • Writing research summaries, policy briefs, or internal reports that communicate findings to stakeholders. • Creating presentations to showcase policy recommendations, data insights, or findings to senior management or external partners. • Condensing complex findings into clear, concise, and accessible content for decision-makers. 4. Organizational Support • Assisting in organising events, or webinars related to policy discussions or data sharing. 5. Enhance RCO visibility through communications channels • Social media management – assist in planning and scheduling content for social media platforms, track social media performance indicators and support development and implementation of social media campaigns • Assist in drafting news articles and success stories, develop content and maintain organisation’s website and digital platforms. • Ensure communications materials comply with organisational branding and visibility guidelines. • Participate in event coverage through photography and videography. 6. Continuous Learning and Development • Participating in training opportunities to improve skills related to policy analysis, data analytics, and research methodologies. • Keeping up with new trends in data analysis, policy-making, and emerging global or local issues.

Qualifications/special skills

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. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Preferred studies: Enrolled in a bachelor’s (final year) or master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, international development studies, international relations, social sciences, political science, law, economics, or other relevant fields. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master’s or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Fluency in English language is required for this internship. Knowledge of French would be desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

Intern Specific text

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. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

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.