UN Women: Programme Support Intern, Seoul, Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND:

UN Women

UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. As the lead UN entity on gender equality and secretariat of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, we shift laws, institutions, social behaviours and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls. Our partnerships with governments, women’s movements and the private sector coupled with our coordination of the broader United Nations translate progress into lasting changes. We make strides forward for women and girls in four areas: leadership, economic empowerment, freedom from violence, and women, peace and security as well as humanitarian action. UN Women keeps the rights of women and girls at the centre of global progress – always, everywhere. Because gender equality is not just what we do. It is who we are.

UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre in ROK

Established in Seoul in 2022 with the support of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family of the Republic of Korea, the UN Women Knowledge and Partnerships Centre functions as a 'knowledge hub' to advance gender equality in the Asia-Pacific region. The Centre facilitates research, education and training, the exchange of innovations and best practices, networking, and the development of multi-stakeholder partnerships. Its objectives include operationalizing normative frameworks on gender equality, promoting innovative approaches to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), transforming harmful social norms in the region’s dynamic context, and fostering partnerships across sectors. 

Annually, the Centre developed its Annual Work Plan which includes various activities encompassing partnership-building initiatives, research, policy dialogues, and gender training activities. The Centre offers exceptional final-year undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain direct exposure to UN Women’s work. Interns will acquire technical knowledge and practical experience in international development and multilateral cooperation, working within an English-speaking, international environment.

 

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

This internship, based at the Centre, provides a unique opportunity to deepen knowledge on gender issues and develop practical skills. Interns will gain experience in communications, partnership development, and event organization while engaging with UN Women’s international and regional networks. Interns will collaborate with government and non-government institutions as well as overseas UN Women offices, gaining insights into supporting stakeholders in implementing international commitments to gender equality and the empowerment of women. 

The internship will provide the candidate with opportunities to deepen their understanding of gender equality issues and gain insights into UN Women’s efforts to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in implementing international commitments to gender equality and women’s empowerment, and exposure to international and regional networks. It will also help develop core skills essential for a successful career in international development. Additionally, the internship offers a meaningful way to contribute to UN Women’s mission while building a solid professional foundation for the future.

Description of Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Gender Training Specialist and in close collaboration with the Programme Officer, the intern will contribute to training and program activities focused on transforming care systems. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the organization of activities, such as trainings and policy events related to transforming care systems, from conceptualization, implementation, to the follow-up, including, but not limited to: 
• Assisting in drafting background notes and concept notes by conducting research;
• Assisting in identifying resource persons and speakers by conducting research, and
• Preparing programme agenda and bios of the speakers by compiling and designing information collected
• Supporting the design of training/workshop assessment surveys and compiling activity reports.
• Providing logistical support for activities, including notetaking, coordinating with participants, fact-checking, and documentation.
• Attending activities on-site and assisting with monitoring processes.
• Supporting communication aspects of activities, such as coordinating outreach, and contributing to the visual design of materials (e.g., activity concept notes, presentations, and social media assets).
• Assisting in the implementation of other tasks as guided by the Gender Training Specialist.
• Providing ad hoc support to other team members of the Centre for activity organization as needed.

Learning Elements

After completing this internship, the Intern will have:

• Enhanced understanding of UN Women’s work and the broader UN system’s efforts to advance gender equality.
• Expanded substantive knowledge of gender equality issues in Asia and the Pacific, including UN Women’s role in the region.
• Strengthened knowledge of program implementation, documentation, and management processes.
• Gained valuable experience working as part of a team in a multicultural environment.

 

COMPETENCIES:

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies:

• Research, writing, and organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to produce high-quality deliverables in a timely manner
• Capacity to manage and synthesize large amounts of information
• Creativity and technological awareness

• Ability to work in teams for data collection and project development

   

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• The intern must have academic backgrounds in international development, gender studies, social sciences, or other subjects relevant to this position, at the university level.  Meet one of the followings:

a)  Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);

b)  Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

c)  Be enrolled in a mandatory national service programme of which the internship may form a part;

d)  Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within two-years of graduation.

Language

• Fluency in English is required;  
• Fluency in Korean is a strong advantage. 

Preference

• Previous experiences of organizing trainings or events in international settings are preferred.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software and other design tools (Canva, etc.) is preferred.

Renumeration 

Interns who are not in receipt of financial support from other sources such as universities or other institutions will receive a stipend from UN Women to partially subsidize their basic living costs for the duration of the internship.

 

STATEMENTS:

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.