The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is looking for a new intern. The intern will design an accessible webpage for the Space for Persons with Disabilities project. Furthermore, the intern would have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Space for Persons with Disabilities project. The intern does not need to have professional web development experience or deep knowledge of space science.
In addition, an ability to research accessibility compliance guidelines, general knowledge of web design, work independently, and good work ethics are essential.
The internship application is open to more than persons with disabilities, but the Office strongly encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The application deadline is 16 July at 11:59 pm (New York time). The individual may work remotely during the internship.
Organisation Setting and Reporting
The OOSA-Space Applications Section internship is for three months with an opportunity for extension up to six months, pending the needs of the office and the intern’s availability. Furthermore, the internship is unpaid and full-time. In addition, the intern will work five days per week (40 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned.
UNOOSA is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, including persons with disabilities, to apply. Furthermore, UNOOSA may provide reasonable accommodation and assistance for applicants with disabilities. This is consequently to support participation in the hiring process. It is also to help selected candidates carry out their functions when requested and indicated in the application. Flexible working arrangements, including part-time working hours and remote internships, are possible.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNOOSA may request that applicants undertake the internship remotely. This request is because of constraints regarding visa issuance, international travel and access to UN premises. Therefore, applicants must be willing and prepared to undertake the internship remotely for a part or the entirety of the internship. For more information on UNOOSA, please visit this website.
Responsibilities
Daily responsibilities will depend on the individual’s background, the intern’s assigned office, and the internship period. Duties may include, but are not limited to:
- Support the research and development of accessibility-compliant webpage(s) relating to the Space for Persons with Disabilities project. This includes, but is not limited to, conceptualising and designing webpages in compliance with accessibility guidelines, working with the content management system, incorporating functionalities and features into the website;
- Support the Space for Persons with Disabilities project by assisting in the research on inclusion and accessibility in space;
- Support updates of reports and other documentation related to the Space for Persons with Disabilities project; and
- Perform other tasks as necessary.
Competencies
The United Nations Core Competencies include:
- Planning and organising: Develops clear goals, identifies priority activities and assignments and monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
- Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organisational goals.
- Accountability: Honours commitments and delivers outputs within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards; and
- Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the office’s work; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows a willingness to learn new technology.
Education
To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- 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 recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above); (official proof from the university in support of one of the above options has to be attached to the Inspira application);
- Be computer literate in standard MS Office applications;
- Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
- Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views.
Languages
English is the working language of the United Nations. Therefore, fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is necessary. Furthermore, knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Assessment
The hiring manager will contact the considered candidates for further assessment.
Special Notice
The United Nations believes that an inclusive culture attracts the best talent. Thus, the UN encourages all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, cultural or religious background, to apply.
Applicants should note that the Office requires a completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile). Consequently, UNOOSA will not review incomplete applications.
The Cover Note must include:
- Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?);
- Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?)
- Explanation of interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.
- Explanation on why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
Applicants are to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references in their online Personal History Profile. Applicants are also to attach proof of enrolment or graduation. As a result of the high volume of applications, the Office will contact only successful candidates.
Evaluation
The Office will conduct applicants’ evaluations based on the information submitted in the application. The assessment will thus be according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. This includes the United Nations Charter, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Furthermore, applicants must provide complete and accurate information about their profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to the applicants’ submitted applications. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
No Fee
The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). In addition, the UN does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
For more information on the position, UN Considerations, and application, as well as to apply, please visit here.
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