Internship – Learning and Development

Performance Strengthening and Capability Development Branch

Human Resources Division, 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 Learning and Development intern position in our Performance Strengthening and Capability Development Branch of the Human Resources Division, based in Rome, Italy.

Brief description of Performance Strengthening and Capability Development Branch:

Our team is part of the Capability Development & Performance Strengthening Branch within the Human Resources Division, and its main activity is focused on providing professional learning services to WFP’s core business Functions and Country Offices. These include support on capability assessments, consulting on learning strategy; development and delivery of learning and development; equipping the internal learning community with tools and guidance resources; managing WFP’s global learning platform, as well as the management of external vendors for provision of learning services. The team has recently launched an enhanced global learning platform with extensive functionality including social learning, blended learning, facilitator dashboard, mobile app, gamification, and dedicated thematic learning “channels”. HRMTC actively promotes learning best practices through creating and disseminating guidance materials to the internal partners, as well as via maintaining a community of practice among the global learning focal points.

General Information

• Title of Post: Internship
• Supervisor: Learning and Development Specialist
• Unit: Performance Strengthening and Capability Development Branch
• Country: Italy
• Duty Station: Rome
• Duration of internship: 6 – 8 months
• Expected Start Date: July 2019

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Learning and Development Specialist, the candidate will perform the following duties:

• Become familiar with WFP’s global learning platform and receive training in order to utilise the platform for maximum benefit for WFP;
• Develop mini eLearning modules using different authoring tools (i.e Mohive, Camtasia, Articulate Storyline);
• Provide support to the learning and development professionals in the team through the different activities the branch is responsible for – conducting learning needs analysis, curating relevant learning content from external sources, partnering with external vendors to build online solutions (inc review of design documents, storyboards, etc), establishing measurement criteria to assess the impact of learning solutions;
• Create, manage online surveys, analyse results, summarise findings and recommendations;
• Conduct research in learning and development best practice, new trends and create proposals for new learning solutions that fit with WFP’s operating environment;
• Assist with the development of support materials, high quality presentations and guides that the team uses in their work with internal stakeholders;
• Perform any other project related or administration duties as required within the unit.

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled with at least
• two years undergraduate studies completed, or recently graduated (within the past six months) from a University degree in Human Resources, Adult Learning, Learning Design, Learning Technology or directly related field;
• University course attendance in the past 12 months;
• Excellent command of English;
• High proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• Demonstrated self-starter with drive and initiative;
• Proficiency in data analysis;
• High attention to detail;
• Ability to learn technology quickly through instructions and self-training;
• Aptitude in working with technology systems;
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong customer service mind-set;

Required soft skills/WFP Competencies:

• Self-starter – ability to work independently, according to an Agile methodology, seeking guidance as required;
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs;
• Ability to work under pressure, and to deliver on tight deadlines;
• Ability to organize and adapt to a high workload and changing priorities;
• Communicate clearly and effectively to a diverse range of internal clients;
• Show proactivity in finding best design approach solutions to complex learning and communication requirements.

Working Languages

Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) is required.

A second UN language would be an asset (preferably French, Spanish or Arabic)

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of the Learning and Development Specialist, 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. The Senior Learning and Development Specialist 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:

• Be able to create blended learning programmes using the WeLearn platform;
• Have created or supported the development of eLearning modules using the corporate authoring tool Mohive;
• Be able to support the team and other client units in various steps of the learning development cycle;
• Have created reports and advanced learning analytics for the team and client units;
• Have conducted research and suggested new learning and development approaches to the team.

VA Reference no:  105386

Closing Date:   31 May 2019

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.

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