Internship - Government Partnerships Intern

WFP London Office

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 Government Partnerships intern position in our London Office.

Brief description of the WFP London Office

Who we are and what we do:

1. Communications and Advocacy: London is an international media hub allowing WFP to engage with the public reaching huge global audiences.
2. Private Sector Partnerships: PGP is responsible for building a pipeline of corporate and foundation prospects as well as management of WFP’s global humanitarian partnerships.
3. External Relations: We engage with a range of institutions, including international NGO partners, Humanitarian think-tanks and parliament.

General Information

• Title of Post: Government Partnerships Intern
• Supervisor: Government Partnership Officer
• Unit: PPR
• Country: United Kingdom
• Duty Station: London
• Duration of internship: 6 Months
• Expected Start Date: 15 October 2021 (with some flexibility)

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Government Partnership Officer, the candidate will be assisting the Public Partnerships and Resourcing Division's (PPR) London Office with the following key duties:

• Provide support/overflow assistance in managing relationships with the United Kingdom resource partners managed from the London Office.
• Assist with research and information-gathering in response to United Kingdom Donor queries.
• Assist in preparing documents, including correspondence and funding materials, for the Government Partnerships Officer (GPO) and the Head of the WFP London Office.
• Assist in the organization of meetings, events and field trips with United Kingdom resource partners.
• Assist in providing information specific to the United Kingdom in preparation for Executive Board and other meetings.
• Follow closely political developments in the United Kingdom, assess their impact on WFP, and alert GPO and the team leader accordingly.
• Assist in monitoring and conducting analysis of significant development cooperation policy themes within United Kingdom to link to their strategic partnership with WFP (e.g. nutrition, climate change and school feeding etc.),
• Participate in all aspects of team activities, including weekly and strategic meetings.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics or another relevant field;

• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate study;
• Have attended courses in the last 12 months;
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
• Fluency in English

Required soft skills/WFP Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and strategically;
• Team spirit, good organizations and interpersonal skills, able to work independently, and eager to learn about humanitarian assistance and development cooperation
• Knowledge of UK Parliament, politics and current affairs would be an advantage.

Working Languages

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

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of Government Partnerships Officer, 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 Director of the London Office 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:

• Have a greater understanding of the World Food Programme’s work and its role within the wider humanitarian system.

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in London, United Kingdom

(Living conditions, security, health, etc)

(The current Security Level in the capital is Low - 2 ). The United Kingdom has been the target of terrorist attacks in the recent past and may have one of the highest risks towards possible terrorist attacks. Certain strategic locations that may pose a higher risk are iconic tourist locations, public transport hubs and places of worship. UN staff are advised to remain vigilant. Crime rates remain low throughout the country. However, pickpocketing and petty theft may occur in major tourist areas, hotel lobbies, public transport hubs and the surrounding areas. There are no specific threats reported against the UN.

• Other relevant information

VA Reference no: 149767

Closing Date: 30 September 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.

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