Social Policy Intern, Chisinau, Moldova (for nationals/residents only)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, opportunity

UNICEF’s mission in Moldova is to make sure every child in the country is healthy, educated and safe from harm, therefore having the best start in life and a fair chance to reach her or his full potential and benefit from the country’s prosperity. We believe children have a right to live in a more equitable society, where their voices are heard, and needs met as a matter of priority in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. More information on what we do in Moldova is available at: https://www.unicef.org/moldova.

How can you make a difference? 

Under the supervision of the Social Policy Specialist, the Intern will:

• Assist the organization of different meetings, activities and events planned by UNICEF.
• Draft minutes and / or take discussions notes or short informative notes of the office meetings and events. 
• Attend relevant trainings, and/or thematic roundtables and actively participates in all capacity building activities provided by UNICEF.
• Provide assistance in communication with different stakeholders (letters, invitations and confirmations).
• Provide substantial contribution to accurate office documentation evidence, systematization, and archiving.
• Participate in field visits to monitor and report on UNICEF implemented activities.
• Support the collection of data / figures and harmonization of monitoring and reporting tools as well as other programmatic tools and update internal databases.
• Provide support with the planning and implementation  of projects related to UNICEF Programmes.
• Provide support in collecting, creating, or sharing information/communication materials related to UNICEF activities.
• Collect and analyze background materials and assist with compiling, summarizing, and creating presentations on relevant topics as well as editing of documents related to UNICEF projects and activities.
• Support coordination efforts within the organization and with other UN agencies.
• Other duties as assigned by the Mentor.

Internship package and working conditions

This is a part-time assignment for a 6-month period, with a flexible schedule estimated at 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday. UNICEF will ensure a suitable workplace within UNICEF premises in Chisinau. The intern will be paid a monthly stipend, consistent to the number of hours worked.

Interns may take up to 2.5 days per full-time month off work for any reason, including for medical reasons. The stipend will be reduced for any absence beyond this quota. The quota is cumulative over the duration of the internship, but there will be no compensation or carry-over to another internship or appointment for unused leave days at the end of the internship.

The intern will benefit from professional coaching and mentoring from the supervizor, who will regularly communicate with the incumbent to provide feedback, guidance, and all other necessary assistance to support the intern’s efforts in achieving the objectives of the assignment. The intern will be granted access to UNICEF’s online learning platform and guidance will be provided in the identification of relevant learning activities.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Eligibility requirements 

• Completion of secondary education.
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. degree programme or have graduated within the past two years.
• Have excellent academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.
• Be at least 18 years old.

Minimum qualifications / skills

• Good oral, written, and communication skills.
• Languages: Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Russian or other language relevant for Moldova is considered an asset.
• Basic computer skills – operating MS Office programs, archiving computer files, online research capabilities; word processing, using spreadsheets and databases; creating presentations.

Core Competencies 

• Proven commitment to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, sexual orientation, or other status.
• Acceptance of responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions. 
• Ability to work well with others in a diverse team environment.
• Demonstration of work ethic and drive to achieve results.
• Multitasking skills and ability to work against deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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.

Who can apply?

This internship position seeks to target youth and to offer opportunities to benefit from a professional experience with an UN agency.

Under-represented groups, primarily: persons with disabilities (of all types), people living with HIV, LGBTIQ people, ethno-linguistic minorities including ethnic Gagauz, Russians, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Roma, people of African descent, religious and other minorities, other under-represented groups as well as women are encouraged to apply.

Application conditions

The interested candidates shall submit the following package of documents: 

1. CV. 
2. Letter of motivation. 
3. Grades transcript or 1- 2 recommendation letters (from supervisor, teacher, colleagues, or any other person who can describe your competencies) if grades not available.
4. Proof of medical insurance covering the duration of internship. 
5. Information on the additional / special needs, such as reasonable accommodation at the workplace, transportation, food or any other specific needs. 

Remarks:  

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.