Food Systems Community Intern, Nature Hub, BPPS (Home-based)
Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.
UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.
BPPS Work With Governments, Civil Society, And Private Sector Partners To Integrate Nature, Climate, Energy And Waste Related Concerns Into National And Sector Planning And Inclusive Growth Policies, Support Country Obligations Under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, And Oversee The Implementation Of The UN’s Largest Portfolio Of In-country Programming Nature, Climate Change, Energy, And Waste. This Multi-billion-dollar Portfolio Encompasses
UNDP has developed its new Strategy for Food Systems to focus its vision and enhance its support to transform Food Systems.
Food Systems is fundamental to the sustainable development of the 170 countries UNDP supports. Food Systems are often the largest contributor to their economies; food and nutrition are fundamental for citizen health; and Food Systems has a key role to play in achieving the SDGs. Yet, Food Systems are in crisis and need to be radically transformed to become sustainable. UNDP, building on its experience, has for the first time consolidated its Food Systems support and vision into this Strategy. The challenges and need for change related to Food Systems have been highlighted by a suite of reports by many research and international organizations and think tanks. The production practices and consumption patterns of food and agricultural commodities are taking these systems on an unsustainable trajectory with multiple impacts on human development, the environment, and economies; from ecosystem degradation, conflicts over land and natural resources, reduced capacity and resilience to climate and other shocks, persistent poverty, food insecurity and related people displacement and migration, to malnutrition including overweight and obesity. There is a clear need to work in a systemic and integrated manner to transform the Food Systems towards sustainability.
UNDP´s Vision for Food Systems 2030 is, through partnerships, to transform food and agricultural commodity systems into resilient; equitable; healthy, inclusive; environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable systems. Working on Food Systems will contribute to not only recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, by creating sustainable and resilient livelihoods for many along the FAC supply chains, but also to preventing further zoonoses from emerging in the future. This will require a change in the current paradigm of agricultural production focusing on maximizing productivity to a new paradigm based on diversified agroecological systems that work simultaneously on achieving economic, environmental, social, and health outcomes; with smallholders as a key part of the solution in their role as the engine of economic development. A FOOD SYSTEMS practice has been established within UNDP´s Nature, Climate, and Energy team, which is tasked to support UNDP Country Offices with Food Systems-related challenges in a way that is aligned with UNDP´s Food Systems strategy.
Since 2014, the Food Systems (FS) Community fulfils a pivotal learning, connectivity and knowledge management function towards, the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Programme led by the World Bank, the Food Systems Integrated Programme (FS-IP) led by FAO and IFAD, the Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme (BG-IP) led by UNDP and a growing number of other initiatives and projects that put nature at the heart of development
The Food Systems Community is more than technical learning. It focuses on advancing progressive practices and innovative systemic solutions in effective collaborative action and food systems governance, as well as promoting proven technical solutions in integrated landscape management, sustainable value chains, restoration, gender responsiveness, etc.
Today the Community counts 900+ members from 34 countries working on 12 food and agricultural commodities.
With an emphasis on South-South knowledge exchanges, the Food Systems Community hosts and moderates several collaborative digital groups on its dedicated Digital Platform to shape, share and learn what works in transforming food and agricultural commodity systems. These customizable digital groups support the provision of programmatic functions such as needs assessment, technical support; access to guidance documents; as well as learning and capacity building event, and overall knowledge management.
Within the Food Systems Practice, and under the supervision of the Community Manager, the Community Intern supports all aspects of Community operations and assists the Community Lead, Community Advisor and Community Analyst in delivering key activities.
Duties And Responsibilities
Support for the UNDP Food Systems Community team:
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants should become familiar with the internship conditions prior to signing an internship agreement. For information visit www.undp.org/internships/
Institutional Arrangements
The intern will report to the Food Systems Community Manager.
Financial Aspects, Expenses And Medical Benefits
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship. Interns cannot apply for, or be appointed to, any position during the period of their internship.
Important Note
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant Information About UNDP Rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.
UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.
BPPS Work With Governments, Civil Society, And Private Sector Partners To Integrate Nature, Climate, Energy And Waste Related Concerns Into National And Sector Planning And Inclusive Growth Policies, Support Country Obligations Under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, And Oversee The Implementation Of The UN’s Largest Portfolio Of In-country Programming Nature, Climate Change, Energy, And Waste. This Multi-billion-dollar Portfolio Encompasses
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests;
- Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems;
- Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS;
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation;
- Sustainable Energy;
- Extractive Industries;
- Chemicals and Waste Management;
- Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy; and SCP approaches.
UNDP has developed its new Strategy for Food Systems to focus its vision and enhance its support to transform Food Systems.
Food Systems is fundamental to the sustainable development of the 170 countries UNDP supports. Food Systems are often the largest contributor to their economies; food and nutrition are fundamental for citizen health; and Food Systems has a key role to play in achieving the SDGs. Yet, Food Systems are in crisis and need to be radically transformed to become sustainable. UNDP, building on its experience, has for the first time consolidated its Food Systems support and vision into this Strategy. The challenges and need for change related to Food Systems have been highlighted by a suite of reports by many research and international organizations and think tanks. The production practices and consumption patterns of food and agricultural commodities are taking these systems on an unsustainable trajectory with multiple impacts on human development, the environment, and economies; from ecosystem degradation, conflicts over land and natural resources, reduced capacity and resilience to climate and other shocks, persistent poverty, food insecurity and related people displacement and migration, to malnutrition including overweight and obesity. There is a clear need to work in a systemic and integrated manner to transform the Food Systems towards sustainability.
UNDP´s Vision for Food Systems 2030 is, through partnerships, to transform food and agricultural commodity systems into resilient; equitable; healthy, inclusive; environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable systems. Working on Food Systems will contribute to not only recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, by creating sustainable and resilient livelihoods for many along the FAC supply chains, but also to preventing further zoonoses from emerging in the future. This will require a change in the current paradigm of agricultural production focusing on maximizing productivity to a new paradigm based on diversified agroecological systems that work simultaneously on achieving economic, environmental, social, and health outcomes; with smallholders as a key part of the solution in their role as the engine of economic development. A FOOD SYSTEMS practice has been established within UNDP´s Nature, Climate, and Energy team, which is tasked to support UNDP Country Offices with Food Systems-related challenges in a way that is aligned with UNDP´s Food Systems strategy.
Since 2014, the Food Systems (FS) Community fulfils a pivotal learning, connectivity and knowledge management function towards, the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Programme led by the World Bank, the Food Systems Integrated Programme (FS-IP) led by FAO and IFAD, the Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme (BG-IP) led by UNDP and a growing number of other initiatives and projects that put nature at the heart of development
The Food Systems Community is more than technical learning. It focuses on advancing progressive practices and innovative systemic solutions in effective collaborative action and food systems governance, as well as promoting proven technical solutions in integrated landscape management, sustainable value chains, restoration, gender responsiveness, etc.
Today the Community counts 900+ members from 34 countries working on 12 food and agricultural commodities.
With an emphasis on South-South knowledge exchanges, the Food Systems Community hosts and moderates several collaborative digital groups on its dedicated Digital Platform to shape, share and learn what works in transforming food and agricultural commodity systems. These customizable digital groups support the provision of programmatic functions such as needs assessment, technical support; access to guidance documents; as well as learning and capacity building event, and overall knowledge management.
Within the Food Systems Practice, and under the supervision of the Community Manager, the Community Intern supports all aspects of Community operations and assists the Community Lead, Community Advisor and Community Analyst in delivering key activities.
Duties And Responsibilities
Support for the UNDP Food Systems Community team:
- Provide generic support with the oversight of the Community Digital Platform (Hivebrite), including regular upload of content (posts, events, resources, videos),
- Assist targeted prospective members with their registration in the Community Digital Platform,
- Support with the organization and delivery of virtual learning events, including in-event Zoom tech assistance,
- Support with tracking Community-related data (events, membership composition, digital engagement, etc.)
- Support with the ongoing maintenance and regular updating of the online Community database(s) and CRM with new information,
- Support with video editing and uploading on online video sharing platforms, and development of promotional materials (flyers, brochures, etc.),
- Any other tasks as requested by the Community team.
- Achieve Results - LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively - LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously - LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination - LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in the face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner - LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Required Skills and Experience
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) such as environment, agriculture, sustainable development, economics, journalism, communications, international development, social/political sciences, or related fields;
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) such as environment, agriculture, sustainable development, economics, journalism, communications, international development, social/political sciences, or related fields;
- Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (1) and (2) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
- Familiarity and previous usage of video conferencing software (Zoom), online visual collaboration platforms (e.g. MURAL, MIRO), online graphic design platforms (e.g. Adobe, Canva);
- Knowledge of Community management platforms (e.g. Hivebrite, Disciple Media, Bettermode, Mighty Network or others) is a plus;
- Excellent IT skills including MS Office;
- Experience with data collection for analysis
- Fluency in English is required.
- Fluency in Spanish and French is an advantage.
Applicants should become familiar with the internship conditions prior to signing an internship agreement. For information visit www.undp.org/internships/
Institutional Arrangements
The intern will report to the Food Systems Community Manager.
Financial Aspects, Expenses And Medical Benefits
- UNDP will not pay for the internship but may provide a stipend in monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy;
- UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance for the intern or for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness during the internship period. Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self certification of good health prior to starting the internship.
- UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
- UNDP is not responsible for any claims by an intern or third party in the case of loss or damage to property or death or personal injury as a result of actions or omissions on the part of the intern during the internship period.
- When completing an in-person internship in a UNDP Office, interns must be provided with the workspace and equipment necessary to accomplish the activities related to the internship.
- When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and workspace.
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship. Interns cannot apply for, or be appointed to, any position during the period of their internship.
Important Note
- Interns are considered as gratis personnel. They are not staff members.
- Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts.
- Interns may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant Information About UNDP Rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.