Background Information – Job-specific

The Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) management unit falls under the UNOPS Shared Services Centre (SSC) Group. It is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of HSSE good practices in UNOPS projects and operations in line with UNOPS policies, UN common system standards and international best practices.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting a variety of tasks, work packages and projects with the Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) management team as a part of their internship period.

We are seeking qualified applicants who may have Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, Social Development Studies, Environmental Management or a related subject as background. The intern will join a dynamic, international environment, and will have access to a variety of training and learning opportunities available in UNOPS HQ.

Internship duration is 6 months, extendable to 12 consecutive months, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Functional Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities may comprise, but not limited to, the following: HSSE team support:

• Support a variety of tasks, work packages and projects as outlined and assigned in the annual work plan for the Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) management team
• Research and information/data collection
• Research global trends and activities in HSSE
• Support compilation of best practices in HSSE from within and outside UNOPS
• Day to day tasks as assigned

Communication and reporting:

• Contribute to maintenance and updating of the HSSE intranet site
• Assist with monitoring and reporting of HSSE performance
• Assist during HSSE review preparations

Coordination of global HSSE operations:

• Maintenance, update and support of all relevant guidance and documentation
• Assist with providing timely advice on HSSE issues
• Assist with HSSE training support and preparation of workshops
• Assist in the development and delivery of HSSE training
• Any other duties in support of the Shared Services Center

Learning Objectives:
The internship programme offers unique learning opportunities for interns, exposing them to the work of the United Nations, and enriching their educational experience through practical work in an international organization, focusing on health, safety, social and environmental management.
– Increased understanding of the UN system
– Increased understanding of HSSE Management in UNOPS
– Learning different aspects of occupational safety and health, climate, safeguards and social/environmental management in an international environment;
– Meeting and networking with UN City colleagues, UN City Interns and other UNOPS colleagues around the globe
– Work as a team member in a multicultural setting

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• To be eligible for this particular internship with UNOPS, the candidate must have graduated with a relevant University degree in the past the past 3 years in Civil Engineering, Environmental Management, Occupational Health & Safety, Social Development, Sustainability or other relevant discipline; or have graduated with a relevant University degree in the past three years.

Experience:

• While no prior work experience is required, some experience in project management and HSSE, ideally within the development sector or private sector, is highly desirable
• A health & safety and/or environmental/social management professional certification would be desirable
• Experience in Google Suite particularly in the use of Google Sheets is desired

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be considered an asset

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same.

Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal.

Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions.

Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Intern
• Contract level: Intern
• Contract duration: 6 months, extendable to 12 consecutive months, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS.

Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend (currently USD 1300 in Copenhagen) from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 300, 500 or 800 USD (depending on the location at the moment of being selected for the position). However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:

https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

UN City in Copenhagen – short presentation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF25xfMW0KQ

Internships in UN City Copenhagen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhkLcwx009I&list=TLGGlHcczC1BudwwNDA1MjAyMQ&t=12s

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.

Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures.

We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.