Programme Unit in Maseru, Lesotho
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 for candidates to participate in the PD Summer Internship Programme 2020 in the Policy and Programme Department (PD).
The position will be based in Programme Unit, in WFP Lesotho Country Office. The internship will be typically for the period of at least 3 months during May/June to August/ September 2020.
Brief description of WFP resilience activities, in the Programme Unit, in Maseru, Lesotho
The Strategic Outcome 4 (SO 4) of WFP Lesotho Country Strategic Plan (2019-2024), has the aim of building a resilient, efficient and inclusive food system through the implementation of integrated interventions for climate change adaptation including climate services. WFP will promote local purchases from smallholder farmers for national social protection programmes such as the school feeding programme. Through support for interventions that address post-harvest losses, this outcome is expected to result in improved food quality and safety. WFP will also work with partners on the supply side, including FAO, in order to address production and productivity challenges. WFP works with the Government Ministry of Forestry in supporting the development of systems for the management of water catchments, which will be adopted and scaled up by national authorities and the private sector.
General Information
- Title of Post: PD Summer Intern
- Unit: Programme Unit
- Supervisor: Programme Policy Officer – Strategic Objective 4 (SO 4) manager
- Duration: At least 3 months (May/June to August/September 2020)
Duties and responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Strategic Objective 4 (SO 4) manager, the PD Summer Intern will perform the following duties:
- Support SO 4 on documentation of planning and implementation processes in public works programme (activity 5) and local purchase
- Prepare and draft reports for SO 4 activities
- Consolidate progress reports at different stages of implementation processes of SO4 activities
- Support implementation of asset creation tracking tools and reporting activities
- Perform any other duty as required
Qualifications and experience
- Currently enrolled in a master’s degree programme OR a recent graduate of a master’s degree (graduated within the last 6 months) in environmental management or natural resource management
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook)
- Excellent English verbal and writing skills
- Good information and knowledge management skills
- Experience in application, management, supervision and reporting impact of soil and conservation techniques at field level is a plus.
Working Languages
Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) is required.
Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)
Under the direct supervision of the Strategic Objective 4 (SO 4) manager, 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 Head of Programme 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:
- General understanding of WFP’s work in Lesotho Office, as well as at the corporate level, on commitments to supporting governments to achieve zero hunger through WFP programmes and operations
- Very good understanding of programmatic analysis and the knowledge management for the Strategic Outcome 4 activities
- Development of reporting and information management skills
Information on the Country of Assignment
- Living conditions in Maseru, Lesotho
Lesotho is a middle-income country, surrounded by South Africa, with almost a quarter of its population experiencing chronic food insecurity challenges every year in its ten districts. The position will be based in Maseru, a capital town of Lesotho, with relatively higher population than other districts. While unemployment remains a biggest concern, climate change and its aftermaths adversely affect livelihood system of many Basotho who rely on agriculture across all the ten districts. In Maseru where most people live in the urban centers, the livelihood system is predominantly informal petty trade in addition to formal job pathways. In general, there are no major security and health challenges in Lesotho. All UN agencies including WFP operate under the auspices of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security which provides professional services to enable all personnel working with the United Nations to operate in safe and secure environment.
Terms and Conditions:
- The PD intern will be paid a monthly stipend of approximately USD 400 per month as a contribution towards basic subsistence costs.
- 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.
Closing Date: 12 February 2020
VA Reference no: 110481
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.
More Information
- Job City Maseru, Lesotho
