Intern, Data Processing And Analysis - (6 months duration)

In person modality (but remote arrangement can be discussed)

 

The Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Population Data Adviser, the intern will support the Population Dynamics, Data, & Policy unit in carrying out its routine work program on population and development indicators, including the collection, analysis, dissemination of census, household survey data (DHS, MICS, etc.) and other relevant data sources. This program also involves development and piloting of methodologies and technical approaches which are globally applicable and adaptable for the production of population and development indicators, and building the capacity and supporting countries to generate timely, accurate, and disaggregated data for monitoring and reporting on the progress towards achieving the 3 transformative results (TRs), SDGs and the programme of action of the ICPD in West and Central Africa. 

A work-plan with achievements for the duration of the Internship and learning opportunities will be agreed upon. Periodic progress meetings will lead to a beneficial environment for the Intern enhancing her/his skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA’s mandate

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

You would be responsible for:

1. Identify and compile the population and housing census databases and surveys on IPUMS, DHS and MICS. For some recent data which are not yet available on IPUMS, steps will be taken to obtain this data from the countries.

2. Contribute to compiling big data and other non-traditional datasets as part of efforts to triangulate various data sources for supporting evidence-based programming and policy. 

3. Contribute to the analysis and updates of the population and development indicators at national and sub-national levels for the WCARO region including follow-up with National Statistical Offices and UNFPA country offices. 

4. Develop analytical models for filling data gaps and create time-series for selected Indicators as necessary. 

5. Assist with compiling background documentation for programme summaries, briefing notes, talking points, concept documents on the Population and Development portfolio 

6. Assist in tracking progress of activities for the Unit’s work plan, including supporting capacity building workshops, training, and logistics arrangements for participation in various forums as required . 

7. Provide support on analysis and evidence about current and emerging population and development trends, including SRHR and gender issues. 

8. Prepare/contribute to various statistical tables and annexes, as part of UNFPA WCARO flagship reports, background papers relating to the 3 TRs, ICPD PoA and relevant SDGs.
 

Qualifying for an Internship 

All interns must meet the following educational and other eligibility requirements: 

Educational requirements 

A. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, such as master’s programme or higher; 

B. Have graduated within the last year with a university degree (bachelor’s or master’s) as defined above, and if selected, must begin the internship within one year of graduation, or 

C. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme 

D. Master's degree or higher in Demography, Economics, Population Studies, Social science or related disciplines, etc.

Other eligibility requirements 

E. Demonstrate interest in the field of development including in volunteer capacity; 

F. Demonstrate written and spoken proficiency in English and fluency in French and 

G. Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

You Have: Technical competencies: 

• Strong and proven experience in policy documents review and compilation; 
• Good capability to summarize and communicate complex issues in a simple, consistent and clear manner; 
• Strong and proven analytical skills and ability to translate data and statistics to both written and visual information; and 
• Excellent knowledge of data processing software (Stata, R, Python). 
• Experience working with demographic and health data, e.g. censuses, DHS, MICS, DHIS2, and other survey data would be an asset 
• Experience of working effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.

Learning Elements: 

Upon completion of the assignment, the Intern will gain the following knowledge assets: 

1. Better understanding of the UN system 

2. Increased understanding of UNFPA’s work in Population & Data 

3. Understand the UNFPA mandate and policies, including regional set-up 

4. Understand UNFPA programme design and delivery mechanisms 

5. Familiarize with UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms 

6. Work experience as a team member in a multicultural setting Competencies Analytical Skills 

Competencies

Analytical Skills

• Excel skill, data analysis skills will be an added advantage. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills 
• Good researching and drafting skills 
• Knowledge of demography, Statistics, social policy or a related field 
• An excellent level of spoken and written English 
• Knowledge of quantitative research methods and ability to work with data is an advantage
   

Communication 

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively 
• A high level of motivation Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately 
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication 
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience 
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed 

Teamwork 

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals 
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from other 
• Places team agenda before personal agenda 
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position 
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings 

Client Orientation 

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view 
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect 
• Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions 
• Monitors on-going developments inside and outside the client's’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems 
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects 
• Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client

Financial Aspects: 

Interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with an intern's participation in the programme must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements. However, they receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme. The amount of the stipend varies according to the intern’s agreed place of work, which may be different from the duty station of the hiring office in cases of remote arrangements. In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

    Exemplifying integrity, 

    Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 

    Embracing cultural diversity, 

    Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

   Achieving results,

   Being accountable,

   Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,

   Thinking analytically and strategically,

   Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
  

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.