UNOPS seeks to recruit a partnerships and communication Intern
- Location: Dakar
- Grade: Internship
- Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- External Relations, Partnerships and Resource mobilization
Background information – UNOPS :
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Background information – Sénégal :
Located in Dakar, UNOPS Hub for Francophone West Africa oversees projects and operations in Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Guinea Bissau. The hub has developed a strong working relation with the Governments of West Africa and international partners over the years. It provides technical support in strategic development areas including elections; procurement and related capacity building; environmental protection, as well as infrastructure rehabilitation and development.
The Partnerships Unit (PU) has been established to support the development of new engagement opportunities in the sub-region and increase SNOH’s project and programme portfolio. The Partnership Unit coordinates, supports and monitors the development of the portfolio. The Unit report directly to the Hub Director serving, as an interface between the project centers and the operational hub.
Functional competencies :
The Partnerships and Communication intern will work in the sub-regional office based in Dakar will report to the Partnerships Advisor. He / She will support the Partnerships Unit by conducting research on donors and market trends and implementing the Communication Plan in order to increase the visibility of UNOPS in the sub-region by communicating on our results and activities.
The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks:
External Communication :
- Support the development and update of the Hub Communication Plan based on the organizational Communication Strategy ;
- Support the preparation of external communication materials customized for target key audiences such as donors, UN agencies, governments, foundations, NGOs, civil society and private sector for effective outreach among existing and potential partners ;
- Develop contents, presentations, correspondence, briefings, speaking points and all other external communication material including contents for social media ;
- Follow-up on outstanding SNOH projects to ensure that the achievements of these projects are properly captured in the right communication formats for external outreach purpose ;
- Editing and Desk-top publishing as and when required ;
- Support Partner Surveys
Knowledge Management :
- Ensure that organizational systems are updated and populated frequently ;
- When needed, provide regular reports on business acquisition pipeline to the Partnerships Advisor and the Senior Management Team ;
- Liaise with the Communications and Partnerships Group in Head Quarters as well as project communication focal points colleagues on communication matters as necessary.
Business intelligence :
- Conduct analysis and mapping of donor priorities, areas of focus and geographical priorities as well as national country strategies ;
- Prepare business/market analysis reports for major donors and countries in the region to support the development of new engagements opportunities ;
- Research events, publications and announcements, to track and screen opportunities for possible UNOPS interventions and identify trends that will drive partnership opportunities.
Partnerships and Project development :
- Support the Hub’s efforts in liaising with potential donors, funding partners, agencies and institutions ;
- Participate in meetings with potential partners and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up ;
Perform other related duties as required.
Training components and learning elements :
- Based in Dakar, the intern will be exposed to working in an international and culturally diverse environment. S/he will benefit from the substantial field experience of range of international and national colleagues in the areas of partnerships, programme management and operations ;
- The intern will also have the opportunity to learn through hands on experience. For instance, s/he will be able grasp the challenges of developing and implementing projects in development and humanitarian contexts and will gain a thorough understanding of the project management methodology.
Participation in missions or training courses :
- The Hub strongly encourages training courses for all its personnel. The intern will be able to access the broad range of trainings provided by UNOPS (Prince 2, etc.). When appropriate, s/he will be also involved in the trainings organized for the Hub personnel in the areas of Partnerships development and Project Management ;
- In addition to that, the intern will have access to diverse knowledge sharing mechanisms such as targeted webinars, articles and meetings with partnerships and project management community across UNOPS.
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. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. |
| 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. |
Education/expérience/language requirements :
- To be eligible the applicants must be pursuing a university degree such as a Bachelor, Masters or a PhD in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Project Management, Communications, Business Administration, Marketing or other relevant areas ;
- Or be a recent graduate from such studies (within the last 3 years).
Language :
Fluency in French and English (written and spoken) is required Knowledge of Portuguese is an asset
Computer Literacy:
Strong computer literacy would be an advantage: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Experience :
- Researching, writing and editing content that is clear, concise and effectively conveys key messages to target audiences ;
- Detail focused and ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline oriented environment ;
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite: Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project. Experience with SharePoint would be an advantage ;
- Experience in the usage of software packages for publication such as Adobe Creative Suite – especially InDesign, Photoshop or other relevant products commonly used – is an asset but is not required.
Additional requirements :
While no prior work experience is required, some professional experience is desirable either in the private or public sector, in areas such as:
- Management ;
- Research ;
- Project Management ;
- Proposal and project development ;
- Data analysis ;
- Marketing ;
- Consulting.
Contract type, level and duration – internship :
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 6 monthsThis 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 from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.
For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link: here
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 ;
- 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 ;
- 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.

















