The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution. It is a coalition against extremist forces; a movement to advance mutual respect for cultures, traditions and religious beliefs, and a platform to bridge divides and overcome prejudice, misconceptions, misperceptions, and polarization. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was intended to promote collective action in society as a means of addressing the threats that emerge from the hostile perceptions that foment violence, overcoming cultural and social barriers, reducing tensions and improving relations between societies and communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and combatting violent extremism.
One of the tools promoted by the new action plan is sport. Sport has the power to convey essential human values, such as respect, discipline, inclusion, solidarity, courage and ethics. These values seem more critical today than ever—particularly in the resolution of significant global issues. To that end, UNAOC develops partnerships with sport organizations and create initiatives in which sport is used as a tool to foster social inclusion and cohesion, understanding and diversity. Sport can be a vehicle for positive change and development. It unifies those of all faiths, cultures and languages.
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Within this framework, UNAOC, in partnership with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the UN Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) launched the “Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events, and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism.”. Attacks against sports events are particularly condemnable, as sports have historically played a significant role in the dissemination of positive values throughout the world and across civilization and cultures, especially for the youth. Research has demonstrated that sports both play a positive role in preventing radicalization, promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and facilitating integration at large, thus making sports a powerful vector for the development of efforts aimed at preventing and countering violent-extremism and radicalization. The incumbent will be responsible to implement the activities for which UNAOC is responsible, see “scope of assignment” for description of specific tasks.
This position is located in UNAOC office, New York, USA. The incumbent will report to the UNAOC project manager on Sport for Development and Peace.
Functional Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist the responsible project manager in the implementation of the Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events, and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism which contains following responsibilities for UNAOC;
- Collecting and illustrating young leaders’ experiences on sports and Preventing Violent Extremism;
- Including the voices/input of young leaders in the design of the major communications/awareness raising campaign #SayNoToTerrorism”, including promotional video, leaflets and other materials;
- Ensuring that youth-led organizations are represented in the community of experts on PVE which the partners will develop and maintain;
- Ensuring representation of youth in the development of a Training Handbook for the use of sport to PVE, highlighting opportunities of implementation in Member States organizing major events;
- Following up youth-led organizations and/or organizations targeting youth empowerment that received a grant to use sports and its values to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization.
- Prepare contextual information materials, such as background notes, political profiles and databases of relevance to UNAOC activities;
- Produce UNAOC communication materials for Newsletters, brochure, website, and social media;
- Assist in other activities and events related to the Sport for Development and Peace portfolio;
- Contribute to the overall work of the UNAOC Secretariat and take on additional tasks as and when needed.
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Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
- Currently enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the applications date of the internship.
Work experience:
- Previous experience in the field of international development cooperation, more specifically on Sport for Development and Peace, is an asset;
- Computer literacy with strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is required;
- Excellent organizational and communication skills; attention to detail; and determination to meet deadlines is highly desired;
- Familiarity with the work of the United nations Organization, its mandate, main areas of focus, United Nations Bodies, etc. is an asset;
- Strong personal interest for issues related to multiculturalism; diversity and inclusion; identity; intercultural understanding and cooperation highly desired
Language:
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
To Apply
Click here to apply
Application period: 11-Jun-2020 to 25-Jun-2020
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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.
Contract type, level and duration – Internship
Contract type: Internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: ASAP – 31 December 2020
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 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.
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