UN Global Compact for Private Sector Intern

Background

The United Nations (UN) Global Compact is a voluntary initiative based on Chief Executive Officer commitment to implement Universal Sustainability Principles and take steps to support UN goals. Corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principled approach to doing business. This means operating in ways that, at a minimum, meet fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence and know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another. By incorporating the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact into strategies, policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of integrity, companies are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success.

In September 2015, all 193 Member States of the United Nations adopted a plan for achieving a better future for all — laying out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and protect our planet. At the heart of “Agenda 2030” are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which clearly define the world we want — applying to all nations and leaving no one behind.

SDG implementation at a national level will not be achieved without meaningful action and participation by business. Business has a key role to play as an engine of economic growth and employment and a source of finance, technology and innovation.

Under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator and the Coordination Specialist, the intern will be hosted at the Resident Coordinator Office and he/she will carry out tasks related to private sector engagement, help the recruitment of companies to join the UN Global Compact with the aim of supporting the establishment of a Global Compact Local Network in Angola.

Duties and Responsibilities

Uder the direct supervision of UN Coordination Specialist, the intern will provide the following:

• Liaise and consult with business associations, such as Associação Cristã dos Gestores e Dirigentes de Angola (ACGD) and other key stakeholder groups, to assist private sector engagement around the UN Global Compact;
• Provide day-to-day support to Global Compact signatories in collaboration with the Global Compact Office in Pretoria or where relevant;
• Support and deliver on the establishment of a roadmap to recruit Angolan companies to join the Global Compact;
• Support business companies with the formal process of joining the Global Compact;
• Support Global Compact signatories on their task of reporting on the activities related with the UN Global Compact principles.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Impact of Results:

Review, consolidate and implement Global Compact Local Network roadmap.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Managing conflict;
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others;
• Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in an area of study relevant to Economics, Business Administration or related social sciences;
• Have graduated with a university degree in an area of study relevant to Economics, Business Administration or related social sciences (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

• No experience required, though it is desirable some practical knowledge of the business landscape in the country and knowledge about the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in Portuguese and good working knowledge of English is required.

Conditions of internship:

• UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions;
• The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.