Background

The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program for Ethiopia was initiated as a crucial step towards implementing the peace agreement signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on 2nd November 2022 in South Africa. This agreement ended the long-standing conflict that had arisen between the TPLF and the central government in Ethiopia, resulting in widespread violence and displacement.

The objective of the DDR program is to facilitate the disarmament of former combatants from Tigray, Amhara and Afar, their demobilization and eventual reintegration into civilian life. The program is geared towards restoring peace, promoting reconciliation and creating a conducive environment for sustainable development. Eventual areas of coverage will go beyond Northern Ethiopia and cover other regions of Ethiopia.

The Government of Ethiopia has mandated and created the “National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC)” which is responsible for design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of the DDR programme in the country. The overall DDR beneficiaries identified are 371,971. The Government has planned implementation of the programme. In Phase 1, a total of 75,000 combatants will be demobilized in 2024 and the balance will be demobilized in 2025.

UNDP is supporting the NRC in close coordination with various national and international partners, including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other actors. It is expected that the DDR program will provide an opportunity for the combatants in North Ethiopia to turn their focus towards peaceful and productive activities, thereby contributing to the overall stability and development of the North Ethiopia region.

The DDR program has close linkages with the National Dialogue, Transitional Justice, and Peace Support programme. The DDR programme is anchored in the Governance Unit.

Objective:

The objective of the internship program is to provide graduate-level students with the opportunity to gain direct exposure to work on Peacebuilding programmes/ National Demobilization and Reintegration Programme, within the UNDP Ethiopia Country Office. The programmes aim to enable interns to learn from experienced development professionals, apply project management theory in practical settings, enhance their writing and editing skills, support planning and implementation of the programme, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and develop a comprehensive understanding of UNDP’s mission and values. Through active participation in the NDRP tasks, interns will contribute to the organization’s objectives in promoting sustainable development, democratic governance, and peacebuilding.

Duties and Responsibilities

NDRP Intern Key Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Senior Advisor DDR, the Intern will support UNDP’s roles and responsibilities related to:

1. UNDP Support to the NDRP and the National Rehabilitation Commission;
2. Knowledge management and communication at UNDP and inter-agency levels.

During the internship, the successful candidate is expected to undertake and complete the following tasks:

• Support the organization of meetings and events such as development partners signing ceremony, workshops, meetings (draft agenda, ensure establishment of phone bridge/VTC connection, participation of members, minutes, as relevant);
• Prepare drafts of relevant background documents for meetings (terms of reference, concept notes, reports, as relevant);
• Prepare and update mappings of actors, programmes or relevant issues/topics;
• Prepare drafts of communication materials for the meetings and other relevant means of communication;
• Conduct desk reviews and research on relevant topics in support of policy development and strategic advice;
• Participate in internal meetings and provide overall support in preparation of minutes;
• Participate in missions and trainings as appropriate; and
• Carry out all other related tasks assigned by the supervisor as agreed.

Competencies

• Interest and motivation in working in the work of the United Nations and having a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter in an international organization.
• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation.
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mindset.
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently.
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment and beliefs/backgrounds.
• Respond positively to feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Interns are selected on a competitive basis and the following minimum qualifications are required:

• Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) OR recently graduated with a first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent), in Local Governance, Peace and Security, Social Works, Development Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, Law, Human Rights, or related Social Science discipline is required and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
• No professional work experience is required for applicants to the UN Internship Programme. However, applicants should have a field of study closely related to the type of internship they are applying for.
• Availability to work consecutively for a period of 6 months.
• Strong interest in local and international governance, peacebuilding, and rule of law related issues.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
• Knowledge and experience in communications, public relations, or a related role is advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences.
• Strong copywriting, editing, and proofreading abilities, with keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in content management systems and graphic design software.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the organization’s sector or field of work would be desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Amharic and Tigrigna is desirable.

General Conditions

• In accordance with the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with a rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
• Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government, or institutions.
• Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to
• complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Application:

Interested graduates must submit the following documentation to UNDP Country Office in Ethiopia.

• Duly completed UNDP Internship application form
• Resumes and cover letter (in English)

*Please note that the NDRP Intern will be present and working in the UNDP Office in Ethiopia.

* If you meet the above criteria, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.