Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia in partnership with the Government of Armenia works to advance the national reform agenda and develop the capacities of counterparts at a national, regional and local level.  To this end, UNDP is currently implementing a multi-component programme through Democratic Governance and Sustainable Growth and Resilience portfolios.
In 2013, UNDP established an innovation unit, called Kolba Lab. The lab is an incubator which attempts to solve big social challenges by harnessing citizens’ insights and ideas alongside public services. Citizens across Armenia enter the incubator with innovative (both technological and non-technological) ideas they believe can generate a social impact. Kolba provides support in design, field-testing, market research, and other business advice to transform these ideas into a working social start-up, venture, service, or product.
Past graduates of the incubator have included:

•  “Yamaka”, mobile app helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to be more confident and accomplished in their daily activities;
• “Solar Gyumri”, solar-powered street lighting for community areas in Gyumri;
• “Smart City”, an e-governance management system for local condominiums in Yerevan.
   

Duties and Responsibilities

The events and communications intern will work under the overall guidance of the UNDP Armenia/Kolba Innovations Lab, with close cooperation with Digital Communications Expert and Research, Data and Development Policy Expert.  Specifically, the intern will perform the following functions:

• Provide administrative, logistical and communications support for delivery of workshops, trainings and seminars on design thinking, prototyping, research, business and marketing and other topics related to incubation;
• Provide organization and logistical support for promotional events of Kolba Lab incubated start-ups. (idea generation for the creative events, negotiations with printing houses,  pre-event and post-event communication with guests and participants)
• Provide support in compiling contact database for the Lab;
• Provide administrative support throughout incubation cycle of social start-ups (arrangement of workshops, call-up of start-up team regarding their project progress; ensure projects report on time and due manner, ensure regular communication with start-ups on their project needs);
• Provide other support and assistance for the implementation of the Lab’s communications as required.
• Prepare final report vis-à-vis internship results
   

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Effective communications skills;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme in fields such as Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); OR Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme in fields such as Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); OR Have graduated with a university degree in fields such as  Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field.
• Computer skills: Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Internet
• Languages:   Fluency in English and Armenian (knowledge of Russian is an asset)
• Experience: Familiarity with web based mailing services and contact management systems is preferable;Understanding of social start-up ecosystem in Armenia; Good communication skills: speaking, writing and editing skills in English and Armenian; Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with ability to work under pressure within an international setting. A team player

Financial Issues:

• Internships within the UN system are unpaid and subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with prior to signing his/her internship agreement.

Application procedure:
The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
• Current and complete CV in English;

Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.