In Person : Skills Coordination Intern to Support the Knowledge Project in Dubai, UAE

PNUD Argentina; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An international development organization in Dubai is seeking a Skills Coordinator Intern to support communication and manage learner engagement. The role involves responding to inquiries in both Arabic and English, assisting in learning management, and contributing to program activities. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and be enrolled in a postgraduate program or in their final year of a Bachelor's degree.

Benefits

Monthly stipend for expenses

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree or final year of Bachelor's.
• Fluency in Arabic and English required.
• Previous relevant experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiries via email in Arabic and English.
• Assist with managing communication on various platforms.
• Support the learning process and track learner progress.

Skills

Collaborative work

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Research experience

Education

Postgraduate enrollment or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online learning platforms

Job description

Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP : we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The Knowledge Project is a joint initiative between UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) established in 2008. It aims to promote knowledge societies and policies as transformational means to achieving sustainable development in the Arab States region and beyond. The project builds on the Arab Knowledge Reports, the Arab Knowledge Index, the knowledge4all portal, the Arab Reading Index, the KnowTalks series, the Future of Knowledge Foresight Report series and the Global Knowledge Index (GKI). Moreover, the project has recently launched an ambitious initiative to develop the skills of citizens in the Arab States region. In 2024, the Knowledge Project has a multifaceted work plan aimed at advancing its mission on multiple fronts. It is set to produce GKI 2024 through a data update. Through the FutureSkills4All initiative, the project is committed to reskilling and upskilling 6,000 learners, empowering them with essential skills for the future. Additionally, the project is set to organize the Knowledge Summit and host a series of engaging KnowTalks events, providing platforms for thought leaders to discuss critical topics and disseminate valuable insights. To enhance knowledge accessibility, the project will focus on improving its knowledge4all portal and mobile application, making information readily available to a wider audience. Furthermore, the integration of the pilot artificial intelligence (AI) policy tool into the portal represents a significant step toward leveraging AI for knowledge dissemination. Simultaneously, the Knowledge Project will commence the revision of the GKI ensuring that it remains accurate and relevant, which is scheduled to be launched in 2025 as GKI 2025. In addition to these efforts, the Knowledge Project will implement a robust outreach and dissemination strategy to maximize the impact of its project outputs, ensuring that its valuable resources reach a diverse and global audience. Accordingly, the Knowledge Project is seeking the services of a Skills Coordinator Intern, whose duties will include : responding to emails and inquiries received via the project’s official email address; supporting communication through WhatsApp and other channels; assisting with the processing of learners’ requests; contributing to the management of the learning process through the learning platform; supporting partner engagement activities; assisting in data management and progress tracking; and providing data inputs for communication materials—all in support of the overall implementation of the Future Skills Academy.

Duties and Responsibilities The intern will be based in Dubai, UAE office. Responsibilities may include but will not be limited to the following :

• Support in responding to emails and inquiries received through the official Knowledge Project email address (in both Arabic and English) in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist in managing and responding to messages and requests received via WhatsApp and other designated communication channels (in both Arabic and English).
• Support the management of the learning process through the project’s learning platform, including tasks related to learner enrolment, access, and progress tracking.
• Assist with partner engagement activities, including coordination, follow-up, and documentation of partner interactions (in both Arabic and English as needed).
• Help in collecting, organizing, and maintaining data related to learners, partners, and programme progress.
• Assist in preparing and providing data and content for communication materials, reports, and presentations (in both Arabic and English).
• Provide general assistance with the implementation of Future Skills Academy activities and carry out other related tasks as needed.
• Support the team with any other substantive tasks requested by the Project.
• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Proven record of interest and work in the development field;
• Excellent analytical and research skills;
• Research experience;
• Interest in the Arab States region and possibly some background in researching the region; Professionalism :
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues / problems;
• Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Shows pride in work and in achievement;
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating the perspective of youth and ensuring the equal participation of young people as in all areas of work. Communication :
• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Teamwork :
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning and Organizing :
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required;
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resource for completing work;
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
• Uses time efficiently. Accountability :
• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honor commitments;
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
• Supports subordinates, provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments;
• Takes personal responsibility for his / her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Creativity :
• Actively seeks to improve program or services;
• Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs;
• Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas;
• Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas;
• Thinks “outside the box”;
• Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things;
• Not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Technological Awareness :
• Keeps abreast of available technology;
• Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office;
• Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks;
• Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Experience Education :

• To be eligible for the UNDP internship programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application :
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree (such as a Master’s or higher);
• Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent;
• Have recently graduated from a university (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or higher) and start the internship within one year of graduation;
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme where the internship is a requirement.

Experience :

• Relevant previous experience is a plus;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
• Experience in supporting educational initiatives, including coordinating learning activities for university students and recent graduates.
• Familiarity with online learning platforms and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) such as Coursera or similar digital education tools.
• Ability to assist learners in navigating educational content and tracking progress within digital learning environments.

Languages :

• Fluency in Arabic and English (both oral and written) is required.

Stipend :

• Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, must be paid by the receiving office.
• The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
• No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement.

Disclaimer Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications. Applicant information about UNDP rosters Note : UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. Non-discrimination UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.