Governance Intern

UNDP in South Africa implements programmes and projects to strengthen transformative governance and enhance service delivery to enable a capable developmental state, and improve and promote inclusive public participation in the implementation of government national priorities, ensuring that no one is left behind. Through our work with state and non-state actors, we also support mutual co-existence of communities the peaceful resolution of conflicts and promote social cohesion. The Governance portfolio includes support to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC); building state capability with support to the Professionalisation of the  Public Service in particular Initiation of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) support. The Unit also provided technical support to the UN wide Results Groups on efficient, effective and transformative Governance.

In partnership with the National School of Government (NSG), National Planning Commission (NPC), and Public Service Commission (PSC) and Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), a building state capability program is being implemented and consists of three interdependent pillars aimed at:

• enhancing professionalization of the public service led by the NSG
• strengthening the capacity of the public service to use data and evidence in planning and programme implementation led by the NPC
• building strong and dynamic institutions through improved Public Administration Processes led by the PSC.

Together with these partners, and sub-national governments at provincial and district levels, the UNDP has contributed to several government efforts aimed at improving the efficiency of the state towards enhancing service delivery for all citizens. The objective is to ensure that public service is increasingly professional, accountable, and development-oriented in the country.

In collaboration with the Centre for Public Service Innovation, UNDP has implemented the Let’s Talk Digital platform – an innovation real-time system designed for citizen engagement and citizen-oriented communication, improving real-time communication interface between citizens and authorities.  The platform has been rolled out close to 100 wards in OR Tambo District and Waterberg District Municipalities respectively. 

To address lack of youth participation in the electoral process, UNDP works closely with a youth network on civic education in communities across all 9 provinces. Community members, especially youth, get empowered to better understand how to engage local government representatives accountable on issues affecting their communities, understand the meaning of democracy, and be willing to exercise their right to vote.

UNDP works with the Electoral Commission of South Africa  in building the capacity of the domestic observers to safeguard  the integrity of the electoral processes, and support efforts at combatting dis and mis information, and strengthening of social cohesion and peace at local level during electoral cycles.

As the area of governance is evolving, the program is reviewing its focus and exploring new emerging demands and opportunities in e-governance; data analytics; artificial intelligence; social media and countering mis and disinformation, and the use of digital platforms other innovations to strengthen governance and participation, and deliver services faster, effectively with efficiency.
 

The Intern will:

• Support staff working in the governance portfolio by contributing to the drafting of concept notes, project documents, project plans, communications, updating of the website, and liaising with partners. 
• Liaising and communication with partners 
• Attend all governance meetings and assist to take notes of discussion and follow up on action items 
• Conduct analytical work as directed
• Together with the M&E team, track results of the governance portfolio to facilitate Annual reporting
• Together with the Communications analyst, use social media and other platforms to publicize governance work, and document challenges and lessons learnt
• Any other duties assigned by the Governance Programme Manager.

Results/expected outputs:

• Working with the program associate, ensure programme administrative support is provided to the governance team in an efficient, timely, responsive, and client-friendly manner to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the governance programme. 
• Relevant Programme data, best practices, lessons learned are regularly collected, updated and are available for development and programming goals and for results reporting.
• Knowledge management products and governance portfolio well captured and documents on website and social media platforms.

• Inter-personal skills: commitment to diversity and working in multi-disciplinary teams, and ability to adapt to different cultural contexts 
• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;