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General Information

Publication for
Hosted Entity
Entity Name
Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD)
Position Title
Policy and Communications Intern
Job Category
Communications
Duty Station(s)
Geneva
Seniority Level
Entry Level
ICS Level
Internship
Contract Type
Internship
Contract Level
Internship
Posting Start Date
19-Jan-2026
Posting End Date
01-Feb-2026
Duration
3 months with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

Job Highlight

The position is full time and will be based in Geneva, Switzerland. Under the direct supervision of the Head of the PDD Secretariat, the Intern will support the PDD Secretariat with relevant disaster displacement research, policy review, analysis and communication support, including providing administration support as applicable.

About the Region

  • The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) unites the New York Portfolios, including the Peace and Security team (PSC); the Geneva Office; and the Vienna-based Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) teams, to maximize global impact, foster efficiencies and streamline global programmes. Leveraging our collective expertise and networks, GPO supports UNOPS' strategic priorities and the SDGs across over 130 countries. We deliver project management, fund management, advisory services, project implementation, and HR services, working closely with major global partners. Our thematic focus includes sustainable development, climate action, health, peace & security, and humanitarian action.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

From Geneva, UNOPS strives to facilitate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working with governments, other United Nations (UN) agencies and partners. This includes supporting platforms and hosting high-profile, flagship initiatives and funds focusing on health, nutrition, water and sanitation, sustainable cities, environment, and trade.

 UNOPS is a recognized resource for the UN system in Geneva - from fund management and oversight and advisory services, to providing hosting solutions to a range of global initiatives, as well as operational support to partner organizations.

About the Project Office

The Nansen Initiative Agenda for the Protection of Cross-Border Displaced Persons in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change (Protection Agenda) was endorsed by 109 delegations during an intergovernmental global consultation on 12-13 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland, which marked the end of the Nansen Initiative.


The Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) was established on 1 July 2016 to follow up on the work of the Nansen Initiative and to implement the recommendations of the Protection Agenda.


In January 2024, the PDD embarked on its Strategic Framework 2024-2030 with the overall objective to support States and other stakeholders to strengthen the protection of persons displaced in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change, and to prevent or reduce disaster displacement risks in countries of origin. 


The PDD is a State-led multistakeholder partnership. It is led by a group of States (Steering Group), supported by a larger group so States convening in a Group of Friends, draws on the expertise and implementation capacity of a multistakeholder group of actors (Advisory Committee) and is supported by a Secretariat. The PDD uses the hosting services provided by UNOPS for its Secretariat and for the administration of financial contributions for its Workplan implementation, when applicable.

About the Group

As part of the Global Portfolio Office, UNOPS Geneva provides comprehensive solutions in secretariat hosting, operational support, and fund management. We manage global programmes, including the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) Portfolio, offering project management, procurement, HR, and financial services. Geneva hosts the secretariats of eight global partnerships focused on health (RBM, Stop TB, ATscale), nutrition (SUN), water/sanitation (SHF), humanitarian leadership (GELI), urban development (Cities Alliance), and disaster displacement (PDD). We also provide fund management for EIF and UN Water, and operational support to Geneva-based partners like the Global Fund and UNHCR. The EU-UNOPS Lives in Dignity (LiD) Grant Facility is also based here.

Job Specific Context

The Nansen Initiative Agenda for the Protection of Cross-Border Displaced Persons in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change (Protection Agenda) was endorsed by 109 delegations during an intergovernmental global consultation on 12-13 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland, which marked the end of the Nansen Initiative.


The Platform on Disaster Displacement (PDD) was established on 1 July 2016 to follow up on the work of the Nansen Initiative and to implement the recommendations of the Protection Agenda.


In January 2024, the PDD embarked on its Strategic Framework 2024-2030 with the overall objective to support States and other stakeholders to strengthen the protection of persons displaced in the context of disasters and the adverse effects of climate change, and to prevent or reduce disaster displacement risks in countries of origin. 


The PDD is a State-led multistakeholder partnership. It is led by a group of States (Steering Group), supported by a larger group so States convening in a Group of Friends, draws on the expertise and implementation capacity of a multistakeholder group of actors (Advisory Committee) and is supported by a Secretariat. The PDD uses the hosting services provided by UNOPS for its Secretariat and for the administration of financial contributions for its Workplan implementation, when applicable.

Role Purpose

To support the PDD Secretariat in carrying out its core functions to advance the objectives and strategic priorities of the Platform on Disaster Displacement, in line with the applicable Strategy and Workplan.

Functions / Key Results Expected

 Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Secretariat, the Intern will: 


  • Assist with the collection and documentation of examples of effective practices in addressing disaster-displacement and effective practices on managing disaster displacement risks in countries of origin.

  • Assist in mapping of areas and regions most at risk of disaster displacement, including those regions vulnerable to slow-onset events associated with the adverse effects of climate change.

  • Assist the communication work of the PDD Secretariat to develop content material for the website and support social media work.

  • Support dissemination of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda.

  • Assist with the preparation of, and reporting from, meetings organized by the Chair and the Secretariat of the Platform on Disaster Displacement (e.g. Steering Group meetings, meetings of the Advisory Committee, side events etc.).

  • Perform other policy, research and administrative tasks as required 


Training components and learning elements


Through this internship, the Intern will gain:

  • Enhanced written and oral communication skills in a professional, multilateral policy environment, including the preparation of policy-related content, background notes, and communication materials.
  • Practical experience in policy research and analysis related to disaster displacement and the adverse effects of climate change, including reviewing frameworks, documenting effective practices, and synthesizing findings.
  • Exposure to international policy processes and multistakeholder engagement, through involvement in the preparation and reporting of meetings, consultations, and side events with States and partners.
  • Hands-on experience in communications and Secretariat support, including contributing to website and social media content, dissemination of key policy messages, and coordination of meetings and events.

Skills

Administration, Communication, Event Planning, Meeting Scheduling, Microsoft Office, Policy Research, Research, Social Media Communications, Google Cloud
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required:

  • Candidates should be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D. (or the equivalent) in law, humanitarian affairs, international relations, or another related field, ideally with a specialization in international human rights law and/or the protection of displaced persons or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship.

Experience Requirements

Desired:

  • While no prior work experience is required, some experience in either government, diplomatic, non-governmental or international civil service with experience in the field of law, human rights, and/or protection of displaced persons would be an asset.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired
FrenchBasicDesirable
SpanishBasicDesirable

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. 
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.