Internship, Center of Information Resources and Distribution Unit. ECLAC, Ciudad de Mexico. Open until 10 February 2014

Job Title: INTERNSHIP - CENTER OF INFORMATION RESOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION UNIT, I Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Duty Station: MEXICO CITY Posting Period: 12 December 2013-10 February 2014 Job Opening number: 13-PUB-ECLAC-32205-R-MEXICO CITY United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity Org. Setting and Reporting The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) was established in 1948 to encourage economic cooperation among its member states. It is one of five regional commissions under the administrative direction of United Nations headquarters. ECLAC has 44 member States and eight non-independent territories in the Caribbean, and reports to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). ECLAC maintains subregional offices in Mexico City and in Port-of-Spain, country offices in Buenos Aires, Brasilia, Montevideo and Bogotá, and a liaison office in Washington, D.C. The Subregional Headquarters of ECLAC in Mexico was founded in 1951. It provides technical advice to governments of the countries of the subregion (Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Panama) in various socio-economic, technical and financial fields, as well as on development matters and integration issues. The subregional office in Mexico is comprised of five substantive units on Economic Development, Social Development, Agricultural Development, International Trade and Industry, and Energy and Natural Resources, in addition to the Office of the Director, the Administration Section, the Editorial, Documents and Conference Services Unit, and the Information Resource Centre and Publications Distribution Unit (Visit http://www.eclac.cl/mexico/). The internship is for a minimum of three months with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of six months, depending on the needs of the department and availability of the intern. Interns are not paid and are responsible for all expenses related to the internship. ECLAC accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the conditions of service. Interns normally work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of a staff member in the department or office to which they are assigned. Responsibilities An intern in the Center of Information Resources and Document Distribution will gain experience in work related to the design, development, operation and management of general and specialized information, research and publication services, systems and networks to support ECLAC programs and to raise awareness of ECLAC research and data. The intern will work with specialists who are responsible for developing systems, policies, websites, and outreach programs related to collection development and the management of library materials; identifying, selecting, and acquiring information in all formats; managing information resources for effective retrieval from an online catalogue and other web-based products; developing online knowledge products; designing and conducting training programs and providing technical assistance in the development of information services; analyzing users' needs; providing research and reference services to a wide international clientele; providing outreach services through presentations and training programs; and supporting the information needs of ECLAC constituents. Interns should expect to devote 20% to 25% of their time to administrative tasks. Competencies 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. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes 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; Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology. Education Area of studies: Library and Information Studies, Information Management, Website design, Marketing, Publishing, or Advertising. Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program in a graduate school (second university degree or higher); or if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a undergraduate and graduate stages, have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree. Work Experience Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. Languages Fluency in Spanish (both oral and written) is required for this Internship Programme. Knowledge of English or another official UN language is an asset. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Assessment Method Potential candidates will be contacted by hiring manager directly for further consideration. Special Notice An internship position is available quarterly. This Job Opening is for the periods of Jan-Mar and Apr-Jun. Interns should specify which time of the year they are available for the internship. Interns must keep confidential any and all unpublished information obtained during the course of the internship and not publish any reports or papers based on such information except with the explicit authorization of ECLAC. Applicants must : Be computer literate in standard office software applications; Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and Have demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. A complete online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The Cover Note must include: - Title of degree you are currently pursuing - Graduation Date (when will you be graduating from the programme) - List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in - List your top three areas of interest/department preferences - Explain why you are the best candidate for that specific department(s). - Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme In your Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experience, IT skills, and three references. Due to a high volume of applications received, ONLY successful candidates will be contacted. United Nations Considerations The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.