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IO/UNS Newsletter [1/27]

Yun Liang - Thursday, January 27, 2022
 Events   IO/UNS Newsletter 
January 27, 2022

Dear IO/UNS Community, 

Welcome back! We hope you had a great start to the Spring 2022 semester. Despite the virtual nature of classes, we are happy to connect with so many of you and look forward to returning to in-person soon. We’d also like to extend a warm welcome to J-termers as the newest members of the SIPA and IO/UNS Community.

Last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres briefed the UN General Assembly on his priorities for 2022. “We face a five-alarm global fire that requires the full mobilization of all countries,” he said, referring to the raging COVID-19 pandemic, a morally bankrupt global financial system, the climate crisis, lawlessness in cyberspace, and diminished peace and security. 

On Monday, the United Nations celebrated the fourth International Day of Education to mark the role of education for peace and development under the theme “Changing Course, Transforming Education.” The recent UNESCO Global Futures of Education Report highlights the most important transformations and urgent rebalancing needed to realize the fundamental right to education and build a more sustainable, inclusive and peaceful future. To follow along the debate on the UN’s progress towards SDG 4, watch the Secretary-General’s message here and check out UNESCO’s concept note. 

From the various news in this newsletter, please note our upcoming talk by Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women on Feburary 3, 1-2pm, a talk on Transnational Lawmaking Coalitions for Human Rights on February 9, 1-2pm, as well as the upcoming deadline to apply for summer internships at the World Bank (Jan 31).

In this newsletter, you will find: 

  • Two New MiA Blog Posts
  • UN YPP Application - Feb. 13 Deadline
  • What We’re Listening To
  • IO/UNS Student Spotlight
  • Events at SIPA and Beyond
  • Internship Opportunities

**Please note this message is clipped. You can open the message in a new browser to see full event and internship listings.

Daniel, Nate & Yun
IO/UNS Specialization Team

Two New MiA Blog Posts

2022 starts with two exciting new think-pieces on Multilateralism in Action. Check out former UNDP Associate Administrator, Mourad Wahba’s reflections on development in the context of war through an analysis of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus and Global Director, Fragility and Resilience, Food for the Hungry, Jonathan Papoulidis’ call for a resilience lens in statebuilding in fragile states.

UN YPP Application - February 13 Deadline

The application period for the 2021-22 UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP) exams is now open. Applications will be accepted through 13 February 2022. The YPP a recruitment initiative for talented, highly qualified professionals to start a career as an international civil servant with the UN Secretariat. This year’s exam topic areas and their corresponding job openings are:

  • Social Affairs/ Social Policy and Development: Job Opening #164785
  • Statistics and Data Science: Job Opening #164791

Students who would like to join a student-led study group, connecting with like-minded students who are also planning to take the exam, please submit your interest for student-led and organized groups here here!

If you plan to apply, we recommend creating an account on Inspira as soon as possible as it might take some time to set it up. Please feel free to review some of the UN YPP resources: 

What We're Listening To

In this column, we highlight IO/UNS-related podcasts, movies, news sources, and more that might be of interest to students in our community.

“Behind the Numbers” is a podcast of the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA) on the meaningful participation of women in peacemaking efforts. Episodes include conversations with peacemakers and decision-makers on the challenges and opportunities of the UN’s women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. Launched on the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2020, the series continues to the present day.
 
This first episode of the UN DPPA podcast series “Behind the Numbers” is a conversation with Rosemary A. DiCarlo, the first woman to serve as Under-Secretary-General in charge of the main United Nations political office, today known as the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA). With more than 35 years of experience in public service and academia, USG DiCarlo advises the UN Secretary-General on peace and security issues globally, while overseeing “good offices” initiatives and field-based political missions carrying out peacemaking, preventive diplomacy and peacebuilding activities. In this interview, she shares thoughts about her journey in diplomacy and international affairs, remaining challenges, and her vision for the future of the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda.

Listen to the podcast here. 

Do you have a favorite podcast, news series, or blog that you think your peers would enjoy? Send us an email with your recommendations!
Danielle Neftin

IO/UNS Student Spotlight

We are proud of the critical views and relevant experiences of our IO/UNS specializers. To give each other a platform and a better appreciation of our goals and ideas, we are looking for volunteers to shed a spotlight on in our weekly newsletter communications and post on our Twitter account (@UNatColumbia). We hope these spotlights will help foster an even better understanding of our IO/UNS community and to share your inspirations for pursuing an education in multilateralism and global governance. We know that each of you has something to offer. Don't be shy and please fill out our questionnaire here - we'd love to shine a light on you!
Events at SIPA & Beyond
Spotlighted Events

Thursday, Feb. 3, 1-2 PM ET
Online
The Future of the UN's Gender Agenda: Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women

RSVP | EVENT INFO
Spotlighted Events

Wednesday, Feb 9. 1-2 PM ET
Online & in-person
Transnational Lawmaking Coalitions for Human Rights

 

RSVP | EVENT INFO
January 26 - February 16, 2022
UNA-NYC Careers at the United Nations
Online 

The United Nations Association of New York is hosting a four-part series exploring careers in the United Nations with exclusive access to information and insider tips about how to launch their UN careers. The sessions will be held via Zoom, on January 26, February 2, February 9 and February 16. The time slot for the first three sessions is from 6–7 p.m. EST, while the last session on February 16 is from 1–2 p.m. EST. Each session will last approximately one hour and will include time for attendees to ask questions.  

  • February 2 | Interviewing to Impress:
    Learn the ins and outs of the UN interview process and understand the competencies candidates are expected to demonstrate

  • February 9 | Navigating the NGO Ecosystem:
    Get an in-depth look at the network of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) that work with the UN and the opportunities it presents

  • February 16 | Young Professionals Career Panel: Meet with four young professionals working in the UN world and hear their individual journeys to their jobs, from start to finish

Register for the webinars here.

January 26-28
PeaceCon@10
Online

The Alliance for Peacebuilding and the USIP are organizing a PeaceCon@10 virtual conference. The theme is: “COVID, Climate, and Conflict - Rising to the Challenges of a Disrupted World.” It has $10 tickets for students and it has great list of speakers, starting with the Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed. The agenda is available here, and the registration info here. 

Thursday, January 27. 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET.
United Nations Holocaust Memorial Ceremony
Online

TMs. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications will host the ceremony marking the 2022 International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Invited speakers include the United Nations Secretary-General; the President of the 76th session of the General Assembly; the Permanent Representatives of Israel and the United States; Dr. Petra Gelbart, granddaughter of Romani Holocaust survivors Helena “Margita” Nová and Antonín “Ruda” Hránek, and Mr. Elisha Wiesel, son of Holocaust survivors Marion and ElieÔÇ»Wiesel. Professor John K. Roth will deliver the keynote address. The ceremony will include testimonies from Holocaust survivors from Canada, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Mr. Pinchas Zukerman and Mr. Shai Wosner will perform a musical piece. Cantor Daniel Mendelson, Congregation Kol Ami, New York will recite memorial prayers.
 
The ceremony will be livestreamed worldwide through UN Web TV.
 
Register for the webinar here.
IO/UNS Thursday, February 3. 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET.
The Future of the UN’s Gender Agenda: Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women 
Virtual & In Person

Founded 11 years ago to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women, UN Women delivers programmes, policies and standards that uphold women’s human rights and ensure that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential.
 
Sima Bahous, who was appointed as UN Women’s new Executive Director in September 2021, will share her vision for the future of the UN’s gender agenda and the challenges to reach real impacts for the lives of women and girls. 
 
Ms. Bahous previously served as the Permanent Representative of Jordan to the UN, Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at UNDP, and Head of the Social Development Sector at the League of Arab States. 
 
Ms. Bahous will be joined in conversation by Professor Yasmine Ergas, director of SIPA’s Gender and Public Policy specialization, as well as of the Institute for the Study of Human Rights and Professor Daniel Naujoks, director a.i. of SIPA’s international organization and UN studies specialization. 
 
Ms. Bahous will join virtually. Columbia students and faculty can opt to join the in-person joint viewing or to participate online. Due to the pandemic, other guests only have the option to join online. Please see the separate registration options.
 
Register for the webinar here.
Thursday, February 3. 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET.
International Monetary Fund Employer Information Session (Washington, DC Career Week)
Online

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 189 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. Created in 1945, the IMF is governed by and accountable to the 189 countries that make up its near-global membership. The IMF's primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system—the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries (and their citizens) to transact with each other. The Fund's mandate was updated in 2012 to include all macroeconomic and financial sector issues that bear on global stability.
 
Register for the webinar here.
Wednesday, February 9. 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET.

Transnational Lawmaking Coalitions for Human Rights

Online & in-person
What is the role and impact of informal collaborations in the UN human rights treaty bodies? Nina Reiners shares insights from her new book 'Transnational Lawmaking Coalitions for Human Rights' (Cambridge UP, 2022) to show that issues as central to international human rights as the right to water, abortion, torture, and hate speech are often only clarified through the instrument of treaty interpretations. Diving beneath the surface of the formal access, procedures, and actors of the UN treaty body system, Reiners reveals how the experts and external collaborators play a key role in the development of human rights.

The talk will be moderated by Professor Daniel Naujoks, director a.i., IO/UNS specialization. 

Dr. Reiner will join virtually. Columbia students and faculty can opt to join the in-person joint viewing or to join virtually. Due to the pandemic, other guests only have the option to join online. Please see the separate registration options. 

Register here.

Internship Opportunities
UNDP Intern - Private Sector Development in Crisis Contexts Location: Home-based

Based in the UNDP Crisis Bureau in New York, the incumbent will support UNDPs efforts in supporting countries and country offices to pursue integrated recovery solutions in crisis and post crisis situations. This position will be focused on advancing UNDP’s efforts on private sector development in crisis-affected context. The intern will work closely with other teams across the GPN, Regional Hubs and Country Offices. The position will also support the team’s broader efforts on integrated recovery solutions, beyond private sector development in crisis-affected contexts.
Tasks will include supporting collaborative process of policy development, applied research and programmes on livelihoods systems development and economic revitalization (with focus on private sector development) in fragile and conflict situations, and disaster/post disaster settings. The incumbent will also support UNDP’s work on promoting decent work for refugees, migrants and vulnerable host community members, to deliver on commitments made at the Global Refugee Forum.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

UNDP Intern - Women's Economic Empowerment in Crisis
Application Deadline: January 28, 2022
Location: New York

Based in the UNDP Crisis Bureau in New York, the incumbent will support UNDPs efforts in supporting countries and country offices to pursue integrated recovery solutions in crisis and post crisis situations. This position will be focused on advancing UNDP’s efforts on strengthening UNDP’s efforts on women’s economic empowerment in crisis-affected settings. The intern will work closely with other teams across the GPN, Regional Hubs and Country Offices. Both positions will also support the team’s broader efforts on integrated recovery solutions, beyond women’s economic empowerment in crisis-affected contexts.

Tasks will include supporting collaborative process of policy development, applied research and programmes on livelihoods systems development and economic revitalization (with focus on women’s economic empowerment) in fragile and conflict situations, and disaster/post disaster settings. The incumbent will also support UNDP’s work on promoting decent work for refugees, migrants and vulnerable host community members, to deliver on commitments made at the Global Refugee Forum.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

World Bank Summer Internship
Application Deadline: January 31, 2022
Location: Washington, D.C.

The Bank Internship Program is now accepting applications through January 31st for its Summer Term (May – September 2022). The Bank Internship Program (BIP) offers highly motivated individuals an opportunity to be exposed to the mission and work of the World Bank. The internship allows individuals to bring new perspectives, innovative ideas and research experience into the Bank's work, while improving skills in a diverse environment. In addition, it is a great way to enhance CVs with practical work experience. Internships are available in both development operations and other business units. 

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

UNESCAP Environment Affairs Intern
Application Deadline: February 28, 2022
Location: Home-based

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Environment and Development Division, Sustainable Urban Development Section works with member States and key stakeholders to promote sustainable and inclusive urban development in Asia and the Pacific through a programme of work focused on: (i) developing and disseminating knowledge products that foster enhanced awareness and informed decision-making; (ii) providing technical assistance and supporting capacity development; (iii) strengthening intergovernmental processes; and (iv) networking and partnership development, among others.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

UNDP Intern for Data Futures Project Support
Application Deadline: February 2, 2022
Location: Home-based

In December 2020, UNDP launched the Data Futures Platform as an open resource that translates multidimensional data into actionable insights to support Governments and other development practitioners. It operates across the entire breadth of UNDP’s work with a goal to support decision makers to analyse potential impacts of different combinations of policy choices, across countries and regions, before investments are locked in.

Under the guidance of the Global Policy Advisor of the SDG Integration, BPPS/GPN, the Data Futures Project Support Intern will work with the SDG Integration’s data team to support its engagement with UNDP Offices globally and updates on the Data Futures Platform.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

UNDP Communication Intern for the Prevention of Violent Extremism
Application Deadline: June 30, 2022
Location: Home-based

UNDP’s Crisis Bureau (CB) has corporate responsibility for UNDP’s corporate crisis-related work and driving UNDP’s vision and priorities for crisis prevention, response, and recovery, to support the strategic results, outcomes and outputs of UNDP's Strategic Plan. Within the CB, the Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions (CPPRI) team works on the integration of governance, conflict prevention and peacebuilding interventions. The CPPRI team leads and coordinates UNDP's corporate, global approach on how to prevent violent extremism (PVE) from a development perspective. 
The intern will engage with the PVE Team in New York as well as colleagues in Country Offices and Regional Hubs to enhance communication across the practice.This position will expose the intern to unique insights on implementation of peacebuilding and prevention of violent extremism programmes across the 42 countries in which UNDP implements PVE projects.

To apply, please visit the job posting here.

Follow the IO/UNS Specialization on
CampusGroups, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

Feel free to reach out to us:
Daniel Naujoks, Interim Director, daniel.naujoks@columbia.edu
To book office hours, click here.

Yun Liang, Program Assistant, yun.liang@columbia.edu
Nate Edwards, Program Assistant, nke2113@columbia.edu