Shelter Centre is an NGO sharing and generating knowledge about shelter, settlement and reconstruction. Shelter Centre supports a global community of practice, following conflicts and disasters. Our work links humanitarian, developmental, governmental, and donor organisations. Shelter Centre is made up of highly qualified, multidisciplinary professionals, passionate about humanitarian practice. Our unique positioning and specialised expertise allow us to reach across traditional discourses to strengthen humanitarian operations.
The internship The role offers the opportunity for a young professional whether still studying or recently graduated, to assist an international humanitarian organisation that highly values information technology. After their internship at Shelter Centre, many project assistants have gone on to work for humanitarian agencies, including CARE International, Cordaid, DFID, IFRC, IOM, Oxfam and UNHCR.
This position is within the Engagement team, working specifically with the newly-created Shelter & Settlement Library (SSL). The SSL is designed to serve as a global clearinghouse for regional humanitarian knowledge, with users adding content they consider useful. At the current launch stage of the SSL, Shelter Centre is seeding the library with an initial document base and recruiting users to upload documents and promote the library within their regions.
Job description The Project Assistant will facilitate the continuing development of the Shelter & Settlement Library, through managing content directly and liaising with global humanitarian actors.
Content management involves identifying relevant resources, drafting short descriptions, choosing targeted keywords, and screen-capturing the title page for upload. Batch uploads are effected from standardised Excel spreadsheets, so maintaining consistency is vital. Quality control is necessary both before and after upload.
Outreach involves contacting humanitarian actors across the globe, promoting the SSL and encouraging them to both use it and promote it among their professional networks. Keeping track of contacts lists and following up in a timely manner is essential.
Additional responsibilities may include troubleshooting the SSL platform in collaboration with the IT Manager, drafting promotional documentation, responding to funding guidelines and other tasks as required.
Job-specific capabilities Meticulous attention to consistency when entering data Familiarity with humanitarian challenges Familiarity with OCHA’s Cluster system Basic comprehension of written French, Spanish, or Arabic would be useful
General education, skills and experience Fluent English (Minimum C1 Level) Strong communication, writing and editing skills Bachelors degree in a relevant field Motivated team player and strong interest in humanitarian work Ability to work flexibly in a small, innovative and dynamic team
Conditions This is a three-month internship opportunity, ideally starting as soon as possible and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. This position will be on a full time basis and is an unpaid internship. Candidates will be required to bear their own relocation, accommodation and living costs.
Shelter Centre will only consider applications from individuals from the EU or Switzerland who hold or are likely to obtain a valid Swiss permit which allows them to reside and undertake internships in Switzerland.
How to apply:
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter in English, including your availability torecruitment@sheltercentre.org. As the subject of your email, please use ‘Internship: SSL Project Assistant’. In your cover letter please explain clearly the skills, experiences and characteristics that make you especially suited to this role.
The deadline for applications is 30th July 2013, with interviews taking place shortly thereafter. We thank all those who apply. Only candidates selected for an interview, however, will be contacted.
