MDG Internship Positions at CIVICUS
Johannesburg, South Africa

CIVICUS is an international alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. It was established in 1993 to nurture the foundation, growth and protection of citizen action throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens’ freedom of association are threatened. A key role of the organisation is to unite members of civil society in joint efforts to achieve these objectives.

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) is a growing alliance of international organisations, networks and national campaigns committed to eradicating extreme poverty. In this context, CIVICUS is putting together a small team of dedicated people to act as the global secretariat of the Global Campaign.
Throughout 2005, members of the GCAP will be working together to insist that world leaders tackle the causes of poverty and meet and exceed their own promises on the MDGs.

CIVICUS is now seeking applications to fill four internship positions to be based in Johannesburg, South Africa. These positions will be for a period of six months with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Development, Social Science or any other relevant subject or relevant work experience

Primary Responsibilities and Tasks

· Support the work of the GCAP Working Groups (WG);
· Arrange and participate in conference calls of the WG;
· Assist in developing the agenda for WG meetings;
· Take minutes of WG meetings and effect timely distribution following the meetings;
· Assist in implementation of decisions taken by the WG;
· Manage and maintain the WG list-serv;
· Liaise with the MDG Campaign Manager, and other CIVICUS staff and, where necessary, other GCAP supporters, in order to maximise opportunities to advance GCAP / MDG Campaign goals and objectives;
· Liaise with other CIVICUS departments and staff as appropriate to further GCAP / MDG Campaign goals and objectives;
· Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Skills and Competencies

Required:
· Excellent writing skills
· Excellent planning, organisational and inter-personal skills;
· Excellent attention to detail even under significant time-pressure;
· Highly proficient in English;
· Able to work in a multi-cultural environment;
· Familiar with software applications and working electronically;
· Background in media and / or communications;

Desirable:
· Proficiency in additional languages (especially other UN languages, as well as Portuguese)

Applications

· Applications should be emailed to [email protected].
· Deadline for applications is Friday 13 May 2005 or until vacancies are filled.
· Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.