The United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) is an inter-agency programme of the United Nations mandated to promote and develop constructive relations between the United Nations and civil society organizations.
The UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service (NGLS) was established in 1975 by several UN agencies as an inter-agency programme to promote and develop constructive relations between the United Nations and civil society organizations. Since its creation, the Service’s original sponsors have been joined by additional UN agencies, funds and programmes, private foundations, and several donor country governments.
In recent years, the work of NGLS has been supported by:
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)- Administering/Lead Agency
United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA)
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
International Labour Office (ILO)
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (HABITAT)
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and the Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS)
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
World Food Programme (WFP)
World Health Organization (WHO)
NGLS also received financial support for its activities from the Governments of Canada, Catalonia, Finland, France, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Norway, as well as the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the Ford Foundation, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
NEW YORK OFFICE
Anita Unni Nayar, Officer in Charge
Bernhard Frey, Programme Associate
Mr. Frey joined NGLS in New York in September 2011. Prior to that, he worked for German Development Cooperation in Mali, where he supported the implementation of the communication strategy of the Malian environmental policy, and in Germany, as an adviser on environmental policy and sustainable development to the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Mr. Frey has studied Political Science and Sociology (M.A.) in Germany and France and also holds a postgraduate diploma in development project management from a Spanish university.
Kathryn Tobin, Associate Communications Officer
Ms. Tobin holds a BA in Africana Studies from Barnard College of Columbia University, and a Masters in African Literature from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Before joining NGLS in October 2011, Kathryn worked at an Uncommon School in Brooklyn, NY, for the Program in Africana Studies at Barnard College, and at several NGOs in Uganda.
GENEVA OFFICE
Beth Peoch, Officer in Charge
Ms. Peoch joined NGLS in Geneva in September 2001 as editor of NGLS’s publications. Prior to that, she worked for Smithsonian Magazine in Washington DC as advertising production manager, and in the Economics and Trade Unit at the United Nations Environment Programme in Geneva. She holds a B.A. in journalism and creative writing from Oklahoma State University (US) and an M.A. in communications, media and public relations from the University of Leicester (UK).
Jolanda Groen, Associate Programme Officer
Ms. Groen joined NGLS in Geneva in October 2008 as an Associate Programme Officer. Prior to joining NGLS, she worked as a Junior Professor at Utrecht University, teaching writing and research skills, human geography and international development. She holds a B.A. in International Tourism Management and Consultancy and a M.A. in International Development Studies - with a specialization in decentralization and participatory governance processes.
Hamish Jenkins, Programme Officer
Mr. Jenkins works on issues related to social and economic justice and
alternative development strategies at NGLS. He has also worked at the International Labour Organization on the social dimension of globalization, as research coordinator for NGO networks on access to environmental justice and as a freelance journalist. He was the lead author of an NGLS policy handbook: Decent Work and Fair Globalization: A Guide to Policy Dialogue. His background is in development studies.
David Vergari, Administration
There are currently 2 openings for internship positions in NGLS Geneva office. All applications will be considered, however native Spanish speakers will be preferred. Candidates should please send their resume and a detailed cover letter to David Vergari at david.vergari@unctad.org.
There are currently no openings for internships in the New York office. Opportunities will be posted again in late August/September.
General information about NGLS’s internship programme
The aim of this programme is to provide interns with an opportunity to gain practical work experience related to their academic programme or future work in a field related to NGLS’s mission.
The incumbent forms part of the NGLS office, which works to promote greater communication, dialogue and cooperation between the UN system and non-governmental organizations. S/He assumes, in close cooperation with the relevant NGLS staff in both New York and Geneva, the tasks outlined below. While hours are normally regular, meeting deadlines and support for NGLS meetings may require occasional scheduling flexibility.
Under the general supervision of the NGLS Coordinator, the intern is responsible for:
• Monitoring and providing summaries of relevant UN meetings and NGO hearings;
• Aid in the execution and development of NGLS’s program activities, including the production and dissemination of NGLS publications;
• Performing Internet-based Research and information cataloguing;
• Liaising with the NGLS office in Geneva;
• Assisting with the development of NGLS’s electronic communications; and
• Conceptualizing, building and maintaining NGLS’s contact databases.
The candidate must have a Bachelor diploma (or equivalent) and be enrolled – at the time of application and during the entire period of internship – in a graduate-level degree programme in a relevant field. (S)he must be able to commit for a full-time, three-month internship with the possibility of extension for up to an additional three months.
Internship positions are unpaid. The costs associated with an intern’s participation in the programme must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements. In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins.
Candidates for the internship programme are selected on a competitive basis. The profiles of the interns are matched with the needs of NGLS. The following qualifications are required:
• Keen interest in sustainable, social and economic development issues;
• Knowledge of the functioning of the UN system; including work with NGOs;
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
• Knowledge of computer database programmes;
• Problem-solving, organizational skills;
• Fluency in English and in French or Spanish
• Working knowledge of any other official language of the UN is an asset.
• Cultural sensitivity.