UNDP Jobs - 51718- Internship in Research and Data Analysis

Internship in Research and Data Analysis

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

05-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

05-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 to 6 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The interns should be enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme in economics, public policy or related field, with a focus on development studies. They will provide research support to the work of the Strategic Policy and Global Positioning (SPGP) Unit within UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS).

The SPGP Unit has two primary foci:

Lead UNDP’s policy research agenda, policy incubation, provide forward-looking analysis, identify emerging development trends in multiple contexts (including crisis contexts) and collaborate with academia and think tanks to advance UNDP’s contribution to global policy debates and the implementation of UNDP’s Strategic Plan;
Collaborate and engage with key external partners, as appropriate, such as the UN Secretariat, key UN Agencies, IFIs, EU, New Deal, G20, the OECD, and humanitarian actors to advance UNDP’s positioning in key global development processes and fora.

Duties and Responsibilities

Providing research support on a broad range of sustainable development issues with a focus on linkages with human development outcomes;
Collecting background data and undertaking quantitative analysis (descriptive statistics, basic regression analysis);
Drafting and supporting the development of briefing notes and speeches as requested by supervisor;
Providing support in the organisation of events/seminars etc. as required.

Expected output:

A hands-on experience in working with the United Nations Development Programme in advancing the organization’s contribution to global policy debates and key global development processes (e.g. the process of defining the post-2015 development agenda).

Competencies

Computer literate in standard software applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Power Point) and SPSS, Stata or a similar statistical package.
Excellent analytical, writing and quantitative skills;
Energetic self-starter with multi-tasking abilities and discipline with deadlines;
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;
Detail oriented.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidate must be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD level programme, preferably in economics, public policy or related areas. Only those students that are enrolled are eligible. Candidates that have graduated are not eligible for internship.

Experience:

Interest in the work of the UN, and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter;
Interest in sustainable human development.

.Language Requirements:

Fluency in English (written and oral);
Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Duration:

January- June 2015 (New York). The start date is flexible. Please indicate availability in application materials. Internships can last for 3 to a maximum of 6 months. Internship can be part time or full time.

Subsequent Employment:

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Conditions:

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:

Updated resume or curriculum vitae;
A letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
A copy of his/her school transcript;
Proof of medical and life/accident insurance coverage;
A letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised him/her in the recent past and who is fully acquainted his/her performance; and a brief letter (one page maximum) setting out the reasons why s/he is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience.

Insurance:

UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. As interns are not covered under any insurance, including MAIP, they should not travel to hazardous locations in the course of their internship with UNDP. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which requires transportation to the home country or country of Residence for further treatment; or results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

Please note that UNDP internships are not remunerated. For details on UNDP Internships Policy, please see relevant information at http://www.undp.org/internships/.

Interested candidates should upload their one-page CV and cover letter by 5 December 2014. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.