Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has nearly 50 years of experience leading the UN’s development work, providing knowledge, practical expertise, and a legacy of trust.

The Organizational Design Unit (ODU) is part of the Integrated Talent Management cluster in the Office of Human Resources which is located within the Bureau of Management of UNDP. As part of the Strategic Plan (2014-2017), a new Competency Framework was introduced. In the process of aligning UNDP’s Human Resources practices to the new Competency Framework, ODU is conducting a competency analysis and mapping at Headquarters, Regional and Country Office level. The intern will work under the guidance and supervision of the Chief, ODU and the Talent Management Analyst. She/he will promote a collaborative, client-oriented approach in the Unit and will work on various tasks related to the Competency Framework and respective analysis. Additionally, the intern provides support to the broader practices and initiatives of the Integrated Talent Management cluster.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Undertake research and analysis of UNDP’s job descriptions, particularly in regards to core and technical competency;
  • Collaborate with the Talent Management Analyst to develop a competency map of UNDP;
  • Present analysis of the collected data and create charts/tables to illustrate findings;
  • Other tasks as assigned to support the work of the Organizational Design Unit.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Leadership:

  • Takes responsibility for own work, and uses resources, methods, partners and information effectively.

Innovation:

  • Make new and useful ideas work through strong research and analytical skills.

People Management:

  • Excellent organizational, time management and interpersonal skills, as well as attention to detail and proven ability to work independently and effectively with minimum supervision.

Communication:

  • Actively listens and correctly interprets messages and instructions, as well as excellent writing skills.

Delivery:

  • Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines;
  • Theoretical and practical understanding of human resources management and organizational design, competencies and job descriptions.

Computer proficiency:

  • MS Office;
  • Demonstrated interest in the field of human resources and international development;
  • Respect for the principles of the United Nations.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Enrolled in a Master’s programme in the areas of human resources, business management, international development, public administration or a related field in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) at the time of application and during the internship;
  • If pursuing their studies in a country where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages, the candidate must have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution toward the completion of a degree. (If this applies to you, please explain further in your letter of application;
  • Not have completed all degree requirements or graduated prior to the beginning of the internship;
  • The intern must return to her/his studies after the internship with UNDP..

Experience:

  • Academic knowledge and experience of human resources and organizational design;
  • Experience working collaboratively in a team in a multicultural environment is desirable;
  • Experience conducting research, data collection, maintenance and analysis, writing and editing reports, creating presentations, and basic statistics knowledge is desirable.

Language:

  • Fluency in English;
  • Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Please note:

  • Non-masters (or equivalent) level candidates will not be considered. Candidates who will not return to their studies to finish a degree will not be considered.

Conditions of Internship:

Part-time or full-time and flexible working arrangements possible. Please indicate preferences in letter of application.

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. The costs associated must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make her or his arrangements for travel, accommodation, visa, insurance, etc.

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.

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.

Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview will be asked to submit the following document prior to the interview:

  • Official letter from the University confirming enrolment in a graduate-level (or equivalent) degree programme;
  • Copy of school transcript;
  • Letter of endorsement from a faculty member who has worked with the student in the recent past and who is knowledgeable on the student’s performance;
  • Copy and proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out (i.e. New York, USA).