UNDP Jobs - 61202- Research Intern (Risk, Resilience and Transition I

Research Intern (Risk, Resilience and Transition Issues) - Strategic Policy and Global Positioning (SPGP) Unit

Location :

New York, USA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

23-Nov-2015

Application Deadline :

06-Nov-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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 intern should be enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme in a sustainable development related field, such as risk, disaster and resilience, political science, or development studies. He / She 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 focus:

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 risk, resilience and transitions;
Collecting background data and undertaking qualitative and quantitative analysis;
Supporting the development policy papers, studies, reports, briefing notes, and speeches, as requested by the supervisor;
Providing support in the organization 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.

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 level programme, preferably in sustainable development, political science or risk, disaster and resilience studies.
Only those students that are enrolled are eligible. Candidates that have graduated are not eligible for internship.

Experience:

Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and 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:

November 2015 - May 2016 (New York). The start date is flexible. Please indicate availability in application materials. Internships last 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 with 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 9 November 2015. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.