Background

Demonstrating the relevance of innovation as a critical design principle for programming is a key priority for the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP).  Particular emphasis has been placed on nurturing innovative tools, techniques and approaches and the use of technologies for development.  As a result, RBAP established the Innovation Fund to support Country Offices in the region to advance the innovation agenda by providing the creative space and discretionary resources to prototype innovative solutions and experiment with new ways of working to tackle complex development challenges outside the traditional business cycle.

The RBAP Regional Centre is a regional hub focusing on providing policy and programmatic support to UNDP activities in the Asia and Pacific region.  Throughout UNDP´s programmatic focus areas, it assists Country Offices in development and implementation of initiatives and at the regional level, it conceptualizes and implements activities in partnership with a wide range of partners.  The structure of the Regional Centre is composed of policy/programme teams consisting of specialists and advisors that work cross-thematically and issues-based through Development Solutions Teams in support of country and regional level activities and supported by the Operations Team.  The Regional Centre administers the Innovation Fund established by RBAP and supports applicants from the Country Offices.

This initiative is a way to deliver on the new corporate Strategic Plan’s call for more “agile” programming. Building on notable innovation successes in the region, RBAP is doubling its efforts in this area to open up opportunities for UNDP staff to get first hand, on the job experience of new development tools and to provide the space to scan for available expertise, experiences and partners outside UNDP beyond “the usual suspects”, working out aloud via online communications and engage in upfront risk management through prototyping by reaching out to new partners to co-design innovate solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Innovation Intern, under the guidance and direct supervision of the Regional Innovation Specialist, will carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Assist in conducting research on innovative thinking and practice, compiling background materials, statistical data and briefing notes for innovation and media events;
  • Assist in the preparation of innovations, communications and public-private partnerships outreach materials (i.e. PowerPoint presentations, brochures, etc.), as needed;
  • Assist in organizing activities for the innovation team, such as training sessions, seminars, etc.;
  • Support in designing and developing digital communications strategies and content;
  • Assist in managing and updating the innovation section on the regional website, documenting innovative practice within Asia Pacific Region;
  • Assist in updating and organizing event photos, as well as writing and editing stories;
  • Help maintain and update the innovation partner’s database;
  • Join any ad hoc task forces that require his/her support as requested.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrate commitment to the UN’s core values;
  • Respects individual, gender and cultural differences in dealing with others;
  • Treat all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

  • Ability to think out of box and translate innovative thinking into practice;
  • Rapid prototyping and evaluating;
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills for innovation and communication;
  • Good communications, writing and interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment and be an effective team-player;
  • Sound judgment, diplomacy and sensitivity in confidential matters;
  • Full proficiency in English;
  • Good IT competency;
  • Ability to work with Microsoft Office software, Adobe illustrator;
  • Proactive, organized and self-motivated.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Currently enrolled in graduate-level degree in relevant fields; preferably journalism/communication, technology, IT, public/business administration, international development, or other related fields;
  • Candidates who have graduated are not eligible for internship.

Experience:

  • Previous assignment in a similar position would be desirable.

Language:

  • Full proficiency in English.

Conditions:

  • UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
  • All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
  • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship or for six months immediately following the expiration date of internship;
  • The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan;
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible.

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.