Background

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in 170 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

World leaders have pledged to achieve the Sustainable  Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. UNDP's network links and coordinates global and national efforts to reach these Goals. The 17 Global Goals are more ambitious than the previous 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that culminated in 2015, as they go much further to include areas that were not in the MDGs, such as inequalities, economic growth, decent jobs, energy, climate change, sustainable consumption and production, peace and justice for all. These 17 Goals provide the goal posts and will guide our work over the next 15 years.

In line with the objective to assist developing countries to achieve their SDGs, the UNDP is supporting these countries in securing funds for climate change adaptation and mitigation projects from the climate funds such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). As a long time GEF Agency, UNDP has been developing and implementing GEF-funded climate change mitigation (CCM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) projects in developing countries such as those in the Pacific Region. UNDP is also an Accredited Entity (AE) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Upon the request and endorsement of a GEF-, or GCF-eligible country, the UNDP will assist that country in the development and implementation of a suitable and cost-effective GEF-, or GCF-funded CCM or CCA project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the Assignment:

The objective of this internship assignment is to provide assistance to UNDP country offices in the Pacific Region in the identification and conceptualization of potential GCF-funded CCM projects in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) that they cover.  For this assignment, the intern will be working on the CCM projects of the UNDP-Samoa Multi-Country Office (MCO). The selected intern will carry out specific tasks as stated in Section 3 of this Terms of Reference. He/She will be reporting to/supervised by the UNDP-GEF Senior Technical Advisor (STA) in-charge of the Pacific CCM portfolio.

Scope of Work:

The Intern will carry out the following tasks:

1. Assist in mobilizing resources for CCM projects from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and, where needed, also from Global Environment Facility (GEF)

  • Assist with the gathering and review of background information that will be used in the development of GCF concept notes, and where necessary, also GEF Project Information Forms (PIFs);
  • Assist with the preparations (e.g., TOR preparation, consultancy assignment proposal evaluation) for project scoping missions, e.g., GCF project scoping mission to Niue;
  • Organize and actively participate in the conduct of project preparation meetings (e.g., agenda preparation, administrative and logistical requirements) and report on the meeting proceedings (minutes of meeting preparation);
  • Prepare briefing papers and reports on project preparation work done, specifically those related to the Niue GCF project development;
  • Prepare pertinent communication materials regarding results of GCF and/or GEF project development work done;
  • Set-up specific e-library and filing system for each GCF/GEF project, and file all electronic files and hard copies of documents pertaining to each project.

2.  Document lessons learned and develop knowledge management documents on ongoing CCM projects in the UNDP-Samoa Parish. This task involves:

  • Review of the pertinent project documents (e.g. project document, annual progress reports, Quarterly Progress Report, technical reports, brochures, project website, etc.);
  • Conduct of survey (e.g., through email shots, SurveyMonkey, etc.) among the project proponents/implementers, stakeholders, and beneficiaries;
  • Preparation of a “lessons learned” document.

3.  Assist project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) work

  • Preparation of draft PIR 2017 Reports;
  • Review initial draft PIR 2017 Reports and provide inputs as to the rating of the reported project accomplishments for the period 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017;
  • Review and contribute to the finalization of outstanding M&E activities of GEF CCM projects of the UNDP Samoa MCO.

4. Carry out other pertinent tasks as instructed by the supervising UNDP-GEF CCM STA.

Duty Station:

Bangkok based with possible travel to specific Pacific Island Countries. The intern may be required to travel. Destination shall be assigned and approved prior to travel depending on specific assignments. The travel costs will be compensated, in accordance with the prevailing UNDP official travel rules and regulations.

Expected Outputs:

  • Documentation of work done on GCF and GEF project development work, specifically for the UNDP-Samoa MCO:
    • Inputs (including review comments) to GCF concept note preparation; and GCF project proposal development;
    • Inputs (including review comments) to GEF project M&E activities (e.g., draft PIR 2017 report, and terminal evaluation report).
  • Developed e-Library and filing system for Environment and Climate Change GCF and GEF projects, including guidance notes for the system updating and maintenance;
  • Minutes of Meeting for all meetings organized and actively participated in;
  • Lessons learned documents developed and disseminated;
  • Communications material produced e.g. articles, promotional materials.

Competencies

  • Demonstrate commitment to the UN’s core values;
  • Respects individual, gender and cultural differences in dealing with others;
  • Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose;
  • Treat all people fairly without favoritism.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

  • Enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme in a development related field such as economics, environmental studies or international relations. Working knowledge on engineering and applied science will be an advantage;
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

  • Demonstrated achievements in development work. Specific focus on project development work on GCF and GEF CCM focal areas is preferable;
  • A desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people of different language, national and cultural backgrounds.

Language:

  • Proficient in both written and spoken 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 any positions (Fixed-Term Appointment, Temporary Appointment, Service Contract, Individual Contract) in UNDP during the period of the 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.

Subsequent Employment:

  • There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.