Historique

The Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDG-F) at UNDP is the first development cooperation mechanism created in 2014 on behalf of the UN system, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through integrated and multidimensional joint Programmes. It builds on the experience of the previous MDG Achievement Fund (MDG-F, 2007-2013), which supported 130 joint Programmes in 50 countries, while expanding its activities towards sustainable development, a higher attention on public-private partnerships and updating its operational framework to the effective development co-operation principles. The three thematic windows are: inclusive growth and economy, food and security and water and sanitation. Gender and women’s empowerment is a cross-cutting priority in all areas of work.

The SDG-F Secretariat is the operational coordination unit for the Fund and services the SDG-F Steering Committee. The Secretariat sits in the Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy of UNDP headquarters. The Secretariat is delegated by the Steering Committee to ensure policies and strategies decided by the Steering Committee are implemented and adhered to. 

The three Research Interns will work under the guidance and supervision of SDG-F Secretariat Team. This internship will provide the opportunity to experience first-hand how a fund for international cooperation mechanism implements development initiatives and establishes and manage partnerships.

Devoirs et responsabilités

The purpose of this internship is to support the SDG-F Secretariat in its development initiatives, partnerships and research activities at the moment of creating concept notes, assessing and selecting new collaborative relations to advance in the achievement of the SDGs.

The required tasks to be performed to support the SDG-F Secretariat include:

  • Prepare documents and research on development issues. The research will also include the revision of information on other development partnerships and initiatives. Support on post 2015 debate and development Agenda;
  • Provide support in the SDG-Fund partnerships, Private Sector Advisory Group and its Chair on Development and Poverty Eradication;
  • Screen think tanks, development research centers and development institutions which could benefit of the SDG-F knowledge products and experience;
  • Compile from existing databases an integrated mailing list and contact database that will allow to tailor SDG-F messages and communications to different audiences;
  • Logistical support to attend meetings and organize meetings, webinars and calls with partners.

Other activities that may be required

Compétences

Core Competences:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

  • Demonstrated ability to interact with individuals of different national and cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes the willingness to understand different views and opinions;
  • Ability to work under pressure, to prioritize and to show a spirit of initiative and a capacity to work in an independent way with limited supervision;
  • Self-management and emotional intelligence;
  • Excellent writing and communication skills;
  • High degree of organization and initiative;
  • Ability to multi-task and work independently;
  • Ability to prioritize and work under pressure.

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

  • Currently enrolled in a degree Programme in graduate school (second university degree or higher), preferably in development, international relations, political science, public management or law, at the time of the application or recent graduate.
  • Have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree, if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages.

Application Requirements

Candidates shortlisted for this internship are considered gratis personnel. They are not staff members. Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. The costs associated must be covered from the interns themselves or any other institution through scholarships.

  • Copy of the applicants’ most recent resume or curriculum vitae/CV;

  • Letter of motivation (1 page): setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with the SDG-F and what he/she can bring to the organization.  Please indicate in this paper the availability (3 to 6 months) as well as the starting date.

Only successful candidates will be required to submit the following documents:

  • UNDP Internship application form completed;

  • Official document from the University confirming enrollment and graduation date;

  • Copy of school transcripts;

  • Letter of endorsement from senior faculty member who has directly supervised the candidate in the recent past and who is fully acquainted in the candidate’s performance;

  • A signed UNDP Internship Agreement;

  • A Medical Certificate of Good Health;

  • Proof of medical insurance valid for the location(s) in which the internship will be carried out insurance;

  • Copy of passport and US Visa/ US Identity Card.

Experience:

  • No previous professional experience required.

Language:

  • Fluency in English (written and oral);

  • Spanish is highly desirable; French would be an asset.

Timing:

  • The start date is flexible (preferably 27 June – 1st July). Please indicate availability in application materials. Internships can last from 3to a maximum of 6 months. Internship can be part time or full time.

Insurance:
 Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
For applicants which are neither nationals or residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

(a)       Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;

(b)       Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship.

 Selection Process:

  • Interns are considered gratis personnel. They are not staff members;
  • 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 his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, visa, etc.

For more information about the application process and UNDP's internship terms and conditions, visit:http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/operations/jobs/types-of-opportunities/internships.html