Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

At UNDP, external and internal communication—nationally, regionally and globally—is critical to achieving both development results and business objectives. Skillful communication broadens the impacts of new policies, helps governance reforms take root, and attracts and fosters strong partnerships. The Office of Communications at UNDP is at the forefront of advancing online communications and outreach within the organization.

Project Description

The Digital Communications team works closely with the other teams in the Communications group to ensure that the tone and visual representation of UNDP branded products are consistent. Reporting to the Digital Production Specialist, the Intern will support the team to maintain and enhance UNDP web presence around the globe.

Duties and Responsibilities

Based on the interested candidate’s skillset and overall professional orientation incumbent may contribute to the Digital Studio work in the following areas:

  • Frontend development (JS/CSS/HTML/Nodejs):
    • Enhance and update UNDP Design System.
    • Develop hero/multimedia stories.
    • Enhance UNDP web content management system templates and functionality.
       
  • Backend development (PHP, Drupal)
    • Drupal specific features development
    • Third-party integrations for Drupal
    • Bug fixing and users’ feedback implementation
    • Automated tests development
       
  • DevOps/System operation (CI/CD, Cloud services, WAF)
    • Maintenance and enhancement of UNDP’s CI/CD pipelines
    • Development and integration of external services to support existing system
    • Automated performance monitoring development and early warning system for hacking attempts

Competencies

  • Good knowledge and some practical experience with at least one of the streams described in Duties and Responsibilities section (Frontend/Backend web development and DevOps)
  • Working knowledge of at least one of the programming languages and frameworks within UNDP technology stack (see Duties and Responsibilities)
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task;
  • Responsible, responsive, and enthusiastic;
  • Interest in global issues and the United Nations;
  • Must be able to work in a multi-cultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: 

(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school Programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); 

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree Programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); 

(c) 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:

Previous exposure and working knowledge of the programming languages/frameworks from UNDP technological stack (see Duties and Responsibilities) would be an asset.

Knowledge of standard integrated development environments (IDEs) paired with cloud services (Github, Azure) is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English;

Availability:

Must be available at least four days a week.

Application procedure:

The application should contain:

  • Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
  • Current and complete CV in English;
  • Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

Shortlisted Candidates must submit the following documents:

  • Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree Programme;
  • Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:

  • Letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
  • Copy of his/her most recent school transcript;
  • Copy of passport;
  • Completed UNDP internship application form;
  • Signed UNDP Internship Agreement;
  • Medical Certificate of Good Health;
  • Copy of Medical Insurance.

UNDP Terms & Conditions for Internship

  • Any individual hired under these conditions are not staff and therefore, are not
  • covered by UN Staff Regulations and Rules
  • 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
  • The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan;
  • Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • The internship period shall not be foreshortened for the purposes of allowing an intern to apply for a position.