Background

UNDP Corporate Background:

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

  • Sustainable development
  • Democratic governance and peacebuilding
  • Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

Background on the Office of the UNSGSA:

The UN Secretary-General designated Her Majesty Queen Ma´xima of the Netherlands as the UN Secretary General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA) in 2009.

As UNSGSA and Honorary Patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), Queen Máxima raises awareness and advocates specific policies, investments and actions with governments, regulators, private companies, international institutions and diverse additional stakeholders, all with view of how inclusive financial systems can help to reduce poverty, equalize opportunity and accelerate progress toward numerous development goals. She does so through country visits, speeches, meetings, convening of stakeholders and other outreach. This requires careful, comprehensive and rigorous analysis of local conditions, policies, available services and public priorities, as well as the needs of households, enterprises and communities.

The UNSGSA’s work is done in partnership and with wide consultation among the many stakeholders working to advance financial inclusion—and those affected by it. She collaborates closely with an advisory Reference Group of leading international organizations in financial inclusion to share expertise and suggest strategic opportunities that she can advance through advocacy and partnerships. Reference Group members include: Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Better Than Cash Alliance, Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), Flourish Ventures, International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Monetary Fund (IMF), UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and The World Bank.

The UNSGSA consults and/or cooperates with the UN Rome based agencies and the wider UN system, the UN secretariat, UN country teams, multilateral organizations, private financial institutions, companies, donors, civil society organizations and the media. Members of the Reference Group and many other in-country and global partners play an important role in converting advocacy into action. Additionally, the UNSGSA also engages with financial standard setting bodies (SSBs) so that their work takes into account the advancement of Financial Inclusion around the world.

The Office of the UNSGSA is housed within UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) in at UNDP headquarters in New York and works closely with Queen Ma´xima and her secretariat in The Hague to coordinate and advance her UN and G20 activities.

The intern will be based at the UNDP Headquarters in New York and will report to a designated Policy Adviser of the Office of the UNSGSA.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Assist the team in planning and implementing the high-level advocacy initiatives led by H.M. Queen Maxima in her role as UNSGSA.
  2. Provide research and analytical support on topics relevant to financial inclusion for development.
  3. Support Office management and daily operations.

1

Program support for the Office of the UNSGSA:

  • Draft timely and high-quality background papers, briefing notes, talking points, and analysis for the Office of the UNSGSA on issues related to financial inclusion for positive development outcomes.
  • Support the Office in the organization of UNSGSA country visits and high-level meetings with Governments, UN entities, intergovernmental organizations and other key partners.
  • Liaise with UN agencies and relevant UN committees to follow relevant global policy dialogue efforts.
  • Support the coordination of meetings with key stakeholders, preparing meeting notes/takeaways, and correspondence.

50%

2

Research and Analysis

  • Carry out research to support policy analysis, including financial and private sector monitoring for given countries, as well as research global trends around product and delivery channel innovation.
  • Retrieve statistical data from internal and external sources and perform data analysis to support programme objectives.
  • Monitor activities of Member States and partners in the field of financial inclusion, keeping the UNSGSA's office informed and up-to-date on relevant developments

25%

3

Office management and operations

  • Provide logistical and administrative support to high-level meetings, conferences, and events organized by the UNSGSA's office.
  • Provide logistical support for UNSGSA country visits and other international engagements, collaborating closely with partners, UN country offices, and the UNSGSA’s secretariat in The Hague.
  • Provide administrative support for accurate office documentation, communications and daily operational matters.
  • Support other ad hoc activities as needed.

25%

Competencies

Eligibility (Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements):

  • currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
  • currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
  • have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Business Management or equivalent.

Experience:

  • Knowledge in development-related areas, financial inclusion, international or multilateral organizations, multi-stakeholder engagement.
  • Prior relevant experience is an asset, especially experience working in financial inclusion
    and international development policy.

Language skills:

  • Fluency in English is required;
  • Knowledge of other UN languages especially French and Spanish is an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Required Competencies

  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Excellent organizational skills;
  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
  • Excellent problem-solving skills

Other Competencies

  • Interest and motivation in working in an international organization.
  • Excellent research and analytical skills.
  • Excellent drafting and written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Strong computer literacy in standard software applications (MS Office Suite) and data analysis (Excel and related data management software).
  • Capacity to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines even in imperfect conditions and thrive as part of a small and fast-moving team.
  • Success working independently and as a member of a team, and with partners in other time zones and from diverse and multi-cultural contexts.
  • Displays the highest standards of confidentiality, discretion and integrity.
  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.