Background

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office (CO) levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. Within the GPN, the Crisis Bureau (CB) guides UNDP’s corporate crisis-related strategies and vision for crisis prevention, response and recovery and lead corporate support in response to crisis. To fulfil its mandate, the CB is committed to investing in developing reliable capacities that can be rapidly deployed to COs.

Within the CB, support to country operations is coordinated by the Country Support Management Team (CSMT), working closely with other teams within the GPN. The overall goal of the CSMT is to ensure strong, coherent, and coordinated support to country offices (COs), as it relates to crisis and fragility, within the full spectrum of the GPN’s service offer. The CSMT steers the effective interaction of GPN Teams, Regional Bureau/Regional Hub and CO counterparts for integrated country support. It ensures that UNDP corporate support is provided before, during and after crises. It also supports and coordinates the GPN crisis response capacity and takes the lead in a UNDP-wide approach to strengthen UNDP capacity in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from crisis.

In the face of new and complex challenges posed by pandemics, and in response to the increasing frequency of crisis worldwide, the CSMT has developed transformational solutions by which countries can harness flexible support solutions and technology to enhance their analytical capacities as well as the impact of programmes in complex context. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the CSMT Team Leader, the intern shall perform, inter alia, the following tasks:

  • Helping with the Response & Recovery packages and other related crisis operations tasks.
  • Organizing the documentation for crisis portal.
  • Performing other tasks as required and in relation to the Crisis Bureau’s work.

Competencies

Technical / Functional Competencies:

  • Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills.
  • Good writing and researching skills.
  • Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work flexibly and meet tight deadlines.
  • Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively.
  • Computer proficiency, including experience with photo editing, website content management, web design and development as asset.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is required, Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Personal Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback.
  • Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity.
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners.
  • Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Currently enrolled in (a) a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), in (b) the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or (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.
  • Understanding of crisis/conflict prevention/humanitarian related knowledge.
  • Work experience considered as an asset.

Languages:

  • Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
  • Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Eligibility:

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

  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent); preferably in journalism, communications, international affairs, international development, or other relevant social sciences.
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher); preferably in journalism, communications, international affairs, international development or other relevant social sciences.
  • Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this programme.

Application process:

Interested applicants must include the following documents when submitting the applications in the UNDP job shop. Please note that only one (1) file can be uploaded therefore please include all documents in one (1) file:

  • Updated CV as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
  • Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as suitable for the internship.

General conditions:

  • In accordance with the UNDP internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with a rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
  • Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
  • Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions.
  • Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

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.