UNDP Jobs - 40707- Intern for the Human Development Report Office (St

Intern for the Human Development Report Office (Statistics Unit)

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

21-Oct-2013

Application Deadline :

11-Oct-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

Two months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Two months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

HDRO’s Mission

The mission of the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) is to advance human development. The goal is to contribute towards the expansion of opportunities, choices and freedoms people have to live lives they have reason to value. HDRO works towards this goal by promoting innovative development ideas, advocating practical policy changes, and constructively challenging policies and approaches that constrain human development. HDRO works with others to achieve change through writing and research, data analysis and presentation, support to national and regional reports and outreach and advocacy work.

Objective of the internship

The objective of this internship is to provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to learn about the Human Development Index (HDI) and other composite measures of human wellbeing (including gender (in)equality measures), their policy relevance; and their conceptual and/or empirical strengths and limitations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

Following the introduction of the Human Development Index (HDI) in 1990, there has been proliferation of composite measures, all pertaining to human well-being, societal progress, sustainable development and other notions of development; to provide a broad measure of progress beyond GDP. It is important for HDRO to have a broad understanding of such measures.

The intern would work closely with the Statistics Function in HDRO to:

Undertake a comprehensive and annotated inventory of all composite measures of human well-being ( including subjective measures) introduced in the last 20 years (primarily covering a number of countries).

The inventory shall include the following:

The name of the institution/agency that developed the measure and the year of its introduction;
What aspects of well-being the measure captures;
Country coverage of the measure;
The dimensions and component indicators;
Methodology; and
Empirical or conceptual limitations if any;
An assessment of the impact the measure has had, who uses it and how is it used.

Expected Output

An electronic Report on the assignment. The successful candidate will also be given the opportunity to present the findings to the office in a seminar.

Operationalization

The assignment is intended as office based but can be conducted off site. However, consultations colleagues or with other UN agencies may take place in the office.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD Program in economics, social sciences, or statistics.

Experience:

Familiar with the Human Development Reports and measures;
Concise writing and editing skills in English;
Demonstrable skills in analytical thinking, communication, and research;
Good interpersonal and diplomatic skills;
Ability to work independently and seek advice when needed.

Language:

Proficiency in another UN language would be an advantage.

Note:

Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme;

Have a valid visa to work in the US;

Letter of endorsement from a faculty member who has worked with the student in the recent past and who is knowledgeable on the student’s performance;

Complete and sign the “Application Form” and for further information please go to http://www.undp.org/internships.

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.

UNDP does not pay for internships. Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP.

The costs associated with the latter 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, etc.

Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out (i.e. New York, USA).

Have medical and life insurance.

Subsequent Employment:

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.