The UNDP Asia-Pacific Regional Centre – from where the Intern will be provided technical guidance – is structured according to the UNDP Strategic Plan and aligns annual work plans to Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific (RBAP) Country Offices’ priorities and demand. Eight programmatic practice areas are represented, with respective Regional Practice Leaders (RPLs): Democratic Governance, Poverty Reduction, Energy and Environment, Crisis Prevention and Recovery, HIV/AIDS, Gender, Capacity Development and Knowledge Services. The Regional Centre houses the Regional Human Development Report Unit and provides Management advisory and support services to strengthen COs efforts towards increased accountability and efficiency.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people often confront stigma, prejudice, discrimination and sometimes violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a report in 2011 documenting widespread discrimination in employment, education, health and other areas around the world.  In recognition of the challenges faced by the LGBT community, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that widespread abuse, violence and discrimination against LGBT persons around the world is a “monumental tragedy – a stain on our collective conscience” and calling for efforts to ensure that the human rights of all people are protected.  The Secretary-General stated: "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are entitled to the same rights as everyone else".

In 2012, UNDP APRC, in partnership with the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia (RDMA), explored key principles underlying both agencies’ work in the region; particularly in relation to the knowledge gaps of vulnerable populations; and how the two regional offices related to clients in providing intellectual and thought leadership in the region. ‘Being LGBT in Asia: A Participatory Review and Analysis of the Legal and Social Environment for LGBT Civil Society’ (BLIA) the joint UNDP-USAID pilot initiative launched in December 2012 and has sought to understand the legal and political contexts faced by LGBT people in Asia.  It has also examined LGBT organizations, the space they operate in, and their capacity to engage on human rights and policy dialogues. Stakeholder engagement is strengthened through a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of nine leaders in academia, advocacy, law, and business who also happen to be lesbian, gay, transgender male, or transgender female individuals.

Building from the key information and analysis garnered during national consultations held as part of the ‘Being LGBT in Asia’ initiative, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and OHCHR are convening the Innovation in Action: LGBT Rights and Health Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue, which will take place in Bangkok on 25-27 February 2015.

This dialogue will bring together governments, development partners, national human rights institutions, and LGBT and intersex civil society members to reflect on achievements during the past decade in LGBT and intersex rights, health, and social protection as well as to discuss avenues for human rights advancements in the Asia-Pacific. The dialogue will seek to identify opportunities, build trust, and promote innovation and action. It will also actively encourage private sector involvement. It will provide a forum for LGBT and intersex community organizations and development partners to forge strategic linkages to take their agenda forward.

A 200-person regional consultation is proposed, consisting of approximately 130 LGBT and intersex civil society individuals and 70 government and NHRI experts, to be held at the UN ESCAP Conference Center (ESACP UCC) building in Bangkok on 25-27 February 2015. The LGBT and intersex participants has been selected from the submissions made in response to multiple call for submissions made during December 2013-March 2014.

Under the direct supervision of Policy Advisor, HIV, Rights and Governance UNDP APRC, and the technical guidance of Human Rights & Advocacy Officer UNDP APRC, the intern will provide the following support to the organization of the LGBT Regional Dialogue which will be held during 25-27 February 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.

• Engage and build working relationships with LGBT organizations and advocates;
• Assist in the organization of a regional dialogue consisting of LGBT organization representatives, advocates, human rights defenders, National Human Rights Institutions, and government experts;
• Assist the officers and supervisors in coordinating with partners and stakeholders;
• Assist in all aspects leading up to the regional dialogue including collaborating with regional partners on the agenda and organization of the dialogue, among other administrative tasks;
• Assist in the development of concept notes, policy papers, and contribute to knowledge products as necessary; and
• Disseminate knowledge, multimedia and new technology products and resources amongst LGBT, human rights and other civil society or development organizations.

Core competencies:

• Demonstrate commitment to the UN’s core values;
• Respects individual, gender and cultural differences in dealing with others;
• Treat all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Effective communications skills and computer skills;
• Produce quality outputs in a timely manner when assigned a given task;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Provide support to others who request advice or help;
• Ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a politically sensitive environment.

Eligibility

Education:

• Current enrollment in a Master’s degree or equivalent in International Relations, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Public Health, Communications or other related fields;
• Note that candidates who have graduated are not eligible for internship.

Experience:

• Understanding of and links with the LGBT community would be an advantage;
• Experience in programme administration and event organization would be an advantage;
• Experience working with NGO/SCO/GO on human rights issues would be an advantage.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Interns’ Expenses:

• Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. All costs connected with an intern's participation in the Programme must be borne by: the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.

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.