UNDP Jobs - 56023- Research Intern

Research Intern

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2015

Application Deadline :

11-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 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

The United Nations Development Group (UNDG) unites the UN funds, programmes, agencies, departments, and offices that play a role in development. Our common objective is to deliver more coherent, effective and efficient support to countries seeking to attain internationally agreed development goals.

The UN Secretary-General created the UNDG and the Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO) in 1997 to unite the UN system and improve the quality of its development assistance.

Under the leadership of the United Nations Development Group Chair, and with the guidance of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), the overall objective of the United Nations Development Operations Coordination Office (DOCO) is to support the strategic priorities of the UNDG, and related coordination goals. DOCO supports the UNDG at all levels to better support national partners in meeting the MDGs/IADGs and other critical national development priorities, specifically, the UNDG and its Advisory Group at Headquarters, Regional UNDG Teams, and United Nations Resident Coordinators and United Nations country teams.

The UN Development Group is rolling out a research initiative to inform the optimal configuration of the UN development system in support of the post-2015 development. In a collaborative effort across the UNDG agencies and working groups, a collective review of the current setup and positioning of the UN development system and a forward-looking assessment of whether the UN development system is currently well positioned to deliver effectively on the post-2015 agenda will be carried out. The review will include a mapping and collection of good practices with regards to issues such as existing business models at country level, technical issue-based teams and coalitions, transparency and accountability for results, joint data analytics and evidence-based policy making and effective partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support research in the areas of country business models, standards of transparency and accountability, issue-based teams and coalitions, joint data analytics and evidence-based policy making, partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement of UN operational activities at the country level;
Conduct desk reviews of existing research and literature with a view of the research questions and objectives (e.g. existing independent assessments of compliance with transparency standards in the UN; existing assessments of organizational effectiveness of the UN; etc.);
Analysis of survey results and other existing data sources such as the UNDG Information Management System; UNDG Coordination
Survey and surveys conducted by DESA, including support of the establishment of a database;
Drafting of knowledge/ good practice and policy papers; Overall support of the mapping and research exercise, including logistical support for key high-level meetings.

Competencies

Demonstrated research and analytical capacity as well as technical writing;
Excellent organizational, inter-personal, communication and administrative skills;
Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines;
Able to take initiative and work independently, with minimum supervision;
Able to work effectively in a team and in an international environment;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty;
Commitment to the UNDG vision, mission, and strategic goals.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Enrollment in a post-graduate program in Business Administration, Social Science, International Development or other relevant field.

Experience:

Preferably some relevant experience in international development or related area; Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage;
Excellent analytical skills are required and experience in research, drafting and editing documents is an advantage.

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English is required;
Fluency in other UN working languages is desirable.

Duration:

Please indicate availability in the application form. Internship can last for 3 to a maximum of 6 months.

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.

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

Updated resume or curriculum vitae;
A letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
A copy of his/her school transcript;
Proof of medical and life/accident insurance coverage;
A letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised him/her in the recent past and who is fully acquainted his/her performance; and a brief letter (one page maximum) setting out the reasons why s/he is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience.
Insurance.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. As interns are not covered under any insurance, including MAIP, they should not travel to hazardous locations in the course of their internship with UNDP. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship which requires transportation to the home country or country of Residence for further treatment; or results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

Please note that UNDP internships are not remunerated. For details on UNDP Internships Policy, please see relevant information at http://www.undp.org/internships/.

Interested candidates should upload their one-page CV and cover letter by 11 May, 2015. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.