Background

UNDP partners with national governments and people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. Active in more than 170 countries and territories, UNDP offers a global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. UNDP helps countries to build and share development solutions in the following areas:

  1. Sustainable Development

  2. Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding

  3. Climate and Disaster Resilience

In all its work, UNDP works to ensure the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

UNDP Representation Office in Brussels is seeking an intern with an interest in development issues and EU affairs, with a geographical focus on the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. The internship will provide the opportunity to gain insights in the region, and to contribute to partnership development with the EU institutions. Furthermore, it will provide an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of UNDP’s activities in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Policy Specialist, the intern shall perform the following tasks:

  • Support monthly European Affairs newsletter to UNDP Headquarters, Regional Hub and Country Offices (environmental scanning, analysis, background research, drafting);
  • Research and collect information on themes relevant to the region, and for UNDP’s activities
  • Provide inputs for the reports and briefs produced by UNDP Brussels.
  • Assist in the organization of conferences, forums, or other collaborative events.

Competencies

  • Strong organizational and research skills;

  • Excellent analytical, communication and writing skills;

  • Excellent interpersonal skills;

  • Demonstrated keen interest in the region and in development;

  • Computer proficiency in standard software applications (MS Office, Excel, Word, Powerpoint);

  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;

  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidate must be a student, enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme (such as European Union studies, international relations, political science, law, public administration, or other relevant disciplines); or a recent graduate in the fields mentioned.

Candidates with proven interest in the countries of the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia are particularly encouraged to apply for this internship.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in French is a significant asset.

Notes

Interns’ Expenses/Arrangements:

Please note that interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. All costs associated 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 by the intern, 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.

Application Process:

The application should contain:

  • Motivation letter specifying reasons why candidate is seeking the internship and what is expected from the experience;

  • Recent Curriculum Vitae;

  • Official letter from the University confirming enrollment and specifying expected graduation date (for students);

  • Official letter from the University confirming graduation date (for graduates).

(NB: Please upload the above in a single file. Incomplete applications will not be considered)

UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.

Prior to being offered a Letter of Acceptance for Internship, the selected candidate will have to provide the following additional documents:

  • A Medical Certificate of Good Health from a recognized physician. If the intern is expected to travel outside the country of their residence, other than to Europe and North America, the physician must indicate whether s/he is for to travel and has the required inoculations for the country to which they are to travel;

  • Proof of valid Medical Insurance cover valid for the duration of the internship programme in Belgium;

  • For applicants who are not resident in Belgium, the insurance cover must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

    (a) requires transportation to the home country or contry of residence for further treatment;

    (b) results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

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.