Background

On the ground in about 170 countries and territories, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress. The Communications Team is responsible for communications and the focal point for SDG campaignes of the country office and develops strategic partnerships with media and other organizations making UNDP Philippines as a relevant and credible partners for Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

 

Internships offer a small group of outstanding undergraduate and graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP's work. 


Internships are not alternative forms of employment. They are a way to offer students the opportunity to complement their studies with hands on experience. This is excellent outreach for UNDP Philippines as well as a chance to have resources for a short period of time for focused contributions.  As interns are not paid, it is the relationship of the work experience to their studies and/or their future academic or career ambitions which gives the internship assignment value. They cannot be used to replace support staff or conduct strictly support functions. While some routine functions may be components of internship assignments, they are intended to be learning and developmental experiences that compliment advanced studies.  Providing an opportunity to make substantive contributions to an office’s work is an essential requirement of offices taking on interns. 

 
Assignments vary greatly in terms of content. Every attempt is made to match the interests of the intern with the needs of the organization. Internship assignments vary in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. Assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Communications Associate, the intern is expected to perform the following tasks:

Communications

  • Contribute to the development of visual communications products such as PowerPoint presentations, and other visual media including infographics;
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of a targeted social media campaign;
  • Contribute to the development of multimedia products such as animations, videos and interactive content for the website;
  • Contribute to the development of a strategy for digital marketing;
  • Media Monitoring: monitor traditional and online media from both communities for stories within specific areas of focus that mention UNDP in order to measure the results of our communications efforts and produce weekly media reports;
  • Support content creation for UNDP Philippines website;
  • Logistical support to the organization of visibility/outreach and knowledge-sharing events;
  • Support in conducting Researches and collecting data as requested;  and
  • Any additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

During the internship they will acquire practical experience in various aspects of project management in an international work environment.

Impact of Results

  • Enhance the educational experience of undergraduate/graduate students through practical and guided hands-on exposure and involvement in UNDP Philippines’ development projects in the Philippines; and
  • Provide undergraduate/graduate students with an exposure to the working environment of a multilateral organization and a better understanding of UNDP Philippines’ goals and activities.

Competencies

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in both oral and written English and Filipino

 

Functional Competencies:

  • Ability to work in a diverse and multi-cultural environment;
  • Self-motivated and ability to work under pressure and to meet strict and competing deadlines;
  • Displays analytical judgment and demonstrated ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
  • Demonstrates self-management, including conflict management/negotiating skills on interpersonal issues;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Filipino;
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively in teams, delivering through and with others;
  • Computer literate; good knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications and Adobe Creative Applications

 

Corporate 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 favouritism.

Required Skills and Experience

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

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
  • 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.

 

UNDP Philippines does not provide financial support to interns. The costs associated with the internship must be borne by any sponsoring institutions or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and will have to make his/her own arrangements for accommodation, travel, etc. UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. Applicants for internship must therefore carry adequate and regular medical insurance. Proof of medical coverage/visa must be provided before the internship starts.

 

The purpose of internships is not to lead to further employment with UNDP Philippines but, as mentioned, to complement a student’s studies. Interns wishing to be considered for employment with the UNDP Philippines, even if otherwise fully qualified, are not eligible for consideration for employment during their internship.