Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) envisions to contribute to Africa’s efforts to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion through the implementation of UNDP’ s Strategic Plan.

In view of the transforming development cooperation landscape and the ambitious goals set out by the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, it is more than ever crucial to mobilize a variety of sources for development finance and implementation of national development priorities. In this sense, South-South Cooperation has become an opportunity on the rise for technical and financial cooperation for partners from the South, whereas the respect of financing for Development can ensure that the available resources are used effectively but also investigate new funding sources.

UNDP’s South-South Cooperation and Financing for development (SSC&FfD Team) in the Africa Region covers activities related to regional and country level support in the financing the implementation of the African development priorities for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The team collaborates closely with the other units to establish linkages between these cross-cutting principles and programme achievements.

The team at the Regional Centre for Africa is looking for a competent intern who will support the South-South Cooperation and Financing for Development team leader.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the South-South Cooperation and Financing for Development team leader, the intern shall perform, inter alia, the following tasks:

  • Research, Policy Analysis and Knowledge Management:
  • Maintain regional needs assessment mappings and databases on finance for development and south-south cooperation, including through analytical research on public and private finance, as well as domestic and international, in a structured way;
  • Support the team in establishing Integrated National Financing Frameworks, particularly through key substantive research and quality assurance of the Development Finance Assessment (DFA) related tasks;
  • Provide support to countries in the codification of good practices and in their dissemination through UNDPs knowledge platform SSMART and South-South Match-Making exchanges to other countries;
  • Provide substantive, administrative and logistic support to regional and global events related to South-South Cooperation and financing for development;
  • Draft, review and edit concepts notes on both, south-south and financing for development related matters, including providing quality assurance to knowledge products and presentations for internal and external purposes.
  • Support the team in organizing webinars and online Communities of Practice;
  • Any other related duty as may be required

The more specific focus will be decided in consultation with the intern considering his/her skills development interests.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback;
  • Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity;
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners;
  • Positive and results-oriented attitude.
     

Technical/Functional Competencies/Skills:

  • Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
  • Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
  • Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set;
  • Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
  • Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
  • Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
  • Computer literate in standard software applications.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree (e.g. an area related to international development, social sciences, economics or law); or
  • Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
  • have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies.
     

Experience:

  • Understanding of Financing for Development and/or South-South/Triangular Cooperation;
  • Africa experience or know-how is beneficial;
  • Computer literate in standard software applications;
  • Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter; and
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
     

Language:

  • Proficiency in English and working knowledge of French;
  • Knowledge of Portuguese or other UN languages would be an asset.
     

Intern requirements:

  • Applicants should indicate which months they are available part- and/or full time and when they complete their studies;
  • UNDP internships are not remunerated. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
  • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
  • Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
  • Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
  • Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible.
     

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.