Background

The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) team in New York provides overall strategic oversight, guidance and quality assurance, management support and broader regional analysis, including global issues.

The UNDP RBA Directorate Team is seeking a highly qualified graduate to engage as an RBA Directorate Intern to support special research initiatives including a book project on the COVID 19 response; and the African Continental Free Trade Area.  The intern will provide research support, compilation of drafts and reviews and perform other complementary duties as required by the Supervisor/RBA Director.

The intern will be supervised and report to the Regional Strategy Advisor for Africa in the RBA Directorate. The internship is for a minimum of 6 months. The internship is not paid (however a stipend is provided based on UNDP Internship policy) and is full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours).  Work will be undertaken remotely in light of COVID 19 pandemic restrictions.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Intern will undertake the following responsibilities:

  • Conduct research and analysis on UNDP Africa’s response to COVID 19 in the context of a book project on development in pandemics including supporting coordination with drafters.
  • Support RBA Directorate on African Continental Free Trade Area - related research linked to the UNDP Africa Futures Report.
  • Contribute to activities related to RBA’s preparation of the YouthConnektAfrica Summit 2021.

 

Competencies

General:

  • Innovation in research.
  • Coordination of various work products in efficient manner.
  • Communication skills;
  • Commitment to the UNDP vision, mission, and strategic goals.

Expected Deliverables

  • Collated drafts from contributors to the book project on UNDP Africa’s COVID 19 response.
  • Collated drafts on UNDP Africa research product on the AfCFTA.
  • Efficient process in preparation of the YouthConnektAfrica Summit 2021.
  • Contribute to drafts for briefing documents.

Communication Skills:

  • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
  • Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
  • Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
  • Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience.

Teamwork:

  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
  • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others;
  • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

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 (Master's degree or equivalent, or higher in International Law, Economics, African Studies, History, Social Science, International Development, Development Studies or other relevant fields);
  • Have graduated with a university degree (as described above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

  • Have 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.
  • 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 and designing infographics is an advantage.

Languages:

  • Fluency in oral and written English and French is required;

Intern conditions:

  • UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
  • UNDP offers a modest monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station;
  • All other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • The intern is 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;
  • The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan;
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.