Present in 166 countries and territories, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports governments in developing strong policies, institutions and partnerships to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It does so in part through its comprehensive knowledge network, which includes expert practitioners that provide focused advice and support in strategic policy areas.

UNDP’s Global Policy Network (GPN) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. The GPN assists UNDP and its partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. The GPN also supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data-driven, including in its programme support efforts.

Within the GPN, the Effectiveness Group provides crucial support to ensure that UNDP is an effective, accountable and transparent thought leader and partner of choice for sustainable development. Through support to the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) and International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), the Effectiveness Group fosters multi-stakeholder actions for more effective cooperation and partnerships, including strengthening policies, institutions and systems, as well as cultivating strategic partnerships to make the best use of all available resources to realise national development goals. Drawing on the comparative advantages of UNDP in strengthening country capacities to manage and coordinate development cooperation, the Effectiveness Group supports the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (see 2020-2022 work programme here), as part of the OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team, as well as the International Aid Transparency Initiative, as part of a wider Secretariat consortium.

UNDP’s work in this area is guided by principles of effective development cooperation and supports global policy dialogue and mutual learning on effective development cooperation, helping increase the availability of transparent data on development cooperation, while supporting countries in implementing and monitoring the effective development cooperation principles. In addition, cultivating networks of partners and development practitioners is another key element of UNDP’s support to the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation and the International Aid Transparency Initiative.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Global Policy Adviser on Effective Development Co-operation and with day-to-day reporting to/supervision of different team members, the intern will focus on the following:

Policy Research and Analysis (50%):

• Under the direct supervision of senior team members, research trends in development effectiveness / co-operation and identify linkages / key areas of support for UNDP's work in advancing the global development effectiveness agenda. This includes specific support to the implementation of the GPEDC’s new Work Programme and its Action Areas, as well as the GPEDC Action Dialogues 2021 that are carried out in partner countries around the globe; and
• Under the direct supervision of senior team members, contribute to policy research and development of policy / practice products such as issue briefs, discussions papers, blog posts and practice notes etc.

Knowledge Management and Communication (30%):

• For internal stakeholder management purposes, support the mapping of key partners (government and UNDP Country Offices) and  updating a master list with contacts and context on partner countries’ engagement with the GPEDC ;
•  Support external  online community of practice / Knowledge Sharing Platform for effective development cooperation practitioners, including through day-to-day management, outreach to external partners, synthesis of knowledge / lessons learned, resource library management, relationship management with website developer.
• Support social media account management and implementation of the 2021 GPEDC communication strategy, including drafting of newsletter, stories of progress, blogs, and social media content

Logistical / Event Support (20%)

• Provide logistical support to various events organized under the auspices of the Global Partnership, including international workshops and webinars, side events (e.g. in the margins of the upcoming UN High-level Political Forum) and biannual Meetings of the GPEDC Steering Committee, among others. This includes supporting the development of concept notes and the dissemination/adaptation of relevant background materials that are accessible and easily understandable to a global multi-stakeholder audience (including  overseeing or translating materials into different languages). 

Competencies:

• Proven research and writing skills, with track record in producing development research and other materials;
• Excellent organizational, event planning, and time management skills, attention to detail and proven ability to work independently with limited supervision and under tight deadlines;
• Strong service and team-work orientation; evident cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a fast-paced multi-national environment;
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to learning; and
• Commitment to UNDP vision, mission, and values; knowledge of UN work environment an advantage.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme in a development related field such as economics, public administration, public policy, or international relations/politics/international development studies.

Experience:

• Previous experience in research and policy development, communications, advocacy, is an asset, and experience in developing countries is desirable.
• Knowledge of, or direct experience working with effective development co-operation issues, the GPEDC or IATI is an asset.

Language:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English  - competency in other UN language(s), especially French and/or Spanish, is considered a very strong asset.

IT skills:

Strong online research skills and good knowledge of the Microsoft Office Package. Skills in graphic design and video production as well as advanced excel and data base management skills in particular are considered an asset.  

Working arrangements

UNDP will provide a stipend  in accordance with UN rules and regulations for the duty station.  As this is a home-based internship, the intern will be responsible for providing his or her own laptop and work space.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE/ HOW TO APPLY

THE APPLICATION SHOULD CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING UPLOADED AS ONE FILE:

• Current CV
• Original text of up to 400 words addressing the following question:  Why is effective development co-operation important and how does it contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Conditions of internship:

Internships within the UN system are subject to following conditions, which the candidates should familiarise themselves with prior to applying:

• UNDP interns receive a stipend according to UN rules and regulations.
• Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. The Intern must provide proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan;
• UNDP does not provide assistance with travel and/or housing and the Intern will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. The Intern will not be eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of internship or for the six months immediately following the expiration date thereof;
• Interns will need to use their own laptop/notebook.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months

Candidates need to be recently graduated from a university degree (internship starting date must be within one year of graduation) or enrolled in a graduate level degree programme in a development related field such as economics, public administration, public policy, or international relations/politics/international development studies.

Selected candidates must submit following documents prior to joining:

• A duly completed UNDP Internship Application Form
• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement
• Copy of updated CV/resume
• Official letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date;
• Copy of passport/national ID card;
• A copy of his/her school transcript;
• Letter of endorsement/recommendation from a Professor
• Medical Certificate of Good Health from a Physician
• Proof of valid medical/accident insurance including provision for medical evacuation and removal of mortal remains) for the duty station for which they will work.