Background

II. CORPORATE BACKGROUND:
UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We support countries' efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, which guide global and national development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind is at the core of everything we do. 

UNDP works across six signature solutions that together have the potential to unlock the path to sustainable development.
Keeping people out of poverty
Governance for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies
Crisis prevention and increased resilience
Environment: nature-based solutions for development
Clean, affordable energy
Women's empowerment and gender equality

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

III. INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND: 
Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in line with the priorities outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan, the Regional Bureau for Arab States supports the Arab States region to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development, and building resilience to crises and shocks. Within this work, the Regional Bureau for Arab States responds to needs across development settings including Least Developed Countries, Middle Income Countries, Net Contributor Countries and countries affected by crisis, with a view to support the building of resilience, fight climate change, leverage the promise of innovation, and prioritize the advancement of women, youth and vulnerable groups as part of its commitment to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind in an increasing challenging regional context which has been further impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

The regional innovation team supports regional and country initiatives to embrace new approaches and methodologies, in collaboration with UNDP’s global Strategic Innovation Unit, Chief Digital Office, and the global network of 91 Accelerator Labs. Through new sources of information and a variety of unusual perspectives embedded in strategic priorities that are leverage points for achieving the SDGs, innovation enables UNDP to reach for systemic change and ultimately greater impact. The Team’s portfolio includes initiatives on digital transformation, data innovation, systems thinking and portfolio approaches, behavioral science, futures thinking and foresight, , next generation cities, alternative finance, and innovation applied to youth and gender.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
(a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in International relations, international development, social innovation, business management or equivalent;
(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in  International relations, international development, social innovation, business management or equivalent;
(c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) in  International relations, international development, social innovation, business management or equivalent; and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
(d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Data analysis and visualization skills

Proficiency in data analysis and visualization. Knowledge of applications of big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning for social good. 

Language skills:

• English required;
• Knowledge of other UN languages, particularly Arabic and/or French, is an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Other competencies and attitude:

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Good skills in gathering, consolidating and analyzing data and research for practical implementation;
• Familiarity with various digital technologies;
• 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.

Stipend

• The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement.