Background

The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF’s financing models work through two channels: financial inclusion that expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments—through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance—can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development. By strengthening how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels, UNCDF contributes to SDG 1 on eradicating poverty and SDG 17 on the means of implementation. By identifying those market segments where innovative financing models can have transformational impact in helping to reach the last mile and address exclusion and inequalities of access, UNCDF contributes to a number of different SDGs.
http://www.uncdf.org/.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Context: 

The intern will support the Local Development Finance team in West and Central Africa of UNCDF to implement the portfolio of projects for the achievements of its goals in various domains of its mandate. These projects aim at boosting small and medium sized businesses namely in the whole agricultural value chain- as well as local Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects and at strengthening the capacities of municipalities - particularly in rural areas – for the implementation of their development mandate through improving their access to financing. The achievement of these objectives will be realised through capacity building programs, the development of innovative financial mechanisms, and the identification, structuring and financing of projects with high local impact.

The intern will support UNCDF’s Local Development Finance team in the implementation and development of its programs by: 

  • Providing analytical support for conducting research on financing local development in the region;
  • Developing communication tools;
  • Providing support to organize field missions;
  • Support the drafting of project/framing documents, technical reports, performance reviews and country annual reports;
  • Participating in working meetings and consultations with project stakeholders and writing and sharing of minutes;
  • Supporting UNCDF's resource mobilization efforts by supporting the team in the conception and drafting of project proposals.

Work Arrangements :

  • The intern will be based full-time at the UNCDF Regional Office in Dakar;
  • The intern will work under the supervision of UNCDF Local Development Finance Regional Technical Coordinator in West and Central Africa;
  • The position is open to both Senegalese and non-Senegalese candidates;
  • The internships at UNCDF are governed under the framework of UNDP Internship Policy and Framework. The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each local duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit.  
  • Please note that interns are not employees of UNCDF;

Competencies

Competencies

  • Demonstrated interest in rural/local development issues in sub-Saharan Africa;
  • Excellent writing, analytical and research skills;
  • Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and the use of social media and other online tools in French and English;
  • Ability to take initiatives and work independently and in teams;
  • Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point).

 

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 postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
  • Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program

Language:

  • Excellent oral and written knowledge of both French and English is required.

Evaluation:

  • Shortlisted candidates shall be invited for a test and the top 3 candidates will be invited for an interview. 

Internships Conditions:

  • UNCDF Internship programme is governed by the UNDP Internship policy framework & rules;
  • Interns may be given a monthly stipend for which the 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. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:
    • The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or
    • The intern.
  • Selected Interns must be able to share proof of education enrolment and/or graduation, medical/health and life/accident insurance, valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out and be able to provide insurance documentary proof at the time of their selection;
  • The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNCDF but to complement an intern’s studies & learning growth
  • There should be no expectation of employment at the end of these internships.

Application Process:

  • In your application, please state in one paragraph why you would like to be considered for the internship and your primary motivation to apply for this role.
  • Please submit your Resume/CV and an application using the UNCDF Internship Application form: http://www.uncdf.org/download/file/127/2509/internshipdoc;
  • Applications should include the application form and latest resume. Applicants are welcome to submit any additional work samples or portfolios in one single file, preferably PDF;
  • Please note that the UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that you merge all your documents (CV/Resume, cover letter etc into a single file before uploading).
  • Interested candidates can apply at any time indicating the timeframe of their availability in the internship form. However, only those candidates selected for interviews/ further assessment by hiring managers will be contacted. 

Note for Applicants:

Please indicate clearly in your application (additional questions section) and/or your cover letter the following;

  • Your current location
  • Your earliest availability /preferred start date
  • Whether you can undertake this internship on a full time or part time basis, if selected for the role.

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.

If you are experiencing difficulties with online job applications, please contact jobs.help@undp.org