Background
The UNDP Washington office serves as the liaison between the UNDP New York Headquarters and the Washington community. The Washington office is a primary link connecting UNDP’s development work in 166 countries worldwide to the US Congress, State Department, USAID, World Bank, diplomatic community, media and general public.
UNDP Washington Internship
Outstanding graduate-level students have the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP's work. Internships are designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of multilateral technical cooperation, but also complements other international studies, including law.
Duties and Responsibilities
Attending Congressional hearings and other public policy forums relevant to UNDP’s work, and providing oral and/or written briefs to UNDP Washington staff.
Monitoring media and assembling daily press clips.
Providing assistance to staff in research and drafting of briefing notes summarizing UNDP’s work in specific countries and thematic areas.
Receiving and responding to requests for UNDP's assistance and attention.
Helping to plan, publicize, and execute UNDP-related events.
Competencies
Outstanding/native English oral, writing and editing is essential
Excellent research skills
High level of proficiency with Excel, Word, PPT, and multimedia highly desirable
Strong service and team-work orientation, cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a fast-paced multi-national environment
Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to learning
Commitment to UNDP vision, mission and values and knowledge of UN work environment an advantage
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Applicants to UNDP internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:
(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
(c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
A Certification must be obtained from school to regarding status of enrollment or graduation.
Must have work authorization permit.
Working arrangements
As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy, if it is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government foundation or scholarship programme. A stipend (up to the maximum amount of US$1,000) intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan.
Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes.
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.
Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
The purpose of the internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract.