The UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development is a joint initiative by the Government of Singapore and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to identify and co-create technological and innovative solutions to help countries achieve their Sustainable Development Goals. We draw on the expertise of innovative talent in Singapore and around the world, and curate partnerships that will allow us to take this know-how to the places where it is needed most.

Our areas of focus are Smart Cities and Digitalisation, Sustainable and Digital Agriculture, and Sustainable Finance. For each of our programmes we are bringing together policymakers, practitioners, leading private sector actors, entrepreneurs, civil society, and other stakeholders to build practical solutions that will create lasting impact through deep collaboration.

Smart Cities and Digitalisation

By 2050, nearly 70% of the world's population - an additional 2.5 billion people - will live in urban areas. This rapid urbanisation will bring new economic opportunities - but is also likely to sharpen income disparities, worsen environmental impact, and could increase the potential for social conflict. It is a global priority to build inclusive, liveable and sustainable urban areas: smart cities.

Similarly, COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation around the world. Digital products and services have considerable potential to improve lives and livelihoods. However, this potential can only be realised if these tools are applied inclusively and sustainably. This is a priority for UNDP, both in the context of the organisation’s Digital Strategy as well as through our commitment to ‘Build Forward Better’.

Building on Singapore’s pioneering efforts, the UNDP Global Centre is working to leverage the potential of digital, technology, and innovation to improve cities and communities around the world. This work includes technical expertise to identify digital solutions for development, knowledge transfer, and building insights and collaborations to drive sustainable and inclusive smart city initiatives.

The UNDP Global Centre seeks an intern to support the Smart Cities and Digitalisation team in developing a global database of smart city ‘better practice’. Our Interns will be given the opportunity to work on assignments that complement their academic studies and connect with the thematic focus of the Centre.

Candidate should have the following competencies:

• Self-starter; organised and reliable;
• Able to multitask and balance multiple responsibilities;
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to differing opinions and views.

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. 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.
• (d) be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Education

Please refer to the above academic requirements.

• Preferred fields of study: web design, graphic design (with a strong component of web design), or other digital or computer science courses with a strong component of web design.

Experience

• Experience developing online databases, Web 2.0 initiatives, or similar ;
• Experience in common web development languages, and ability to manage an end-to-end web design project (from user-needs analysis, through to identifying hosting and other requirements);
• Computer literacy in standard office software applications;
• Experience with broader programming languages – particularly Python – will be an added advantage;
• Experience with social media and graphic design software is an added advantage;

Languages

• Excellent English language skills.
• Knowledge of a second language is desirable.

Application Process

• Internship candidates are expected to submit electronically through the UNDP job portal:
  • UNDP internship application form: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/Careers/UNDP-Internship-Application.doc
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV). 
  • Up to three examples of websites that the candidate has produced.

Note: UNDP internship application form, CV and original text need to be combined in one PDF document for upload.

Conditions of internship

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

• UNDP GC-TISD will provide a stipend in the amount of SGD859.13 monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship Policy.;
• 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. Interns must not apply for or be appointed to a position that should be encumbered by a staff member during the period of their internship;
• 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.

Selected candidates must submit following documents prior to joining:

• Letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date;
• Copy of passport and Singapore visa (or visa status);
• A copy of his/her school transcript;
• Proof of medical insurance including provision for medical evacuation and removal of mortal remains or life insurance and a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship.
• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.