One of the challenges in Jamaica is about implementing policies that trigger fast and sustained progress towards the goals in a context of limited fiscal space. Therefore, the implementation of the SDGs requires the prioritization of catalytic actions that can drive progress across multiple goals and targets simultaneously. The Roadmap, developed by the UNDP MAPS (Mainstreaming, Accelerations and Policy Support) mission in 2016, proposes a set of accelerators in each of the four national goals identified in Vision 2030 Jamaica, the National Development Plan. These include interventions that could be implemented within existing programmes, to improve efficiency and maximize dividends across various development priorities.

Based on support provided by UNDP in 2017 on localizing the SDGs and the successful Regional Conference attended by high level Officials in the Caribbean and chaired by Jamaica Minister of Foreign Affairs, UNDP has been receiving request for support from the Government and other partners. This includes support to the Voluntary National Report (VNR), a key undertaking of the Government in reporting on the status of implementation of their SDGs. UNDP has also received requests from partnerships from the University of the West Indies, the Caribbean Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (CAROSAI) and others.

The objective of this internship is to assist the UNDP Country Office (CO) in the planning and implementation of agreed support to the above initiatives.

• Provide technical and administrative assistance to the implementation of the various initiatives agreed upon in promoting sustainable development in the country. This includes UNDP’s technical assistance to the VNR.
• Provide assistance to UNDP’s partnership in events and conferences.
• Support activities linked to the International Year of Good Governance.
• Support coordination and organization of meetings, training and workshops and compilation of minutes, reports and follow-up actions, on the above initiatives.
• File and maintain all information on project activities and achievements.
• Coordinate with the Communications Analyst to enhance the visibility to the activities.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Work prioritization and ability to multitask;
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, confidentiality and integrity;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Positive, constructive attitude;
• Ability to work and act under pressure;
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view;
• Ready to work independently, under tight deadlines;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment with a positive attitude.

Interns must:-

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent);
• Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

Qualifications

• University degree in Social Science, economics, international relations, sustainable development or relevant field
• Experience in providing administrative support to programme implementation
• Understanding of sustainable development
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• A team player attitude and respect for diversity

Language skills - Excellent working knowledge of English Language

Internship Conditions

• UNDP does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
• All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or the nominating institution as appropriate;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
• The intern must provide proof of school enrollment/educational status, two letters of recommendation, resume and application.
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship. There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following the internship.
• Costs incurred by interns, including undertaking official travel at the request of UNDP, in the discharge of the activities related to the internship shall be reimbursed by UNDP on the same basis as costs incurred by intern.

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.