The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life, as envisaged by 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are on the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP recognizes the important role of digital technologies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and has been supporting efforts leveraging this role in programmes across countries. It recognizes that more is needed not only to harness the power of digital technologies to achieve specific SDG targets but to leverage digital transformation itself as a pathway to sustainable development. It notes that for developing countries that deal with concurrent priorities in the midst of significant constraints, laying out this pathway is a serious challenge in itself. There is need for 1) models that speak to their contexts; 2) tools that assist assessment of unique needs and development of relevant solutions; 3) partners able to not only impart but to collaborate on strategic application of knowledge and expertise; and, 4) support in ensuring that efforts link to priorities on the ground and advance their SDG roadmaps.

UNDP is enhancing efforts in this area in support of programme countries and has Internship opportunities to offer at Headquarters located in New York, United States. Working under the guidance and supervision of the Global Policy Specialist leading the effort, and working closely with teams across practices, the Intern will support the ongoing workplan and goals of the unit, including but not limited to expanding partnerships; supporting and improving communications efforts, including on social media; conducting research and preparing policy briefs for high level meetings; supporting the launch of major initiatives (specifically on digital transformation and cities); as well as building and maintaining a knowledge base on key actors and thematic areas.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life, as envisaged by 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are on the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP recognizes the important role of digital technologies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and has been supporting efforts leveraging this role in programmes across countries. It recognizes that more is needed not only to harness the power of digital technologies to achieve specific SDG targets but to leverage digital transformation itself as a pathway to sustainable development. It notes that for developing countries that deal with concurrent priorities in the midst of significant constraints, laying out this pathway is a serious challenge in itself. There is need for 1) models that speak to their contexts; 2) tools that assist assessment of unique needs and development of relevant solutions; 3) partners able to not only impart but to collaborate on strategic application of knowledge and expertise; and, 4) support in ensuring that efforts link to priorities on the ground and advance their SDG roadmaps.

UNDP is enhancing efforts in this area in support of programme countries and has Internship opportunities to offer at Headquarters located in New York, United States. Working under the guidance and supervision of the Global Policy Specialist leading the effort, and working closely with teams across practices, the Intern will support the ongoing workplan and goals of the unit, including but not limited to expanding partnerships; supporting and improving communications efforts, including on social media; conducting research and preparing policy briefs for high level meetings; supporting the launch of major initiatives (specifically on digital transformation and cities); as well as building and maintaining a knowledge base on key actors and thematic areas.

The selected Intern will:

• Support research and drafting of reports on relevant areas (with a focus on collecting data, case studies, and key information on digital transformation, digital technologies and cities, new and emerging technologies with potential to help achieve sustainable development, etc.).
• Provide support to the Supervisor on day-to-day coordination and special projects management.
• Support the development and appropriate use of communication and advocacy tools (i.e. newsletter, websites, posters, brochures, pamphlets) to enhance understanding of UNDP efforts and advance special projects and events.
• Support the development, organization and management of meetings and special events (identifying speakers, preparing flyers, managing logistics, etc.).
• Draft briefs, background notes and other communication materials on relevant areas.
• Support colleagues across the agency on issues including but not limited to e-government and e-governance, smart cities/smart islands, digital financing, or support to countries exploring smart solutions to development.
• Support partnerships-building, working closely with the Supervisor in establishing and maintaining relations with key partners.
• Provide other ad hoc support as required.

• Solid understanding of digital transformation and how it can contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals
• Familiarity with smart city concepts, and current on cutting-edge approaches or on new technologies applied in the context of urbanization (technologies in addressing urban challenges, building the city of the future, etc.)
• Familiarity with global development issues and the world of the UN
• Strong research organizational skills and ability to extract, interpret and analyse data
• Strong organization skills, ability to arrange and manage meetings and events with relevant stakeholders
• Ability to produce deliverables conforming to established standards
• Ability to support or work with a team
• Familiarity with digital technologies, strong ICT skills and excellent knowledge of office software packages
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to engage with partners and forge productive working relationships
• Responsible, responsive, and enthusiastic and able to multi-task