Background

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work is carried out through a network of advisors and specialists located at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, to ensure that local knowledge and context specific expertise is linked to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP provides its policy advisory and programme support functions through the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains, in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policies and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan.

UNDP’s Nature Pledge is a direct response to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which sets out a series of global targets to conserve and restore biodiversity for the benefit of people and planet. The Pledge is the UNDP’s nature strategy for 2030 for making significant contributions to placing nature at the heart of development through 3 systemic shifts and redoubles our commitment to successfully deliver the GBF which directly support action under Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda.  

In parallel, the Nature Facility (hosted within the Nature Hub/BPPS) has been developed as one mechanism to support the financing and delivery of UNDP’s Nature Pledge and the Global Biodiversity Framework. The Facility will rapidly accelerate and upscale investment in at-risk and exceptional ecosystems (including those designated or aiming to transition as UNESCO World Heritage sites and Biosphere Reserves) by strengthening the enabling environment for, and deploying tailored financial mechanisms and investments in nature-positive solutions. The Facility has been developed by UNDP, UNCDF and UNESCO. It will convene a coalition of private sector partners, Member States and philanthropic organizations to achieve its mission.  

The Nature Facility team is looking for an intern to support the operations of the Secretariat, create compelling external communication materials, and plan and execute the Facility’s upcoming events and donor meetings. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Support to Nature Facility Secretariat:

• Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
• Provides substantive support for coordination of resource mobilization including research into prospective donors.

Support the Facility’s Events and Communications:

• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs e.g. programme summaries, background notes, etc. 
• Works with UNDP colleagues to update the Nature Facility website and prepares regular posts for the Facility’s LinkedIn page.
• Assists in the design, planning, and execution of Facility events and receptions.

Other:

• Support other/ad hoc Nature Facility activities as seen relevant and needed.

Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

Applicants to UNDP internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in fields such as International Development, Environmental Studies, Political Science,  or related fields;
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a university degree (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) in fields such as International Development, Environmental Studies, Political Science,  or related fields;
• 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.

Skills:

• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Knowledge of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, and design tools, such as Canva, Adobe Suite or similar software are considered an asset.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Internship Conditions

Applicants should become familiar with the internship conditions prior to signing an internship agreement. For information visit www.undp.org/internships/ 

Institutional Arrangements

The intern will report to Pledge Senior Coordinator/  Head Nature Facility Secretariat.

Financial aspects, expenses and medical benefits

• UNDP will not pay for the internship but may provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance for the intern or for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness during the internship period. Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
• UNDP is not responsible for any claims by an intern or third party in the case of loss or damage to property or death or personal injury as a result of actions or omissions on the part of the intern during the internship period.

Working conditions:

• When completing an in-person internship in a UNDP Office, interns must be provided with the workspace and equipment necessary to accomplish the activities related to the internship.
• When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and work space.

Subsequent Employment

There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.  Interns cannot apply for, or be appointed to, any position during the period of their internship.

Important note:

• Interns are considered as gratis personnel. They are not staff members.
• Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts.
• Interns may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

Application

Please provide the following documents to be considered:

• CV
• Motivational letter

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:

• Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date.
• Letter of recommendation from a professor.
• Copy of his/her most recent school transcript.
• Copy of passport.
• Completed UNDP internship application form.
• Signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
• Medical Certificate of Good Health.
• Proof of medical insurance.

Kindly note the above documentation is required within one week after selection.