Background

The UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Development Programme’s Strategic Plan within the Sub-Saharan African region, with a strong focus on eliminating poverty and reducing inequalities. RBA provides strategic oversight and support to forty-six country offices, ensuring alignment with regional and corporate priorities.

The UNDP RBA Management Support Team (MST) is seeking a highly qualified graduate student to join as an Intern with a specialization in data analytics and Power BI. The intern will play a key role in analyzing data from various sources, preparing reports, and supporting the MST in its oversight responsibilities. The internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the operational and strategic activities of a major UNDP bureau.

The intern will report to the Operations Advisor and will work closely with the operations team, regional advisors, and other stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making processes.

The internship is for a maximum of 6 months. The internship is not paid (however a stipend is provided) and is full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours) and are expected to work all days at UNDP offices.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Intern will be responsible to:

  • Analyze data from corporate tools, systems, and dashboards using Power BI to create insightful reports on the operational performance of country offices (COs).
  • Review periodic information to identify trends and improvement areas, and communicate these to relevant stakeholders.
  • Support the MST in monitoring key milestones such as quarterly financial reviews and year-end closures, and identifying potential issues.
  • Assist in the preparation of communications and reports that highlight performance indicators and deviations from established standards.
  • Collecting and sharing best practices and operational knowledge with COs, ensuring they remain informed on relevant policies and guidelines.
  • Participate in cross-organizational projects, contributing to the development and implementation of innovative solutions.

Competencies

General:

  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and produce actionable insights.
  • Proficiency in Power BI and other data analytics tools.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • High standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage diverse tasks and meet tight deadlines.

Data Analytics and Reporting:

  • Advanced skills in data visualization and reporting using Power BI.
  • Ability to synthesize data from multiple sources and present findings in a clear, concise manner.
  • Strong understanding of data management and analysis best practices.

Communicating with Impact:

  • Ability to communicate data-driven insights effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Proficiency in tailoring messages based on audience needs.

Think Innovatively and Strive for Excellence:

  • Ability to propose new approaches to data analysis and problem-solving.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications: Education:

  • Enrollment in a graduate program in data analytics, statistics, information systems, public administration, or a related field.
  • Recent graduates may also be considered, provided the internship starts within one year of graduation.

Experience:

  • Demonstrated experience with data analytics, particularly with Power BI.
  • Prior experience in international development or a related area is a plus.
  • Familiarity with the UN system is an advantage.

Languages:

  • Fluency in oral and written English is required.
  • Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is a major asset.

Intern conditions:

  • UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship,
  • UNDP offers a modest monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station,
  • All other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government, or institution,
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship,
  • 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,
  • The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan,
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.