Background

UNDP, the global development network for the United Nations system, is present in 166 countries and territories and is uniquely equipped to help developing countries build sustainable capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In support of this, UNDP offers a wide range of solutions to global, regional and national development challenges through a comprehensive knowledge network, expert practitioners and focused, strategic areas of support.

The Effective Development Co-operation (EDC) Team, under the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is the institutional anchor of UNDP’s work on effective development co-operation, focusing on the comparative advantages of UNDP in strengthening country capacities to manage and co-ordinate development co-operation and to strengthen peer-learning, South-South Co-operation and knowledge sharing as tools for capacity development. It also assists countries in shaping and participating in the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (Global Partnership), as part of the UNDP-OECD Joint Support Team. This includes supporting global policy dialogue and mutual learning on effective development co-operation, as well as leading country support in implementation and monitoring of the effective development co-operation principles.

The Global Partnership monitoring is a country-led, voluntary exercise that is recognised as one of the main instruments to drive change in the way development co-operation is provided, managed and harnessed. Evidence and data generated from the monitoring exercise contributes to the global follow-up and review of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The monitoring framework includes a set of ten indicators focused around the development effectiveness principles of country ownership, a focus on results, inclusive partnerships and transparency and mutual accountability

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of Global Policy Adviser and with day-to-day reporting to Programme Analyst, the intern will focus on the following: 
Policy Research and Analysis (30%): Under the direct supervision of senior team members, research trends in development effectiveness / co-operation and identify linkages / key areas of support for UNDP's work in advancing the global development effectiveness agenda. This includes specific support to implementation of  the Global Partnership’s 2017-2018 Work Programme;  Under the direct supervision of senior team members, contribute to policy research and development of policy / practice products such as UNDP issue briefs, discussions papers and practice notes on effective development co-operation. 

Knowledge Management (40%):  Draft short knowledge products for the wider Global Partnership audience;·   Support the preparation of monitoring data for refinements to the Global Partnership’s data visualization dashboard;  Support the establishment and maintenance of an online community of practice / knowledge-sharing platform for development effectiveness practitioners, including through outreach, synthesis of knowledge / lessons learned, and  conduct a mapping of existing knowledge, policy products, and innovations on effective development co-operation.  

Logistical / Event Support (30%):   Support implementation of the 2018 monitoring round, including coordination with various stakeholders and preparation of event materials; Provide logistical support to various events organized under the auspices of the Global Partnerhsip, including workshops, side events and Steering Committee meetings, among others.

Competencies

 Excellent organizational, event planning, and time management skills, attention to detail and proven ability to work independently under tight deadlines; Proven research and writing skills, with track record in producing development research and other materials; Strong service and team-work orientation; evident cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a multi-national environment; Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to learning; and Commitment to UNDP vision, mission, and values and knowledge of UN work environment an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme in a development related field such as economics, public administration, public policy, or international relations/international development studies. 

Experience: Previous experience in research and policy development, communications, advocacy, can be an asset, and experience in developing countries is desirable.

Language: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English - competency in other UN language(s), especially Spanish and/or French, is an asset.

IT skils: Storong online research skills and good knowledge of the Microsoft Office Package. Advanced excel and data base management skills in particular are considered an asset.

Working arrangements:UNDP will provide office space, access to internet and a printer during the assignment. The intern will be responsible for providing his or her own laptop.