Background

The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is responsible for UNDP’s external relations and advocacy functions. The Bureau leads and supports the organization in cultivating, building and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances that are essential for advancing and successfully achieving the mission of UNDP. These relationships encompass a wide range and number of key constituencies and development partners, that includes existing and prospective donor countries/emerging funding partners, multilateral institutions such as the IFIs, the European Commission, the private sector, foundations, academia and think tanks, the wider UN system, various UN inter-governmental bodies, as well as global, regional and national media. The main functions of BERA are (1) Resource mobilization, coordination and partnership management (2) UN & Multilateral coherence; and (3) External Communication to raise UNDP’s profile and improve communication.  BERA’s top priorities over the next 12 months are linked to resource mobilization to complement implementation of the new Strategic Plan, positioning UNDP in light of UN reform imperatives and continual advocacy with member states on global development challenges.

BERA consists of the Directorate, Strategic Analysis Unit and three Groups: Partnerships (PG) Communications (CG), and UN System Affairs (UNSAG).  In addition, BERA has Representation Offices in five major donor capitals and regional advisors posted in each of the five UNDP regional hubs.

The Partnerships Group (PG) facilitates UNDP’s partnerships and actively supports resource mobilization for UNDP’s work globally from governmental and non-governmental actors. Key functions include:

1. Stabilize and raise core resource contributions;
2. Coordinate and support the mobilisation of project based non-core resources; and

Diversify UNDP’s funding base by supporting fundraising through International Finance Institutions, the Private Sector and individuals

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direction of the Partnerships Portfolio Management Team Leader, the Intern will undertake tasks related to one or more of the areas listed below. Learning and mentoring as well as facilitating exposure to a range of experiences for the intern will be an explicitly targeted goal during the internship.

• Support with data collection and research on development cooperation priorities of major donors to UNDP, including foreign affairs parliamentary committee inquiries.
• Research of donors’ aid policies, practices and budget allocations, including contributions to multilaterals.
• Support with the development of policy notes and other material in relation to corporate priorities, assessments, relevant for effective donor relations. Current examples of interest include Development Finance Institutes, Supplier Development Programmes, and SDG Implementation at the national level.
• Support the updating of funding trends for the organization including the identification of potential or emerging funding streams for UNDP to capitalize on.
• Review and update tools for donor analyses, communications and visibility including media scans
• Support development and rollout of training and awareness initiatives on working with UNDP’s top donor partners.
• Support with other research and analysis for selected topics/donors, as needed, including donor consultations.
• Support for media scans and weekly updates on donor countries engagement on foreign policy and UN affairs  

      Expected Outputs

1.       Partner specific research conducted to feed into policy background papers, strategic notes and other relevant internal documents.

2.       Donor due diligence information and guidance material developed and disseminated.

3.       Thematic/donor specific data gathered and disseminated. 

4.       Donor-specific training and/or communication material researched, developed and dessiminated.

Other tasks may include:

Organizational Development

·         Assist with the analysis and reform of corporate policies and procedures on partnerships and resource mobilization

·         Analyse and provide substantive commentary to Global and Country Programme Documents

Communications

·         Support  communication and dissemination of information including the development of outreach materials/products as well as presentations for client country office and external partner relations

·         Support to knowledge management through analysis, compiling lessons learned, enhancing web/intranet presence and use of social media

Events Logistics

·         Support the organization of missions, meetings, events, webinars, etc

·         Prepare meeting minutes/notes to file

·         Undertake follow-up actions as needed

Outputs/ Deliverables/ Reporting Requirements

• Standard donor-related presentations developed; talking points/key messages compiled or developed;
• Support to the development of briefing notes for high-level missions, meetings and other outreach activities;
• Outreach/communications materials produced, e.g. consolidated regional updates, and intranet/web presence updated and enhanced;  
• Country specific analysis of development cooperation policy and practice available as input into partner engagement strategies and action plan;
• Research, analyses and inputs to UNDP corporate policies on partnerships and RM provided;
• General administration and logistical support provided, including for high-level meetings, events, workshops, teleconferences, webinars, etc.

Competencies

a)      Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP

b)      Proven understanding of international development and multilateralism, particularly the UN

c)       Excellent analytical and data handling capability     

d)      Good understanding and experience in current knowledge management technologies

e)       Excellent organizational, general administration, time management skills  

f)       Strong English language skills (oral and written)

g)      Demonstrates strong computer skills and ability to produce information visually

h)      Ability for problem-solving, multi-tasking, meet deadlines, work under pressure and with minimal supervision, strong follow-up skills  

i)        Ability to work as part of a multi-cultural team in a constantly evolving work environment

Required Skills and Experience

?Qualifications

a)       Enrollment in graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher).

b)      Enrollment in the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent)

c)       A university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) within one year of graduation

NOTE: The internship must start within one year of graduation.

Years of experience

Relevant national/international experience in development, international relations, finance/economics, political science, management, communications, business consulting, knowledge management or related field.

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.
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