Background

A well-functioning governance systems and institutions is at the heart of Bhutan’s 12th Five-year Plan (12 FYP), 2018-2023 vision of a “just, harmonious and sustainable society through enhanced decentralization.” Effective governance institutions are critical to building the resilience that will allow the country to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis such as COVID-19 while continuing to address existing and emerging vulnerabilities.

UNDP along with the national partners, co-created a Governance Multi-Year Framework (2020-2023) of partnerships in the area of democratic governance in Bhutan, with a particular focus on supporting decentralization, the justice sector and Bhutan’s Parliament. The Governance Multi-Year Framework focuses on four strategic outcomes:

  1. Central and local governments engage with citizens for an equitable, effective and transparent service delivery;

  2. Increased access, inclusion, transparency and accountability in the justice sector;

  3. The parliament of Bhutan drives progress towards fundamental rights protection, sustainable development and Gross National Happiness (GNH);

  4. Innovation and partnerships leveraged for efficient, transparent and accountable governance.  

The activities of the programme will include:

  • Capacity development of local government (LGs) to manage the implementation of decentralized resources and mainstream crosscutting issues into local plans and budget, ensuring active participation and inclusion of citizens;

  • Support a holistic approach to ensure access to justice for all through the implementation of the new Justice Sector Strategic Plan (JSSP)

  • Support to Bhutan’s Parliament in its efforts to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals, Gross National Happiness and the just, harmonious and sustainable society envisaged by the 12th FYP.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Governance Portfolio Manager, the Intern will mainly provide assistance and support the the portfolio in delivering tasks such as, but not limited to, programmatic, operational, and administrative work performed by the intern. The intern will work in close collaboration with various stakeholders of the project including programme staff, Government, CSOs and private sector.

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Support drafting reports, programme results, outputs and outcomes;

  • Draft knowledge and advocacy products e.g. background documents, briefs, speeches, presentations and other communication materials related to multi-year framework programme;

  • Support the production of communication materials to highlight the achievements and activities of multi-year programme;

  • Provide coordination support to the Governance and Advocacy Unit to ensure efficient internal communications;

  • Provide logistical support to Governance events;

  • Assist in identifying opportunities and contribute to resource mobilization for Governance Unit

  • Support in conducting researches and collecting data as requested;

  • Provide other adhoc support as required.

Competencies

  • Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;

  • Shows initiative and thinks out-of-the box with a goal-oriented mindset;

  • Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;

  • Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;

  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task;

  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

  • Ability to support a team and team building skills;

  • Strong attention to details

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;

  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view; and

  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude showing willingness to learn.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to be eligible for UNDP internship programme must, at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

  1. Minimum- be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

  2. Have recently graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

Field of study: Development Studies, Public Management/Administration, Social Science, political science, Law, International development, Management or any related fields

Language:

  • Excellent in English writing and spoken;

  • Good level of knowledge in Dzongkha