Intern - Effective Development Cooperation (Switzerland or Home-based) (two positions), Geneva

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Working in about 170 countries and territories, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports governments in developing strong policies, institutions and partnerships to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It does so in part through its comprehensive knowledge network, which includes expert practitioners that provide focused advice and support in strategic policy areas.

Drawing on the comparative advantages of UNDP in strengthening country capacities to manage and coordinate development cooperation, the team is situated within the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) and supports the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation, as part of the OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team.

UNDP’s work in this area is guided by principles of effective development cooperation and supports global policy dialogue and mutual learning on effective development cooperation, helping increase the availability of transparent data on development cooperation, while supporting countries in implementing and monitoring the effective development cooperation principles. In addition, cultivating networks of partners and development practitioners is another key element of UNDP’s support to the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC).

The interns will work under the overall guidance of the GPEDC Senior Team, with one intern working under the direct supervision of the Policy Specialist and the other under the direct supervision of the Partnership and Advocacy Specialist. Both interns will ensure day-to-day reporting to relevant team members responsible for specific thematic areas.

Duties and Responsibilities

The interns will perform the following tasks:

Policy Analysis and Secretariat Support (40%)

• Provide support to activities of the 2027-2029 Work Programme as part of the OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team (JST), including research trends in development effectiveness /cooperation, and identify linkages/key areas of support for UNDP's work in advancing the global development effectiveness agenda for 100 countries.
• Contribute to the Global Partnership monitoring exercise and its 5th monitoring round, through policy research and the development of policy/practice products such as briefs, discussions papers, country stories, blog posts and practice notes.
• Support the roll out of the 5th GPEDC monitoring exercise, including drafting briefing and guidance materials, communicating with participating governments, and supporting related meetings with stakeholders.
• Provide administrative and analytical support to the JST’s follow-up with partner countries and other stakeholders, including support with data analysis, drafting analytical products and knowledge management practices.

Communications and Advocacy Support for Monitoring (40%)

• Support with the implementation of the 5th Monitoring Round launch plan, including drafting of newsletters, blogs, video interviews, stories of progress, key messages, talking points, social media content, updating the official Trello board.
• Support with the website updates, help maintain the data visualization platform and the monitoring of the Global Dashboard.
• Draft and publish on GPEDC’s official social media platforms (X and LinkedIn) in line with UNDP guidelines and update the GPEDC official Trello Board.

Events Liaison (20%)

• Provide logistical support to annual events, international workshops, side events, regional monitoring webinars and Steering Committee meetings, and other events led by the GPEDC team.
• Responsible for drafting emails, helping with event briefings and other events-related communications with multiple partners including OECD and GPEDC Steering Committee members, particularly the partner countries.

Competencies

• Excellent organizational, event planning, and time management skills.
• Keen attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, observe deadlines and achieve results.
• Good research and information gathering skills, with track record in producing development research and other materials.
• Team player; works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral).
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and values.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

To be eligible for the UNDP internship programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application:

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (ie. Master’s programme or higher) in Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or related field;
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (ie. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or related field;
3. Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme in Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or related field, and undertake the internship as part of this programme.

Experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong online research skills.
• Familiarity with social media scheduling, monitoring, and analytics tools.
• Skills in graphic design and video production as well as advanced excel, database management skills and Power BI are an asset.
• Experience supporting communications campaigns, events, or digital outreach activities is an asset.
• Experience supporting social media content creation and management is an asset.
• Previous experience in research and policy development, communications, advocacy, or large-scale event planning is an asset.
• Knowledge of, or direct experience working with effective development co-operation issues is an asset.
• Experience working in developing countries is desirable.

Language skills

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.

Conditions of Internship

General Conditions

1. In accordance with the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with a rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
2. Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
3. Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions.

Application process

Interested applicants must include the following documents when submitting their application:

1. Updated CV as well as the contact details (email and telephone number).
2. Motivation letter for the internship.

Please combine the above into one single PDF document as the system only allows uploading of a single document.

Selected candidates for the internship will be requested to submit electronic versions of the following documents:

• Letter from university confirming current enrolment and graduation date, and if a graduate, copy of certificate of graduation (internship must start within one year of graduation);
• Letter of endorsement/recommendation from a professor;
• Copy of recent school transcript;
• Copy of passport/national identification card;
• Recent Medical Certificate of Good Health from a recognized physician;
• Proof of medical insurance cover (medical/accident/repatriation) valid for the duration of the internship programme.

Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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Non-discrimination UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority.