Back BCA-IEG Support Internship

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.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
 

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.

UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste  Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.

BPPS work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy, and waste. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses: 
•     Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests; 
•     Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems; 
•     Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS; 
•     Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; 
•     Sustainable Energy; 
•     Extractive Industries; 
•     Chemicals and Waste Management; 
•     Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy; and SCP approaches.

This work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, South-South learning and digital transformation.

UNDP has a growing portfolio of global projects implemented directly by UNDP Nature Hub. These projects aim to promote equitable, ethical, and sustainable stewardship of nature by advancing the leadership, participation, and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and Afro-Descendant Peoples (IPLCs and ADPs). The Nature Hub’s initiatives are implemented in close collaboration with national partners and community-based organizations, focusing on rights-based approaches to conservation, biodiversity protection, and nature-based solutions.

Recognizing that the full and effective engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, who are at the frontline of the nature crisis, must be central to any nature market strategy, UNDP and Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA) established the Communities Advisory Panel, which has since evolved into the International Environmental Guardianship (IEG). Hosted by UNDP, IEG is a member-based body representing Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and Afro-Descendant peoples. It plays a key role in shaping the biodiversity credit market in line with principles of justice, equity, respect for Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge, and the empowerment of communities to actively engage in nature-based solutions.

The 8 Billion Hour Pledge is an innovative funding mechanism developed by the International Environmental Guardianship (IEG) to channel financing toward community-led nature projects. The Pledge promotes equitable distribution of funds across diverse regions and communities and aims to strengthen trust-based participation of IPLCs and ADPs in global conservation and restoration efforts. The mechanism is currently under internal consensus building, with plans for pilot transactions and a public launch by COP 17 in 2026.

UNDP is looking for one intern to support IEG’s activities and its 8 Billion Hour Pledge. The intern will be deployed to work with the IEG and other Nature Hub projects.
 

1    Support the International Environmental Guardianship (IEG):
•     Assist in planning, organizing, and documenting international events and workshops, including COP30 side events, G20 engagements, and parallel sessions;
•     Prepare and manage funding arrangements for IEG activities, including budget planning, financial tracking, and reporting;
•     Contribute to budget forecasting and expenditure monitoring for IEG projects, ensuring accurate allocation of funds for travel, workshops, and community participation.
•     Support engagement and coordination with external stakeholders
•     Undertake day-to-day activities and internal and external communications;
•     Manage and maintain relevant documents in a shared repository;
•     Respond to stakeholder queries and support regular interactions with key stakeholders. 

2    Support the coordination and monitoring of the 8 Billion Hour Pledge
•     Help organize regional and global consultations or workshops related to the 8 Billion Hour Pledge, ensuring inclusive participation and dissemination of results.
•     Contribute to the data collection, verification, and analysis of community-led actions recorded under the 8 Billion Hours Pledge, ensuring transparent and accurate time accounting in line with IEG standards.  

3    Support other Nature Hub projects/activities as seen relevant and needed    

Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in fields such as international development, international policy, business administration, economics, finance, accounting, financial engineering or related fields.

Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above), and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.  Experience: