Background
SECU is seeking to recruit an intern for a six-month term, starting in January/February 2026.
The UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards (SES) apply to UNDP projects and programmes and are intended to strengthen the social and environmental outcomes of UNDP projects and avoid adverse impacts on people and the environment affected by projects. The UNDP’s Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU), within the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI), helps ensure compliance with the SES. SECU forms one of the two units that comprise the UNDP’s Accountability Mechanism (the other being a dispute resolution function located in a separate office from SECU). SECU conducts compliance reviews in response to complaints alleging that the SES or other commitments have somehow been violated in the context of UNDP projects and programming. SECU investigates these claims to determine if and how commitments have been violated, and how a project can be brought into compliance with corrective measures.
The operations of SECU within OAI are ongoing and require continued support, with a particular emphasis on raising awareness of SECU, conducting outreach campaigns and related media work, coordinating our social media presence, and assisting in policy and factual research. SECU is also exploring the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency in information management and data analysis. The intern will support these functions and contribute to the unit’s ongoing efforts to innovate and strengthen its operations.
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.Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the SECU Head of Unit, the Intern will be asked to complete tasks from the following:
Assists in policy and/or factual research;
Assists in social media, traditional media, and other outreach/communication campaigns;
Assists in editing, formatting, and drafting relevant documents;
Assists in identifying, collating, and analysing potential evidence;
Assists in event and logistics coordination, including conferences that SECU would organize itself and ones that SECU would attend/present at;
Assists in various administrative tasks;
Assists in the intake and processing of SECU complaints and/or Dispute Resolution requests;
If multilingual, assists in translations and translation quality control of relevant documents, as well as outreach/inreach in other languages;
Supports SECU’s ongoing efforts to explore the application of AI tools for information management, data analysis, and process automation within SECU’s operations;
Undertakes other related functions as requested by the SECU Head of Unit or others at OAI/SECU.
Competencies
Possesses a willingness to be adaptive, take on extra responsibility, be proactive, and be willing to help with whatever needs assistance;
Be independent and able to work in a dynamic environment;
Displays cultural sensitivity;
Produces timely, quality outputs; and
Ability to handle multiple tasks.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Current enrolment in, or recent graduation (within 1 year) from, a related undergraduate or graduate program such as international development/affairs/public policy, human rights/environmental law, communications, or another related field.
Experience:
Knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required;
Excellent research, writing, communication, editing, and time-management skills;
Knowledge of social media platforms required;
Familiarity with AI tools for information management and data analysis;
Knowledge of graphic design and video-editing software (Adobe suite, etc) desirable; and
Interest and/or experience in law, compliance, administrative decision-making, accountability mechanisms, alternative dispute resolution, and/or international development is desirable.
Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English required;
Fluency in Arabic or French is highly desirable; and
Proficiency in other languages is desirable.
Additional Information:
Internship is located at UNDP Headquarters in New York City;
Internship will be for a period of 6 months.
Internship will be full-time, with the possibility of part-time arrangements, depending on availability;
Internship expected to start in January/February 2026;
UNDP pays a monthly stipend to interns, which will be prorated for part-time internship arrangements. For a full-time in-person internship in New York City, the monthly stipend is $1000.
Costs and arrangements for travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern; and
A person who is the child or sibling of a UNDP staff member is not eligible to apply for an internship at UNDP.
Finalist candidates will be contacted to participate in a written exam and a Zoom interview.
Applications must be received by 28 November 2025.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.