Background
The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is responsible for UNDP’s external relations and advocacy functions. BERA leads and supports the organization in building and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances essential for successfully achieving the mission of UNDP. These relationships include a range of constituencies and development partners, related to resource mobilization and donor relations, intergovernmental affairs with member states, multilateral institutions, the European Commission, philanthropies, private sector, foundations, UN system agencies and UN inter-governmental bodies.
The Partnerships Group (PG) guides trusted engagement with partners in support of UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029. This involves coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships including quality assurance; and engaging with key political constituencies and actors, as well as intergovernmental and inter-agency processes.
The Partnership Group (PG) consists of five teams:
UN System Affairs Partnerships Portfolio Management Performance and Analysis Portfolio New Strategic Partnerships PhilanthropiesKey functions of PG include:
Build a strong constituency around UNDP’s strategic agenda with partners through proactive dialogue and advocacy with stakeholders. Develop and advise on annual engagement strategies and priorities for partners, including organizing annual strategic dialogues. Set, monitor and deliver corporate partnership priorities, goals, and key performance indicators in line with the corporate engagement strategies and audience specific accountability framework. Advise UNDP senior management on partnership engagement including multi-stakeholder engagement and funding mechanisms. Monitor emerging risks affecting UNDP’s positioning with the Member States and UN Partners and devise and implement risk mitigation plans. Coordinate and advise on UNDP contributions to system-wide policies on UN coherence modalities. Identify risks and opportunities to be given due consideration by UNDP management; advise senior leadership on issues arising and recommend course of action. Assess partner perceptions of UNDP and advise on UNDP’s response to partners’ assessments of performance. Oversee partnership management and RM tracking mechanisms across UNDP (including through a CRM platform).Duties and Responsibilities
The Intern will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of the UN System Affairs Team (UNSAT) and gain hands-on experience in intergovernmental processes, policy analysis, interagency cooperation and positioning. The Intern’s support and time will be defined and agreed upon with the respective supervisor/team leader.
Under the overall guidance and direction of the UNSAT Team Leader, the Intern will support the team’s work and undertake tasks within the key functions listed below:
Cover and gather data on inter-agency and intergovernmental meetings and support analysis on key strategic issues, including on UN80 reform initiative. Regularly monitor and update through briefs/readouts/notes key developments within the intergovernmental and interagency spaces – flagship initiatives, campaigns, advocacy, news/updates. Support the team in the preparatory work ahead of the UNDP/UNOPS/UNFPA Executive Board sessions including preparation of readouts and documentation as needed. Support the team in the preparation of key corporate reporting exercises, including as part of the UN Development System reform, and prepare meeting minutes and background documents as requested. Attend interagency and intergovernmental meetings and consultations as requested, provide timely information on issues of relevant importance to UNDP. Support regular monitoring of Member States and UN entities’ positions and providing inputs to briefing notes. Assist in establishing standardized political positioning metrics and tracking system, utilizing AI tools, conducting data analysis, and assessing the impact of intergovernmental and interagency engagements that will contribute to lessons learned. Maintain information repositories for knowledge management up to date. Perform other duties as may be required in support of the team’s objectives and workplan, as guided by UNSAT Team Leader.Learning Opportunities:
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. The Intern will be exposed to having a robust understanding of key intergovernmental United Nations bodies and mechanisms (General Assembly, ECOSOC, HLPF, SSC, 2nd Committee, etc.), as well as UNDP’s own governing body (Executive Board) – all of which will happen during the period of the internship. The Intern will be able to understand the dynamics of the UN development system reform, as well as UN80 reform initiative, and UNDP’s key contributions and collaboration with other UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes.
Outputs/ Deliverables:
Aside from the day-to-day contributions to the respective team, by the end of the internship, the Intern will have contributed to the following deliverables:
Supported UNDP’s work on advancing its strategic positioning in key intergovernmental and interagency engagements, especially as related to unfolding UN80 reform initiative. Supported the team’s work on UNDP’s contributions to the UNDS reform implementation in different intergovernmental forums, e.g. ECOSOC Operational Activities Segment for Development, Executive Board sessions, and others. Enhanced knowledge management and workflows incorporating lessons learned and best practices and leveraging digital tools, including AI.Competencies
Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP. Good understanding of international development and multilateralism, particularly the UN system, its intergovernmental bodies and fora, Secretariat, agencies, funds and programmes. Excellent analytical and data handling capability. Excellent organizational, general administration, time management skills. Strong English language skills (oral and written). Demonstrates strong computer skills and ability to produce information visually. Ability for problem-solving, multi-tasking, meet deadlines and work under pressure, strong follow-up skills Ability to work as part of a team in a constantly evolving work environment.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Enrollment in graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher). Enrollment in the final academic year of a university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent). A university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) within one year of graduation. Currently enrolled in a Master’s / postgraduate university in international relations, political science or related field.Experience:
Relevant national and/or international experience is desirable in multilateral diplomacy, sustainable development, human rights, humanitarian or political affairs, international relations, finance/economics, political science, management, communications, business consulting, knowledge management or related field. Knowledge in multilateral diplomacy, development-related areas, multi-stakeholder engagement, international or multilateral organizations. Experience in drafting meeting and analytical notes, as well as organizing meetings and collaborative events.Conditions
UNDP may accept interns provided the following conditions are met:
Interns may be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme. Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. 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. Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity. The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract and due recognition of work will be issued in writing.In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of the following documents upon selection:
Copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae. Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date. Copy of her/his school transcript. Copy of passport. Completed UNDP internship application form. Signed UNDP Internship Agreement. Medical Certificate of Good Health. Proof of medical insurance.Subsequent Employment:
The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.For more information on UNDP Internship, please visit: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/operations/jobs/internships.html
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.
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