Background
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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 UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges. Over the last 50 years, UNDP in Bhutan has been supporting the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) to attain its national priorities. In 2024, UNDP started implementation of the Country Programme Document 2024-2028, aligning to Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan (13th FYP).
UNDP currently provides policy advisory assistance to support the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) through the Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development (BOLD) initiative, a high-level advisory program designed to drive transformative shifts in development strategy towards the realization of the RGoB's development vision into the ranks of upper-middle-income Southeast Asian countries. Bhutan Innovation Lab has recently been instituted through BOLD to carry out on-demand policy analysis and provide advisory services, undertake targeted policy analysis and experimentation through people-centered and innovative design approaches and oversight of the implementation of the visioning exercise roadmap and strategies to accelerate the implementation of the 13th FYP and the 21st Century Economic Roadmap to achieve the target of developed economy.
UNDP is seeking two interns—preferably with a background in Economics and ICT—to support activities under the Bhutan Innovation Lab at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Duties and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Team lead, Bhutan Innovation lab the intern will provide support to the Bhutan Innovation Lab through the following tasks Support the implementation of Lab activities Assist in the planning, design, and delivery of Bhutan Innovation Lab initiatives, including activities under the BOLD programme and broader public sector innovation streams Contribute to the development of innovation prototypes, stakeholder engagements, and policy experimentation processes.2. Conduct research and data analysis
Undertake desk reviews, background research, and horizon scanning on emerging development challenges, innovations, and socio-economic trends relevant to Bhutan’s policy landscape. Assist in the collection, organization, and basic analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to inform evidence-based decision-making.3. Facilitate coordination and stakeholder engagement
Support the organization of meetings, consultations, and co-creation workshops, including logistics, documentation, and preparation of relevant materials (agendas, presentations, briefing notes) Draft minutes and summary reports to ensure effective knowledge capture and dissemination.4. Contribute to communications and knowledge management
Support the preparation of communication and knowledge products, including reports, social media content, blog posts, and visual materials to showcase the Lab’s work and results. Assist in documenting lessons learned, innovative practices, and case studies.5. Provide operational and administrative assistance
Assist in day-to-day coordination, follow-up with stakeholders, and internal communication tasks to ensure timely implementation of Lab activities. Perform any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor or UNDP Country Office to support the achievement of programme objectives.Competencies
Curiosity and Creative thinking; Qualitative and Quantitative research skills; 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 Candidates must at the time of application meet ONE of the following requirements: Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher); Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent); Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (1) and (2) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation; Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.Applicants must have a first level degree in any relevant field but degrees in Economics and IT/Computer Science/Data Science may be given preference.
Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English and Dzongkha.
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