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. A Policy Innovation Lab has also 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 achieve the target of developed economy by 2034.  

UNDP seeks an Intern (preferably with background in Economics and ICT) to be attached to the PMO to support the achievement of its executive mandates as well as ongoing initiatives under BOLD.

Duties and Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Director, Office of Cabinet Affairs and Strategic Coordination, the Intern will:

support the PMO’s ongoing programmes and activities (including and not limited to BOLD) that develop medium and long-term plans to guide Bhutan’s socio-economic policies, entailing the implementation of set socio-economic priorities and targets, strategic planning, and direction setting; assist in conducting foresight analysis and intelligence research for anticipatory as well as ongoing development issues in Bhutan by leveraging on digital tools; support an assessment and mapping of key digital interventions surrounding artificial intelligence and related emerging technology that could support the implementation of Bhutan's strategic development priorities; regularly communicate and facilitate information sharing sessions within the PMO and beyond, as appropriate on the progress of the exploratory work carried out; and serve as a link between the PMO and UNDP, enabling the PMO to tap into UNDP’s global expertise and resources, strengthening the PMO's capacity to address developmental  challenges and enhance public service delivery.

Other relevant task assigned by the supervisor/ UNDP county office. 

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 first level degree in any relevant field but degrees in Economics and IT/Computer Science/Data Science may be given preference.

Proficiency in written and spoken English and Dzongkha is required.

Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.   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
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. 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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