Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN’s global development network, operates in over 170 countries to address challenges such as poverty, climate change, governance, crisis response, and gender equality. The Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS), headquartered in Amman, oversees the Regional Programme and supports 18 country offices across the Arab region. Leveraging its regional presence and expertise, UNDP is uniquely positioned to drive initiatives that bridge policy gaps and accelerate digital adoption across the Arab region. In 2026, UNDP is launching its new Strategic Plan (2026-2029), focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and future-smart development, coupled with efforts to strengthen resilience, digital and green transitions, and social cohesion. The Regional Programme for the Arab States (2026–2029) translates UNDP’s global ambitions into a regional framework grounded in national and regional priorities.
Project 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.
Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in line with the priorities outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan, the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) supports the Arab States region to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development, and building resilience to crises and shocks.
In addition to its presence in New York, RBAS has its main office in the Regional Hub based in Amman, Jordan. The Amman Regional Hub hosts regional initiatives under the Regional Programme for Arab States 2026-2029 which touches upon the following areas of work: governance and anti-corruption, regional cooperation for the reduction of poverty and inequality, knowledge economy, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, climate security, youth engagement and empowerment, gender equality, resilience building, among others. Through its regional projects, the Regional Programme generates and avails development knowledge, experience and expertise to countries across the region; supports the creation and development of inter-country initiatives and networks among governmental and non-governmental partners to address shared challenges at a sub-regional and regional levels; facilitates inter-country collaboration on cross-border issues, such as trade, environment, and migration; advances regional dialogues, and experience exchange on development issues that may be sensitive where regional level advocacy may enable country level engagement and action, such as with efforts to fight corruption and exclusionary practices targeting certain groups; and promotes experimentation and innovation to help overcome institutional, financial and knowledge barriers that may be too high for an individual country to surmount.
UNDP is now seeking an intern to support the effective delivery of the Regional Programme for Arab States (2026–2029), with a focus on programme management support, knowledge management and research, and partnership building and communication.
The intern will be based in Amman, Regional Hub office. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:
1. Knowledge Management & Research
• Assist in collecting lessons learned and best practices across regional projects ;
• Conduct desk-based research on relevant thematic issues (e.g. inclusive growth, governance, digital innovation, green economy);
• Support the preparation of reports, briefs and other knowledge products;
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products for internal and external audiences.
2. Partnership Building & Communication
• Assist in prepare partnerships briefs, presentations, and communication materials (e,g talking points, backgrounders) for partnership engagement.
• Support the identification of and engagement with prospective partners;
• Support preparation of partnership proposals and outreach events.
3. Programme Management Support
• Support the Regional Programme Team in coordinating and monitoring of projects and initiatives under the Regional Programme.
• Assist in organizing programme activities and events.
• Provide support to the Results-Based Management specialist in maintaining programme monitoring and reporting.
Experience:
• Relevant previous experience is a plus;
• Relevant experience with communication and social media is a plus;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools;
• Experience in supporting web and digital initiatives, including assisting with content management, portal updates, and coordination of knowledge or project-related activities;
• Ability to assist in organizing and presenting digital content on the portal and social media, helping ensure users can access and understand the materials.
Languages:
• Fluency in Arabic and English (including speaking, writing, and reading) is required.
Stipend
-Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, must be paid by the receiving office.
-The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
-Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
-No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement.
- Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, must be paid by the receiving office.
- Where an intern is engaged remotely and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a remote stipend intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, must be paid by the receiving office.
- The monthly amount of the stipend for remote internships will be based on a standard global rate applicable for all remote internships. The amount of the stipend for in-person internships will be set for each duty station. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and will be pro-rated for part-time internship arrangements.
- Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, Government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, Government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
- Interns will accrue combined sick and annual leave at the rate of 1 ½ days per month, which will be prorated to the nearest half day for part-time internships. Any accrued leave days not used by the end of the internship will be forfeited. Any unjustified absences during the internship period exceeding a total of nine days or as prorated for part-time internships, will be deducted from the monthly stipend.
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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