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.
UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.
UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.
BPPS work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy, and waste. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses:
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests;
• Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems;
• Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS;
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation;
• Sustainable Energy;
• Extractive Industries;
• Chemicals and Waste Management;
• Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy; and SCP approaches.
This work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, South-South learning and digital transformation.
UNDP has a growing portfolio of global projects implemented directly by UNDP Nature Hub. These deal with emerging issues such as nature economies and green finance, supporting countries' actions on the Convention on Biological Diversity, private sector engagement, and working with CSOs. The projects are managed in the corporate ERP system, and support to participating countries and agencies is coordinated by the UNDP Nature Hub at UNDP HQ in New York (within BPPS). Global projects in the area of nature conservation and sustainable development involve direct engagement with Responsible Parties (RPs) and subcontractors, and in some cases (when projects presuppose ground activities) with country offices.
UNDP is expanding its efforts to engage private sector in biodiversity financing, contributing to the overall objective of redirecting global finance flows from nature negative to nature positive, as a prerequisite system change for achieving the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Programme and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts include the development and operationalization of several innovative financing instruments including the Nature Investment Facility (NIF) and the Tiger Landscapes Investment Fund (TLIF). Additionally, the unit is leading the design and operationalization of high-quality standards in the nature market through initiatives such as the Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA) and the Task force for Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD). The portfolio of the unit’s activities is expected to expand to include other innovative financing instruments.
UNDP is looking for three interns to support the unit’s activities in advancing innovative financing instruments. The interns will be deployed to work with the BCA, NIF and TLIF projects.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupport in advancing innovative financing instruments (40%)
• Participate and provide inputs to the discussions on new financing mechanisms for biodiversity
• Facilitate meetings and discussions and provide inputs on innovative financing mechanisms, including the necessary background research
• Support engagement and coordination with external stakeholders
• Undertake day-to-day activities and internal and external communications;
• Manage and maintain relevant documents in a shared repository;
• Organize meetings, including scheduling, agenda drafting, identifying speakers, panelists, resource persons, and drafting minutes and reports;
• Implement innovative tools to render webinars and workshops interactive;
• Develop presentations, briefing notes, reports and other relevant materials;
• Conduct research on partners, donors and other stakeholders in the innovative financing space , as and when needed;
• Respond to stakeholder queries and support regular interactions with key stakeholders.
Support the development and execution of communication plan (40%)
• Support the development of specific communications plan and assets, including the value proposition deck, briefs, case studies, and other communications asset
• Support the outreach of the works through social media and other relevant channels
Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed including event planning and coordination of multi-stakeholder partner meetings (20%)
Competencies
Achieve Results - LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively - LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously - LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination - LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner - LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Required Skills and Experience Education:
Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in fields such as environmental management, environmental policy, sustainability management, sustainable development, environmental economics, international relations, communications or related fields. Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above), and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation. Experience: Excellent analytical skills coupled with experience in research, drafting and developing reports and knowledge products are required; Knowledge of the current state of affiars on biodiversity including Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is an asset; Experience developing social media materials is an advantage; Experience in programme management support and coordination among multiple stakeholders is an advantage; Experience in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation is an advantage; Knowledge in the preparation of webinar and (virtual) workshops with experience in using Zoom, MS Teams and other tools is an asset.Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Internship ConditionsApplicants should become familiar with the internship conditions prior to signing an internship agreement. For information visit www.undp.org/internships/
Institutional Arrangements
The intern will report to one of the following positions: the BCA Global Coordinator, Senior Nature Investment Advisor, Nature Investment Facility Secretariat Coordinator.
Financial aspects, expenses and medical benefits
UNDP will not pay for the internship but may provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy; UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance for the intern or for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness during the internship period. Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern. UNDP is not responsible for any claims by an intern or third party in the case of loss or damage to property or death or personal injury as a result of actions or omissions on the part of the intern during the internship period.Working conditions:
When completing an in-person internship in a UNDP Office, interns must be provided with the workspace and equipment necessary to accomplish the activities related to the internship. When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and work space.Subsequent Employment
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship. Interns cannot apply for, or be appointed to, any position during the period of their internship.
Important note:
Interns are considered as gratis personnel. They are not staff members. Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts. Interns may not represent UNDP in any official capacity. ApplicationPlease provide the following documents to be considered:
CV Motivational letterTen shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.
In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of: Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date. Letter of recommendation from a professor. Copy of his/her most recent school transcript. Copy of passport. Completed UNDP internship application form. Signed UNDP Internship Agreement. Medical Certificate of Good Health. Proof of medical insurance.Kindly note the above documentation is required within one week after selection.
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