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.
  <Job Purpose and Organizational Context>

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was established in 1965, as the lead UN agency in international development. UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. Functioning as the United Nations’ global development network, UNDP helps countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, through six core development areas, known as our signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality.
The UNDP Ghana, in line with the development agenda of the Government of Ghana, is implementing its Country Programme Document (2023-2027). Under the Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive growth and structural transformation pillar, the Environment and Climate Cluster (ECC) is focusing on building a Green, Inclusive, and Prosperous Country that Creates Opportunities for All. ECC in collaboration with its national partners such as the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, Environmental Protection Authority, Energy Commission, Forestry Commission (and other institutions) seek to strengthen the planning and delivery process to ensure environmental sustainability at national and local levels. This involves focusing on internalizing and implementing global environmental agreements, promoting policy coherence, and coordinating climate change, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and green/blue and circular economy interventions across sectors.
UNDP Ghana’s Environment and Climate Cluster is therefore seeking a dynamic, talented, and committed recent university graduate—preferably female—to join our team as an intern. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about sustainable development and considering advanced studies in this field, while contributing to impactful work in Ghana and beyond.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Assistant will be a member of the Environment and Climate Cluster and report to the Head of Cluster. S/he will provide support for the management and implementation of selected projects and will provide programme management and administrative assistance. He/she will also assist Programme/Project Officers in performing project management and technical duties. He/she will work in close collaboration the with the operations, programme and projects staff in the CO and UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure excellent and consistent service delivery.

Programme Management Support: (15%)
• Support implementation of UNDP’s programme on environment and climate.
• Support in project monitoring activities and progress and ensure that the agreed deliverables are produced satisfactorily according to plans
• Assist in review and provide feedback on relevant submissions of the project reports to improve the programme quality.
 

Administrative Assistance: (70%)
• Support preparation of background information for project implementation, work plans and budget.
• Support the procurement of goods and services, human resource and payment processes of the projects.
• Provide support in the proper filing of financial and technical documentation and reports.
• Keep record of meetings and draft correspondence as required.
• Assist in the organization of in-country events (meetings, seminars, workshops, trainings etc), ensuring logistical arrangements;
 

Knowledge Building and management: (15%)
• Support in synthesizing and documenting lessons learnt and best practices in programme.
• Provide research support services for data collation, data analysis and present required information for success stories and articles to communicate UNDP’s achievement.
  Competencies Required Skills and Experience

Required skills and experience:
 

Education:    Applicants to the UNDP internship program must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: Be enrolled in a graduate school program university graduate from a Ghanaian university with a Bachelor’s Degree in one of these three areas: 
• Natural Resource Management, Social Science, Development Studies       Experience: Strong  experience in supporting management of development projects in Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, Waste, Chemicals and Circular Economy.
  Other desired technical knowledge 
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; 
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; 
 Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; 
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; 
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment 
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; 
• Sound security awareness; 
• Have affinity with or interest in environment and climate change, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.   Internship experience or other placement experience which involves the UN or other international development organization is an asset., Online presence of early thought leadership is desirable.  
   

Language requirements

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language is required.  

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:

letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment 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.

Institutional Arrangements

The intern will report to the Programme Specialist (Team lead ) and will work closely with technical experts.

Interns’ Expenses

Interns may be given a stipend under conditions prescribed in the section on  internship stipends policy. 

    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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