Background
The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region faced a complex socio-political and economic landscape in 2024. Post-pandemic recovery efforts continued, but persistent challenges such as widening inequalities, citizen insecurity, and institutional fragility hampered progress. The region experienced escalating violence fuelled by organized crime, transnational drug trafficking, and environmental degradation, which disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. Political instability in several countries led to weakened public trust in governance institutions, further eroding the rule of law. The climate crisis emerged as a cross-cutting concern, exacerbating migration flows and disputes over natural resource management. These factors underscored the critical need for integrated and inclusive governance solutions. Regional efforts focused on strengthening access to justice, promoting human rights, and addressing the socio-economic drivers of insecurity, with digital transformation playing a pivotal role in enhancing institutional responses.
This context demands strengthening democracy through more inclusive and effective governance processes to promote inclusive development. This requires institutions with the capacity for the prevention of socio-political conflict scenarios, and social crises but at the same time for the early identification of public policies as remedies that avoid a greater deepening of poverty, inequality, and vulnerability, and in the same way, advance to changes that could improve the fiscal space, productivity, and redistribution. These capacities, which in the present must also include the need to return roles and responsibilities to the citizenship, also imply improving the effectiveness of the governance and making it preventive and anticipatory.
UNDP’s Regional Governance Team’s 2025 priorities include targeted initiatives to deepen regional impact, focused on the Caribbean region. We align our work in the Caribbean with the priorities identified by CARICOM Heads of State as articulated in the Needham’s Point Declaration[1] and the various declarations around Crime and Violence and a Public Health Issue, and the recognition that emerging issues such as Rights in A Digital Age and Constitutional and Environmental Rights are key areas in which the UNDP can add value, quality assurance and guidance.
A number of specific initiatives are already underway in the Caribbean including:
UNDP/CARICOM Action Plan on Citizen Security
UNDP and CARICOM signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 22 September 2022. The MOU is being operationalized through annual Action Plans. The first Action Plan was developed in 2024 with a focus on priority areas for CARICOM and UNDP in alignment with the MOU. One of the priority areas is Citizen Safety and Security.
One of the priorities identified by CARICOM Heads of Government was to “Undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the criminal justice system to address transnational organized criminals with a focus on proactive management of prosecutions, sentencing and the diversion of at-risk populations”. UNDP therefore secured funding for a Tri-Partite Study on Non-Custodial Sentencing, Pre-Trial Detention, and Informal Justice Mechanisms in CARICOM Member States. The draft report is currently being reviewed by the Peer Review Committee (PRC), which consists of representatives from the CARICOM Secretariat, UNDP Barbados Multi-Country Office (MCO), UNDP Panama Regional Hub, the UNDP Global Policy Network and the Centre for Criminal Justice and Security, University of the West Indies (UWI). This will be followed by a validation Roundtable/Workshop on the report and it’s recommendations, tentatively scheduled for Q2 2025.
Engagement with Caribbean Judges on Human Rights, Emerging Trends, And The Law
The Regional Rule of Law Team has partnered with the Regional Health and HIV Team to host 1 day fora in order to create a “force multiplier” effect around emerging issues identified as important to expand in the Caribbean. The aim is both to appeal to judges in their official capacity on issues which may come before them in court, but also as learned individuals who have networks and forums in which to discuss these issues in an informed way. It is also essential to provide judges with the broader global perspective and networking possibilities on these issues.
Constitutional Reform Support
In June 2023 a conference on constitutional change in the Commonwealth Caribbean, was held in Bridgetown, Barbados. This conference was co-sponsored by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI). The conference brought together global, regional and in-country expertise in order to combine knowledge, build networks, improve the quality of international support for these processes and promote better outcomes.
UNDP has also provided on-request support on constitutional process in the Caribbean, for example, most recently in Belize.
Establishment of National Human Rights Institutes
As independent state bodies with a broad mandate for the promotion and protection of human rights, NHRIs are a cornerstone of the national human rights system. When they are compliant with the ‘Paris Principles’ NHRIs act as an important ‘bridge’ within a society – bringing government, parliament, other state entities, civil society organizations and populations together to foster transformative change. The presence of a Paris Principles compliant NHRI is an indicator of sustainable development in Goal 16 of the SDG framework and NHRIs also play an important role in monitoring and reporting on the human rights implications of climate change and advising governments and other stake holders on the implementation of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
UNDP has provided support to strengthen Paris Principles compliant NHRIs in over 100 countries around the world. There are currently no NHRIs in the Caribbean compliant with the Paris Principles. Several CARICOM countries have reached out to UNDP for support in creating NHIRs, most recently, Suriname, Belize, and St Kitts and Nevis.
Business and Human Rights
UNDP has actively worked on the implementation of the B+HR Agenda, promoting an approach based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This approach aims to ensure that the private sector becomes a strategic partner in promoting and protecting human rights (HR) and achieving the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda in the region.
UNDP has developed a Virtual Course on \"The role of business in the protection and promotion of human rights\" for the Caribbean which was first launched in March 2024. The consciousness and knowledge level of B+HR are still much lower in the Caribbean than in other regions, particularly among the private sector, therefore course enrollment was mostly by individuals who expressed interest rather than private sector employees or a specific business. There was therefore no “captive audience”. We must therefore foster partnerships with groups/businesses to embrace B+HR. Enrollment is currently open for a second round of the course.
Internship Opportunity
The UNDP Internship Programme offers eligible candidates the unique opportunity to acquire practical experience in UNDP’s work under the direct guidance of experienced professionals. The Intern will report to the Regional Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights Specialist in the following areas:
Areas of Interest
The following are the earmarked areas of interest the MCO is currently seeking interns to cover:
Business and Human Rights, including supporting the Virtual Course \"The role of business in the protection and promotion of human rights\" for the Caribbean; UNDP/CARICOM Action Plan on Citizen Security, including supporting of validation workshop and consolidating recommendations and comments from the Peer Review Committee (PRC); Engagement with Caribbean Judges on Human Rights, Emerging Trends, And The Law, including supporting with the Health and HIV Team on a Caribbean Judges Forum to be held in Q3 2025; Constitutional Reform Support based or Country Office requests for support; Support in establishment of National Human Rights Institutes upon CO requests.[1]From 18-20 October 2023, Prime Ministers, Attorneys-General, Ministers of National Security, Heads of Judiciaries, judicial officers, Directors of Public Prosecution, Commissioners of Police, Commissioners of Prisons, criminal defense attorneys, law students, and members of civil society from across the region convened at the Hilton Barbados Resort, in Needham’s Point, Bridgetown, Barbados for the CCJ Academy for Law’s 7th Biennial Conference. Themed “Criminal Justice Reform in the Caribbean: Achieving a Modern Criminal Justice System”, the Conference aimed to effect improvements in the criminal justice systems in the Caribbean by bringing together stakeholders to develop practical solutions to address the issues plaguing criminal justice. A Declaration embodying experiences, best practices and recommended action adopted by the participants as a commitment to improving criminal justice.
Duties and Tasks:
Technical Support to Caribbean UNDP Country Offices
Assist with technical guidance to support ongoing initiatives within country offices in the Caribbean, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.
Facilitation of Community of Practice and Webinars
Support in organize webinars that address emerging issues in climate justice, digital rights, e-justice, and gender and justice to support knowledge exchange and development of new pathways of work.
Resource Mobilization and Monitoring
Support with the implementation of national initiatives funded by GP4, TRAC, TRAC2, and other funding windows.
Support for UNDP/CARICOM Action Plan on Citizen Security
Assist in organizing the validation workshop for the Tri-Partite Study on Non-Custodial Sentencing, Pre-Trial Detention, and Informal Justice Mechanisms. Support to Consolidate recommendations and feedback from the Peer Review Committee (PRC).
Engagement with Caribbean Judges on Human Rights and Emerging Trends
Support with the Health and HIV Team to organize the Caribbean Judges Forum in Q3 2025, focusing on emerging legal and human rights issues in the Caribbean.
Support for processes including on Constitutional Reform Processes, Establishment of National Human Rights Institutes, Business and Human Rights.
Support any other duties for the efficient functioning of the office.
Competencies
• Keen attention to detail;
• Research skills;
• Research experience;
• Demonstrated interest in the field under the respective cluster of choice.
Other competencies and attitude:
Interest and motivation in working in an international organization; Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation; Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set; Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently; Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities; Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.Communication:
• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
Teamwork:
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
Required Skills and Experience
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in Social Sciences, Law, History, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science or related fields.
or
b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Law, History, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science or related fields.
or
c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
or
d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
Language:
Written and spoken proficiency in English is a prerequisite. Working Spanish is an asset.
Experience:
Experience: Familiarity and understanding of the Caribbean region.
How to Apply
Applicants should send a motivational letter (approx. 500 words) and a detailed Curriculum Vitae through the online portal. Applicants are required to state their specific area of interest in the motivation letter.
Family Relationship
A person who is the child or sibling of an UNDP staff member is not eligible to apply for an internship at UNDP. An applicant who bears any other family relationship with a UNDP staff member may be engaged as an intern, provided that they must neither be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor be placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member.
In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:
• A letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and/or graduation date
• A letter of recommendation from an Academic staff member (Lecture/Professor).
• A copy of his/her most recent school transcript
• A copy of passport or National Identification card
• CV
• The signed UNDP Internship Agreement
• Proof of medical insurance. Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship. with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate 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.
Kindly note the above documentation is required within one week after selection.
VII. Internship Conditions - Home based
As of January 1 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies, if is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme,
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas, arranging travel, accommodation.
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in Health Insurance Plan valid for the location and the duration of the internship.
• Interns must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
• UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months;
UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNDP also has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNDP, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
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.
Scam alert
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