Background

The mission of the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) is to advance human development. The goal is to contribute towards the expansion of opportunities, choice and freedom. HDRO works towards this goal by promoting innovative new ideas, advocating practical policy changes, and constructively challenging policies and approaches that constrain human development. HDRO works with others to achieve change through writing and research, data analysis and presentation, and outreach and advocacy work.

HDRO has established the internship programme to support the professional development of young scholars interested in the Human Development approach and current international development issues, by enhancing their analytical and statistical skills and broadening their conceptual perspectives.

The recruited interns will be able to contribute through research, data analysis or communication to the Human Development Reports and related products.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will be supervised by a senior HDRO staff and work closely with the team on the preparation of the Human Development Reports and related products. In particular, they are expected to deliver the following tasks:

• Provide assistance for quantitative and qualitative background research for the report, including data analysis and compilations of charts and tables.
• The intern will be supervised by a senior HDRO staff and work closely with the team on the preparation of the Human Development Reports and related products. In particular, they are expected to deliver the following tasks:
• Provide assistance for quantitative and qualitative background research for the report, including data analysis and compilations of charts and tables.
• Undertake literature reviews.
• Write short research notes.
• Review and verification of statistical materials for the report.
• Support the team in analysis and presentation of human development statistics.
• Assist in identification of data sources and preparation of datasets.
• Assist in fact checking and proof reading.
• Supporting the development of high-impact communications materials for the Human Development Reports and related products.
• Support and participate in other activities as requested, including providing logistical support to various events organized by HDRO such as team meetings, research seminars, consultations, workshops, and side events.
• Undertake literature reviews.
• Write short research notes.
• Review and verification of statistical materials for the report.
• Support the team in analysis and presentation of human development statistics.
• Assist in identification of data sources and preparation of datasets.
• Assist in fact checking and proof reading.
• Supporting the development of high-impact communications materials for the Human Development Reports and related products.
• Support and participate in other activities as requested, including providing logistical support to various events organized by HDRO such as team meetings, research seminars, consultations, workshops, and side events.

Competencies

• Proven research and writing skills, with track records in producing research or communication products on development topics
• Familiarity with human development concepts, measurements and international development issues
• Strong service and team-work orientation, cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a fast-paced multi-national environment
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to learning
• Commitment to UNDP vision, mission and values and knowledge of UN work environment an advantage

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. Program or those completing a Master’s or in the last year of their Bachelor’s and to recent graduates (up to one year post-graduation).

Experience

• Previous experience in research and policy development or in communication for development.
• Familiarity with the Human Development concept is an asset.
• Experience with and knowledge of Excel, Stata, R and Python is an asset.

Language:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; competency in other UN languages is a strong asset.

Working arrangements

• As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy, if it 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. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan.
• Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes.
• The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity
• The purpose of the internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship
• The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract
• The interns will be responsible for providing his or her own laptop.