Background

The Bureau for Management Services (BMS) supports management for development results. It provides operational solutions, strengthens the ability of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to achieve programme and development results, keeps pace with the evolving needs and expectations of development partners and at the same time safeguards the organization’s accountability vis-à-vis United Nations member states. BMS provides advisory and transactional services and support to UNDP and UN agencies in its core functional areas. BMS develops management policies, Regulations and Rules prescriptive content, management networks, other management and strategic leadership. BMS oversees policy adherence, safeguarding UNDP and Administrator accountability. It manages cross-cutting functions linked to change management and acts as the operations unit of Headquarters, providing operational services for implementation of UN Reform initiatives.

BMS is based in UNDP Headquarters, New York, and with outposted locations across multiple country locations, regional hubs, and global shared service centres. It is comprised of a Directorate and a number of functional units providing finance, human resources, security, procurement and other services. In order to function at its best, BMS needs to count on strong integration across its units as well as fluid communication and feedback loops with Regional and Central Bureaux and country offices. These have proven critical in processes such as the launch of Quantum and the clustering of finance and human resources services.

The Directorate is BMS’ “one-stop shop” for management expertise, policy advice, implementation support, and innovative operations solutions to unique business needs of its clients – UNDP Country Offices and HQs units and UN Agencies.

The Client Services Division (CSD), within the BMS Directorate, helps to position, promote and bridge operational efficiencies and partnerships across the UN system and beyond. The CSD team provides strategic support to BMS and Executive Office leadership in identifying, evaluating, and expanding UNDP”s common services to both current and prospective clients, while functioning as BMS”s operational solutions hub that enables UNDP to deliver its comprehensive operational framework to more than 70 UN entities across 170+ countries and territories.

UNDP operational services cover payroll to procurement, HR administration, finance and treasury services, to leading digital infrastructure solutions, delivering in a timely, customer-focused and cost-efficient manner. CSD is looking to enhance the visibility of UNDP’s operational services to potential clients and stakeholders with clear workflows for client outreach and follow-up.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Media Communications Specialist, and the Chief, Client Services Division, the intern is expected to perform the following tasks:

Corporate communication strategy

• Assist with the formulation and implementation of communication strategies for enhanced visibility of BMS operational services;
• Provide support in assessing comparative service offerings to strengthen the strategic positioning of BMS operational services.
• Assist with internal stakeholders’ liaison to collect and synthesize information relevant to the process, such as service updates.
• Support the development and execution of outreach initiatives.

Website and content development support

• Support the development, maintenance, and content updates of the BMS Operational Services website, ensuring user-friendly navigation and consistency with UNDP branding guidelines.
• Assist in the design and production of visual materials, such as infographics and presentations, to support knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to the drafting, editing, and proofreading of communication materials for internal and external audiences, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Monitor and report on website and digital analytics to inform content strategy and identify areas for improvement.

Competencies

General

• Shows excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and administrative skills;
• Able to multitask, balance multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines;
• Shows commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and strategic goals;
• Able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to receive further clarity on requests and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience.

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational and unit goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others” ideas and expertise and willingness to learn from others.

Technical

• Ability to create and/or edit written content for multimedia;
• Ability to create and combine images, text and audio-visuals to produce multimedia content;
• Ability to convey information in engaging narratives through digital media to achieve communication outcomes;
• Ability to communicate visually and create appealing UNDP graphic products;
• Knowledge of social media and ability to advise the use of social media for development outcomes.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. Applicants to UNDP internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:

•  Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master”s programme, or higher) in fields such as Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
•  Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor”s degree or equivalent) in these disciplines;
•  Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (1) and (2) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
•  Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Experience:

• Experience working on website design, layout improvement, and knowledge management systems.
• Previous involvement in content creation and management, with familiarity in engagement strategies and analytics.
• Experience creating multimedia content for different communication channels, marketing campaigns, and knowledge products, demonstrating a strong ability to translate information into engaging visuals.
• Hands-on experience in graphic design, branding, and motion graphics. A portfolio showcasing past work is considered an asset.
• An understanding of corporate marketing strategies, sustainable development, and UNDP’s work is an advantage.

Language requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language is required;
• Knowledge of one of the other five official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) would be an asset.

Application procedure:

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating your motivation for the position the role and your availability.
• Current and complete CV in English.
• Copy of school transcript in English.
• Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

Internship Conditions:

• UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship.
• UNDP offers a modest monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station.
• All other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government, or institution.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
• The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed.
• The intern must provide proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

Subsequent Employment:
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.

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

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.