JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

CORPORATE BACKGROUND:

On the ground in 170 countries and territories, UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and enables collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 articulates the corporate requirement to collect, manage, analyze, and deploy data and knowledge more purposefully to strengthen thought leadership and country programming.

The UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub provides expanded technical backing to Country Offices and ensures effective, timely and responsive support focused on UNDP’s programme priorities and tailored to the emerging and changing needs in the region. The Inclusive Growth team within the Regional Hub supports partners in the region to develop integrated, transformative, and scalable solutions to tackle the interconnected challenges of poverty, vulnerability, inequality, and exclusion, in ways that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. The team assists in enhancing prospects for inclusive growth at national and local levels through policy and program guidance and research around: macroeconomic stability, fiscal policy and public finance management, economic transformation, employment, social protection, the green and blue economy, and SDG acceleration.

The team contributes to Project Vision, a regional initiative designed to help countries initiate and sustain forward-focused reforms in a rapidly evolving development landscape. The project advances this goal through a blend of research and high-level advisory work. On the analytical side, it promotes research to enhance future orientation, sharpen strategic focus, and strengthen governance systems to make them fit for the future. Complementing this, the BOLD high-level advisory platform—Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development—supports national leaders in driving transformative shifts in development strategy amid unmet aspirations, rising human insecurity, and growing turbulence in the development landscape.

Together, Project Vision and, as part of it, BOLD aim to help countries rethink their approach to development strategy and foster the leadership needed to turn vision into action. Combining world-class expertise with UNDP’s access and networks, this initiative provides tailored advice to senior policymakers across the Asia-Pacific region. Led by the Chief Economist for Asia and the Pacific, it draws on a network of leading thinkers in development strategy, human development, growth, environment, and governance to deliver actionable guidance adapted to each country’s unique context.

INTERNSHIP BACKGROUND

UNDP BRH is seeking to engage two interns to support the Project Vision/BOLD initiative. The interns will be based at the Regional Hub in Bangkok, working on-site for two months, and the remainder of the internship conducted remotely. Under the direct supervision of the RBAP Chief Economist, the interns will undertake the following duties.

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities, which will be aligned to specific country context:

Support the deployment of Project Vision and BOLD across Asia-Pacific (60%):

• Contribute to the analysis of the evolving development landscape, with particular focus on how disruptive megatrends are reshaping opportunities for human development and growth in the region or selected countries;
• Assist in identifying strategic “big bets” to accelerate human development and growth in support of BOLD advisory services for selected countries;
• Support data-driven analysis and background preparation for BOLD advisory engagements that inform high-level development strategy discussions;

Conduct a tailored research project (30%):

• Undertake a research project on a theme to be agreed upon with the supervisor, aiming to produce one research paper by the end of the internship. The theme should align with UNDP’s priorities as well as the intern’s skills and interests. Possible areas include structural economic transformation, demographic shifts, technological transformation, trade and value chains, job creation, and poverty and inequality.

Other tasks (10%):

• Contribute to other activities as deemed relevant and necessary, with the intern fully integrated into the daily work of the unit.

COMPETENCIES

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mindset;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• 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.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship. All other expenses connected with it will be borne by the intern or the sponsoring Government or institution;
• 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 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 must provide proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan;
• 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;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make their own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or;
• Currently enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor”s level or equivalent) or;
• Graduated with a university degree – and if selected, must start the internship within one year after graduation.

Field of study: economics, development studies, public policy, or related fields is required.

Required skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct rigorous research and analysis (including econometric techniques);
• Familiarity with global and regional development issues, including inclusive growth, governance, and sustainability;
• Excellent writing and drafting skills in English as well as good communication skills required;
• Proficiency in relevant software for data analysis is an advantage.

Disclaimer

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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