General Information

Position Title

Project Management Intern (Innovation Scaling)

Job Category

Project

Duty Station(s)

Helsinki

Seniority Level

Entry Level

ICS Level

Internship

Contract Type

Internship

Contract Level

Internship

Posting Start Date

13-Dec-2025

Posting End Date

28-Dec-2025

Duration

6 months with possibility to extend based on satisfactory performance and funding availability

Job Highlight

The Project Management Intern (Innovation Scaling) will experience the opportunity to support fast-moving project tasks and contribute to on-going UN80 system-wide reform efforts to make the UN better equipped to serve people and the planet. The intern will also be part of the delivery of the Accelerator Programme, which works directly with UN teams to transition their piloted innovative approaches to scale and accelerate progress towards achieving the Agenda 2030 goals more efficiently, leaving no one behind.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) unites the New York Portfolios, including the Peace and Security team (PSC); the Geneva Office; and the Vienna-based Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) teams, to maximize global impact, foster efficiencies and streamline global programmes. Leveraging our collective expertise and networks, GPO supports UNOPS” strategic priorities and the SDGs across over 130 countries. We deliver project management, fund management, advisory services, project implementation, and HR services, working closely with major global partners. Our thematic focus includes sustainable development, climate action, health, peace & security, and humanitarian action.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Not Required – part of GPO/NYPO

Job Specific Context

To achieve its goals, UN Global Pulse is seeking a Project Management Intern (Innovation Scaling). The Innovation Scaling team in UN Global Pulse Finland supports the Executive Office of the Secretary-General in advancing UN80 initiative efforts for a more responsive and resilient UN. In a scoping exercise of the innovation landscape of the UN, the team identified several challenges in bringing innovations to scale for impact. The subsequent report – Scaling the Summit – and the accompanying primer, summarised recommendations to deepen current good innovation scaling practices, broaden scale support for UN entities and to expand innovation capabilities. Acting on these evidence-based findings, the team commenced a series of activities aimed at supporting UN entities in strengthening capabilities especially in relation to scaling of innovations. Its flagship project, the UN Global Pulse Accelerator Programme (the Accelerator Programme), is currently supporting its third cohort of UN-led innovations to transition towards scale.

Role Purpose

Successfully support the Innovation Scaling team to:

• Deliver the next cohort of the Accelerator Programme on schedule and with outputs that meet high quality standards.

• Document outcomes and learnings from the Accelerator Programme in an organised manner.

• Develop effective materials to communicate the team’s work to diverse internal and external audiences.

• Identify and validate relevant priority areas for the Innovation Scaling team to ensure the team’s workplan remains strategically aligned and evidence-based.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Analyst (Innovation Scaling), the intern will support the Innovation Scaling team with the following tasks aligned to the project management needs of the team:

• Support the preparation, coordination, delivery and troubleshooting of virtual, hybrid and/ or in-person events and activities. E.g., the delivery of in-person Accelerator Programme workshops, online webinars or hybrid advocacy events. This may include supporting knowledge management, organization of project logistics and coordination of diverse stakeholders to ensure activities are aligned and on schedule.

• Support desk reviews of topics relevant to innovation scaling, as well as collate and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to ensure the team’s priority areas remain evidence-based.

• Assist the development of materials that contribute to the effective communication and strategic visibility of the team’s work to different target audiences internally and externally to the UN System.

• Perform any other duties as required, such as participating in meetings and drafting meeting minutes or summaries, assisting in the development of essential documents (e.g., concept notes, reports or agreements).

Skills

Humanitarian, Innovation Management, Internal & External Communications, International Development, Project Coordination

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree or be pursuing an advanced university degree, such as a Masters or a Ph.D., or be a recent graduate from such studies (within the last 3 years).

• To be eligible for this particular internship, the candidate should have studied or be studying towards a university degree preferably in: innovation management, administrative studies, international relations, global development studies, social sciences or another related discipline.

Experience Requirements

Desired:

• Demonstrated interest in innovation scaling and the role of innovation within a development and/ or humanitarian context is an asset.

• Experience of working in the context of international development is desirable.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills is an asset.

• Strong coordination, organizational and project management skills are an asset.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team is desirable.

• Previous work experience on international development and/or humanitarian issues is desirable.

• Experience in communications content production is desirable.

• Experience in collating and synthesising information is an asset.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.