Administrative Support Intern  

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.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the

marginalized.

• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

Project Background:

The Administration and Security Unit is responsible for the effective and efficient management of office operations, ensuring a supportive environment for organizational functions. This includes facilities management, logistics coordination, procurement support, office maintenance, and adherence to safety and sustainability standards. The unit collaborates with other in-house agencies within the UN House to optimize operational efficiency, streamline processes, and support the overall common administrative needs of the organization, including cafeteria management, facility management, and the management of common premises.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will play an active and creative role in supporting the Common Services team to ensure efficient facility operations and meaningful workplace improvements.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Reimagine and Improve Workspaces: Contribute to redesigning office spaces by brainstorming innovative layouts, proposing ergonomic furniture arrangements, and enhancing visual and functional aesthetics for a more inspiring work environment.
2. Preserve Architectural Legacy: Gain a unique opportunity to work within a building designed by the renowned American architect Joseph Allen Stein. Support initiatives that respect and reflect architectural heritage while improving infrastructure to meet modern-day standards.
3. Engage in Sustainability Projects: Be part of ongoing sustainability initiatives such as the implementation of a Building Management System (BMS), construction of a solar carport, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) audits aimed at energy efficiency and resource optimization.
4. Facility Walkthroughs and Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of facilities to ensure cleanliness, safety, and functionality; flag and follow up on required improvements.
5. Vendor Coordination and Stakeholder Interaction: Work alongside vendors and service providers, gaining real-world experience in contract coordination and vendor performance tracking.
6. Design Smart Tools: Develop templates and digital tools to track maintenance logs, third-party duty sheets, and routine inspection reports, contributing to a more efficient workflow.
7. Supervise Ongoing Renovation and Maintenance Works: Assist in tracking progress and ensuring safety compliance during ongoing projects such as washroom renovations and upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant.
8. Support Facility Audits and Green Reviews: Participate in facility audits, safety checks, and environmental reviews, contributing observations and suggestions to promote a sustainable and safe workplace.
9. Administrative and Technical Documentation: Document operational activities, maintenance records, and improvement proposals for internal use and reporting.
10. Learning and Cross-Agency Collaboration: Engage in inter-agency team meetings, planning sessions, and technical briefings to gain insights into UN operational frameworks, architectural conservation, and sustainable design in practice.

Competencies

• Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pay attention to details, deliver quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from marginalized communities (e.g., gender minorities, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, indigenous or tribal backgrounds) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of application:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher) in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, 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 the above field.
• 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;
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program preferably in economics or related field and undertake the internship as part of this program.
• IT skills related to finance /administration will be an advantage. Knowledge of
• MS Excel and effective use of internet and web-based systems.
• Ability to work with quick turnaround time.
• Good team player and ability to adapt to changes in work environment
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and adjust accordingly as new priorities arise
• Proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of Hindi and/or any other Indian language will be considered an asset

Mentorship:

Each intern will be paired with a dedicated mentor (the Admin Associate) from the Common Services team. The mentor will provide professional guidance, help the intern navigate the work environment, offer feedback, and support their overall learning and growth during the internship period.

In addition to direct mentorship, the intern will have the opportunity to interact with professionals from multiple UN agencies operating from the UN House. This will offer valuable exposure to the broader UN system, including its operational environment, inter-agency collaboration, and organizational culture. The intern will also gain insights into UN policies, procedures, and administrative frameworks through real-world engagement.

Learning Opportunities:

Interns will be exposed to a variety of learning experiences related to UNDP’s work. These may include participating in team discussions, attending internal briefings or knowledge-sharing sessions, and accessing online resources. Topics may cover areas such as development programs, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and professional skills relevant to working in a multilateral development environment.

The intern will be actively engaged in hands-on tasks aligned with the unit’s ongoing and planned sustainability initiatives. These include:

• Construction of the solar carport under the green energy initiative
• Implementation of the Building Management System (BMS) to optimize energy and resource efficiency
• Renovation of first floor and lower ground floor (LGF) washrooms, with a focus on sustainable and accessible design
• Conducting a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) audit for the campus to identify and support improvements in infrastructure efficiency
• Renovation works in the Annex Building and Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Hall

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

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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