Business Operations Internship

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Unit of Information and Technology Management (ITM) in Copenhagen is responsible for supporting UNDP Country Offices around the world with ICT and Green Energy solutions. Our Unit offers a stimulating and versatile internship in an international environment with contact to various partners from more than 170 countries with the UN and UNDP’s presence. We are a team who work in a dynamic and informal atmosphere, and we expect our interns to become vital members of the team.

As an intern, you will be given tasks and opportunities that have a direct global impact on the development capabilities of UNDP. The UNDP ITM internship programme enhances the academic life experience of passionate students as interns and empowers them to become socially responsible, innovative, and environmentally conscious leaders of tomorrow. We bridge the gap between textbook learning and real-life industry experience by taking interns behind the scenes of UNDP’s business and finance processes supporting 160+ country offices, sister agencies and external partners.

As part of our dynamic Unit, you will also gain worldwide connections with other top-talented interns and UN staff from other agencies. Our office is located at the UN City in Copenhagen, giving you the opportunity to interact with people outside the UNDP ITM.

UNDP ITM Business Operations interns are part of the Service Delivery team which is the first responder to UNDP Country Offices’ needs and supports ICT and Green Energy projects from a procurement, logistics and finance side. The team works closely with the Copenhagen Unit and colleagues across the globe to support operations and programme work in some of the most challenging settings with regards to energy and ICT infrastructure. As part of the Crisis Response Group of UNDP, this work also supports UNDP’s resilience and recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. This internship position serves to maintain the logistical aspect of providing procurement support to country offices and general administrative support to the Copenhagen based team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Procurement:

• Assist Country Offices acting as account manager across the unit´s key service lines in delivering innovative business solutions, sustainable Green Energy services, and world-connecting ICT solutions. Regularly follow-up and contact the end users with administrative, procurement and financial support.
• Support the team in procuring IT equipment with detailed tasks ranging from need analysis, market research, sourcing and requests for quotation, evaluation, purchase, and delivery
• Assist with cost recovery outreach to UNDP country offices and UN agencies
• Support the Unit in gathering, consolidating, cleaning, and analysing data from databases and various reports

Logistics:

• Assist with Inventory management and logistical tasks relating to the Smart Facility supply/stock needs.
• Assist with organizing and reviewing inventory management. Review stock and propose quantities for next purchases
• Provide support in the preparation of global shipments of equipment with third parties
• Prepare goods for shipments; packaging, documentation, labelling

HR:

• Participate in the recruitment of the new interns providing support with coordination of interviews, collecting related documents and responding email queries as required
• Support with internship outreach strategy on the external university portals and job platforms
• Support organizing internship farewell ceremony and onboarding programme
• Provide suggestions for the overall improvement of the internship programme environment looking into the internal processes

Administrative support:

• Draft and update Unit’s documentation to support the continuous improvement of Service Delivery processes and procedures, instructions, and templates for the best practice
• Reorganize and ensure tidiness of office for improved productivity and collaboration
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor

Duration: 6 months (1 August 2025 – 31 January 2026)

Competencies

• Account Management: Has interest and understanding of customer-oriented service delivery process including procurement, logistics and/or finance
• Innovation: Has interest in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for Country Offices, focusing on ICT and green renewable innovations
• Problem Solving: Has proactive hands-on approach, also when operating with limited information
• Communication: Communicates effectively with colleagues when working in a team and has a proactive attitude with a goal-oriented mindset
• Project Management: Able to organize and structure different tasks, has good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation
• Collaboration: Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization

Required Skills and Experience

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

a. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);

b. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

c. Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) in the field of international business, finance, management, economics, administration or equivalent and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;

d. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

• Experience in one of the following fields is required: account management, finance, logistics, procurement, HR, or administration
• Experience with customer-oriented service delivery processes is an advantage
• Experience with procurement processes is an advantage
• Experience with cost recovery, reconciliation, budgeting, and financial reporting is an advantage
• Experience with HR recruiting, and training is an advantage
• Proficiency in Excel is an advantage
• SharePoint knowledge, preferably SharePoint Online is an advantage
• CRM/ERP systems knowledge is an advantage
• Fluent in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage

Conditions

• In accordance with the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with the rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or a third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
• Where an intern is engaged in-person and 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 an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, is paid by the receiving office (monthly “in-person” stipend rate is USD 1,000). A remote reduced stipend (the rate is a subject to the duty station location) is intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, is paid by the receiving office.
• Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions.
• Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
• The purpose of the Internship Programme 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.
• 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, accommodation etc.
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship.
• The intern must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan.
• You are expected to work full-time, but flexibility is allowed for your education programme.

How to apply

Do not miss out on this opportunity to be a part of this international team and apply by the deadline 27 April 2025, midnight (CET).
The application should contain:

• Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
• Current and complete CV in English;

Please group your CV and cover letter into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows you to upload a maximum of one document.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and called for interviews following the deadline.
If you have any questions, please write to us via email address itm.internship@undp.org

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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