Intern, Private Finance for SDGs

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 UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH)‘ s Private Finance for the SDGs Programme works to accelerate private sector contributions towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Its objective is to help businesses and investors embed sustainability at the core of management decisions and direct capital to where it can make the most difference to people and planet.

We are pushing against the boundaries of our social and natural systems. Inequality, climate change and other sustainable development issues have been exacerbated by COVID-19. According to the OECD, there is an annual SDG financing gap of US$ 3.7 trillion – up from US$2.5 trillion before the pandemic. That is just part of the problem – the other part is knowing how much of it will actually contribute to the SDGs. Indeed, there is increasing pressure from consumers and end-investors for genuine sustainable practices and reduced SDG-washing.

While there is a growing awareness from enterprises and investors that their prospects depend on the health of people and planet, it is not enough. We are not yet on a sustainable path. Many business and investment decisions, whether knowingly or not, are having negative impacts on people and planet that could be avoided or significantly reduced by simply considering all aspects of impacts of their decisions. Making informed decisions is harder without a universal yardstick for sustainable management practices despite the numerous reporting standards and taxonomies available. Businesses and investors are still not able to authenticate their contribution to sustainability and achieving the SDGs which fuels “SDG-washing”. Secondly, private capital is not targeted to where it is needed most – only 20% of global capital is held in developing countries which represent 84% of the world’s population. We need action.

UNDP’s SFH provides innovative solutions to enable the private sector to make decisions that advances the achievement of the SDGs and reduce the risk of SDG-washing. Our SDG Impact Standards and impact measurement and management methodologies set the bar for management best practices that embed sustainability at the core of any organization. We provide training and education to give clients in private sector, public sector and academia the knowledge and skills to implement the SDG Impact Standards. Our goal is to foster a change in mindset in management where sustainability is at the heart of decision-making. Our SDG Investor Maps identifies investment themes and business models that help intermediaries build an investment pipeline aligned to national sustainable development needs and priority areas. Further, by leveraging UNDP’s 170 Country Offices, we can connect the public and private sectors across the economic ecosystem, including to explore solutions where there are currently limited opportunities for the private sector to invest.

Duties and Responsibilities

The overall purpose of the internship is to support the SFH Private Finance for the SDGs team on its event planning and organisation, research and contributing to papers/case studies, monitoring and tracking results and KPIs, as well as helping/supporting fundraising efforts. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Private Finance for the SDGs team, the intern’s specific responsibilities will include:

Event planning and organization:

• Private Finance for the SDGs team may organize events around UNGA and other high level events, the intern will provide support preparations for the events, including content, sending and following through speakers’ invitations, logistics support, support to communication specialist for anything he needs related to these events.

Results monitoring, tracking, reporting and partnerships:

• Accompany results monitoring and tracking efforts across global, regional and country level project implementation
• Manage excel spreadsheets and produce data analysis
• Develop a research paper (subject to be agreed with the selected intern)
• Support fundraising proposals and support the Head on donor relationships
• Map potential new private sector partners
• Accompany the Head of Private Finance for the SDGs in partner meetings, events (when and if possible), and other, as per intern’s interests and team needs

Competencies

Functional

• Proficiency in Excel and qualitative/quantitative data analysis
• Self-starter, proven ability to work independently and in an entrepreneurial setting.
• Strong motivation and ability to work and deliver under pressure and short deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills, innovative, creative and ability to coordinate well with UNDP partner agencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications
• Experience in event planning
• Respectful of the mandates and roles of different partners, particularly government supported institutions and can build and sustain productive and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Core

• Demonstrates and promotes the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness and incorruptibility in all matters affecting his/her work and status
• Shows interpersonal skills and works collaboratively in small and large multi-cultural teams with colleagues inside UN/UNDP as well as its partners and other stakeholders to pursue common goals.
• Delivers verbal/written information in a timely, clear, organized and easily understood manner.
• Remains calm, composed and patient, regardless of his/her own state of mind in the face of conflict.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

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

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in the field of international affairs, international economic policy, public administration, business administration or related field
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the field of international affairs, international economic policy, public administration, business administration or related 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.

Experience:

• Experience and proficiency using Excel required
• Proven capacity in research and data analysis required
• Interest in SDG financing, impact measurement and management, financing for development, SDG-aligned investing, or sustainable development required
• Concise writing skills required
• Strong computer application user skills required
• Experience living or working in developing countries is an asset
• Completion of the IMM for SDGs course preferred.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English required.
• Working knowledge of additional UN languages preferred.

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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