Intern – Project Vision/ BOLD

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 Regional Hub for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok (BRH) 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 a key regional initiative–Project Vision, which aims to support countries in initiating and sustaining forward-focused reforms within the context of a challenging development landscape. It does so through a set of analytical activities aimed at promoting future orientation, sharpening strategic focus, and strengthening future-fit governance. The initative includes the high-level advisory program BOLD “Building Opportunities for Leadership in Development” to assist countries in driving bold shifts in development strategy.

BOLD is a high-level advisory initiative designed to rethink and reorient development strategy. By integrating foresight, strategy, and governance, BOLD supports countries in making bold strategic decisions and promotes the leadership needed to translate vision into action. Combining top global talent with UNDP’s access and expertise, BOLD offers customized advice to leaders at the highest level of government in the Asia-Pacific region. Led by the regional Chief Economist, BOLD draws on a network of renowned expertsleaders in development strategy, human development, growth, environment, and governanceto deliver world-class policy guidance tailored to each country’s unique context.

The preparatory work for a BOLD engagement at country level consists of background analysis and three rapid diagnostics: a foresight diagnostic to examine the country’s exposure to a variety of risks and opportunities that reshape the development landscape of the future; a strategy diagnostic to analyze the country’s development strategy and evaluate its focus, coherence, outcome orientation, and feasibility; and a government capabilities diagnostic to assess implementation capabilities and identify opportunities and barriers for advancing future-oriented reforms.

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 the first three months, followed by three months of remote work, for a total duration of six months. Under the direct supervision of the SDG Integration Advisor, 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 application of the foresight, strategy, and government capabilities diagnostics in BOLD countries;
• Conduct background research on specific themes aligned to the needs of BOLD countries (e.g. structural economic transformation, private sector development, and job creation);
• Support the collection and analysis of economic and labor market data related to BOLD countries;
• Support drafting of BOLD country-specific research reports, briefing notes, and case studies to inform high-level engagements;
• Support drafting of BOLD country reports/roadmaps with policy recommendations post-BOLD missions.

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 but will provide a stipend in the amount of THB 8,302.50 monthly (on-site) and THB 4,151.25 monthly (off-site) in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy; 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 data);
• 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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