Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy and programme work, carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office (CO) levels, form a contiguous spectrum of deep, local knowledge to cutting edge global perspectives and advocacy.

The UNDP Tax for Sustainable Development Goals Initiative (Tax for SDGs) supports developing countries in increasing domestic resource mobilization and achieving the SDGs. It is managed by the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS’s) Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH), with resource persons embedded in the SDG Finance Teams in Amman, Bangkok, Istanbul, Panama and Pretoria.

Taxes are the key funding source for investments in achieving the SDGs. Tax policy can influence desired behaviours and help attract additional investment. In addition, taxes are vital to fostering a stronger social contract between the citizens and the state. Tax for SDGs has a particular emphasis on linking tax administration and tax and fiscal policies with the broader SDGs. As one of its workstreams, Tax for SDGs supports the implementation of the joint OECD/UNDP Tax Inspectors Without Borders Initiative (TIWB). Further, building on UNDP CO portfolios and already existing engagements with Ministries, Tax for SDGs brings a stronger focus on the role of tax and fiscal policy in achieving the 2023 Agenda. It covers the following thematic areas: tax and gender equality, health, environment, extractive, engergy transition, digitalization of tax administration, tax transparency, tax expenditure, evidence-based policy making. The tax expenditures component provides guiding principles and frameworks to help countries incorporate the values of the SDGs within tax expenditures based on evidence and comparative experience. In addition, Tax for SDGs also launched the draft SDG Taxation Framework, a comprehensive methodology designed for national governments to optimize the alignment of a country’s tax system with the SDG. For more information, please refer to the Initiative’s event page: www.taxforsdgs.org/about.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP Tax for SDGs offers multiple internships; these can relate to global coordination, regional work, selected thematic areas, and communications.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Supporting ongoing and upcoming program work related to Tax and the SDGs at the global level, with different world regions and countries;
• Providing management support (planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, reporting, etc.)
• Conducting research and literature reviews, helping in compiling data, and conducting data analysis;
• Assisting the development and implementation of analytical frameworks related to Tax for SDGs;
• Assisting the Tax for SDGs team with the preparation, running, and follow-up of meetings; drafting minutes of meetings;
• Supporting the development of concept notes, briefs and talking points for key events and meetings;
• Supporting monitoring and evaluation, and drafting of presentations and reports;
• Attending, supporting organization, and summarizing meetings, conferences, and side events to strengthen strategic engagement with partners both within and outside the UN system.
• Support in communication and outreach including drafting articles, blog posts, press releases, flyers, images, tweets, and social media content as needed.

Competencies

Technical / Functional Competencies:

•   Good understanding of the 2030 Agenda and Financing for Development.

•   Good understanding of tax/fiscal policy, tax administration processes, public finance reforms, and management.

•   Ability to draft clearly and concisely, good writing skills;

•   Analytical aptitude, communication, and presentation skills;

•   Ability to work flexibly and innovatively and meet tight deadlines;

•   Good organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills;

•   Attention to detail and ability to work independently and effectively.

Personal Competencies:

•   Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;

•   Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/ integrate feedback;

•   Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals;

•   Establishes, builds, and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners and supports team efforts;

•   Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Currently enrolled in (a) a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) as a full-time student in taxation, economics, finance, law, political science, public policy, and other related fields or; (b) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Area of Interest/Experience

Although applicants are not required to have work experience, relevant knowledge/experience will be a strong asset.

• A strong interest in the area of public finance/ fiscal policies/ taxation is required, which could be demonstrated by past work experience, education, or training;
• Proficiency in the use of software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as digital collaboration and knowledge management tools;

Application Process

• Please upload your resume (not more than 2 pages), cover letter (one page), and transcripts as one PDF attachment. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Conditions

• Interns who are not financially supported by an institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme, will receive a stipend in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.  A stipend is intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station.
• Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of: (a) The nominating institution, related institution, or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or (b) The intern.
• UNDP full-time interns accrue leave at a rate of 1.5 days per month;
• During the internship period, interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with the UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health before starting the internship. 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 within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

Selected candidates must submit the following documents prior to being offered a Letter of

Acceptance for Internship:

•     A duly completed UNDP Internship Application Form

•     A signed UNDP Internship Agreement

•     Copy of updated CV/resume

•     Official letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date;

•     Copy of passport/national ID card;

•     A copy of his/her school transcript;

•     Letter of endorsement/recommendation from a Professor;

•     Proof of both Medical and Life Insurance which is valid for the duty station and covers duration of the internship programme.

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply. UNDP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of color, gender, or any other status.

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