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) is the UN’s global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to resources, knowledge, and experience to help people build a better life. UNDP is one of the world’s largest multilateral development agencies working in over 170 countries and territories to help eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion. Globally, UNDP’s current programme focuses on the priority areas of Sustainable Development, Democratic Governance and Climate and Disaster Resilience.
The UNDP Jamaica Multi-Country Office (MCO) covers two independent countries, Jamaica, and The Bahamas and three British Overseas Territories i.e., Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Turks and Caicos Islands. As Small Island Developing States (SIDS), these islands share similar geographic and socio-economic characteristics including a heavy reliance on their natural resources and extreme vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Notably, all the territories covered by the MCO are categorized as middle- or high-income with varying degrees of multidimensional inequalities impacting vulnerable populations.
In response, the MCO is implementing a diverse portfolio of projects aligned to the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022-2026 with focus on:
Social Resilience and Inclusion
Citizen Safety and Security and the Rule of Law
Climate Change Resilience
Sustainable natural resource management.
The programmes are guided by the countries’ national development priorities, the regional United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022-2026 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The Programme Support Intern will work closely with the UNDP programmes unit team to support project development, implementation, and strategic research
<Job Purpose and Organizational Context>
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist- Policy, with deployment to functional units, the Intern will provide support for the following tasks:
Support to Programme Implementation
- Contribute to day-to-day support to programme/project implementation and ensuring conformity to expected results, outputs, objectives, and work-plans.
- Provide technical support to the implementation of the Project related activities.
- Assist in the implementation of any upcoming projects or initiatives related to Governance;
- Support logistic arrangements for meetings, workshops, engagements with stakeholders.
- Consult with UNDP Teams, national partners and any other stakeholders deemed appropriate to support project/programme implementation.
- Assist with drafting and reviewing progress reports.
- Support with the drafting of letters, memos and other documents and respond to queries on programme matters.
- Regularly update and maintain project and stakeholder records.
- Support and assist with other tasks when needed.
- Assist with project monitoring, including participation in field and monitoring visits.
- Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
Support for Research
- Support the office’s ongoing research efforts in preparation for the Regional Human Development Report in 2025;
- Participate in any research-related webinars, events or trainings as deemed necessary by supervisor;
- Assist with primary and secondary data collection efforts;
- Liaise with national partners as necessary.
The hybrid (in person & home-based) assignment will be conducted full-time (40 hours per week) from May-October 2024 at the UNDP Jamaica Multi-Country Office.
Competencies
- Strong organizational, time management and communication skills, attention to detail and proven ability to work independently and with a team, against tight deadlines
- Effective verbal and written skills; ability to draft short memos and conduct presentations.
- Integrity and impartiality, ability to work with local community, stakeholders and colleagues of various origins.
- Proven research, presentation, reporting and writing skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong service and team-work orientation, cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a fast-paced multi-national environment
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to learning
- Commitment to UNDP vision, mission and values and knowledge of UN work environment an advantage
- Results driven, able to meet targets/deadlines
- Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback
- Creative thinking ability
- Takes initiative, under minimal supervision
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- The Intern must have studies in field of Social Sciences, International Relations, Natural Sciences or other related areas and must meet one of the following requirements;
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
- Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.
Experience:
- Experience with Microsoft Office Package (Word, Excel and others) as well as experience in handling web-based applications.
- Fluent in written and oral communication skills in English; competency in other UN languages is a strong asset.
As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy, if it 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 the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan.
Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes.
The intern is 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 are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
The purpose of the internship 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.
The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract.
The interns will be responsible for providing his or her own laptop. Internet access and printing facilities will be available at UNDP during the internship.
Disclaimer
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.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.