Policy Intern

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.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the

marginalized.

• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

Project Background:

The Policy Unit leads UNDP India’s research and advocacy on Global Goals and the national development agenda, with a special focus on environment and climate change, skill development, inclusive growth and strengthening systems for SDG localization.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.Research and Analysis:

• Conduct literature reviews to summarize key insights on economic and social development issues.
• Provide support in the team’s research and analytical tasks including literature reviews and data analysis, as required.
• Support the development of evidence notes and presentations, ensuring data-driven insights and analysis, on themes related to CPD priorities.

2.Data Validation and Quality Assurance:

• Verifying the accuracy and credibility of references, sources, and citations used in documents.
• Cross-checking quantitative and qualitative data to ensure consistency with primary sources, databases, and government statistics.
• Maintain records and keep track of research findings, data checks, and sources for clarity and accuracy.

3. Coordination and Communication Support

• Take meeting notes, summarize key discussions, action points, and support follow-ups for effective communication.
• Support additional tasks assigned, such as preparing presentation materials, drafting executive summaries, or refining report visuals, to enhance the overall quality of the final deliverables.

• Competencies
  Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pay attention to details, deliver quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from marginalized communities (e.g., gender minorities, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, indigenous or tribal backgrounds) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong ability to conduct literature reviews, analyze policies, and synthesize findings into concise reports.
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, validation, and interpretation.
• Proficiency in Excel is required, and experience with data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.
• Familiarity with data sources such as government reports, international databases, and policy documents.
• Experience in fact-checking references, cross-verifying sources, and ensuring data accuracy.
• Ability to present complex information in a concise and accessible format for diverse audiences.
• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization.
• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation.
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set.
• Communicate effectively when working in teams and independently.
• 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.
• Proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of Hindi and/or any other Indian language will be considered an asset

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

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher) preferably in economics 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 above 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;
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program preferably in economics or related field and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Mentorship:

Each intern will be paired with a dedicated mentor from their respective team. The mentor will provide professional guidance, help the intern navigate the work environment, offer feedback, and support their overall learning and growth during the internship period.

Learning Opportunities:

Interns will be exposed to a variety of learning experiences related to UNDP’s work. These may include participating in team discussions, attending internal briefings or knowledge-sharing sessions, and accessing online resources. Topics may cover areas such as development programs, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and professional skills relevant to working in a multilateral development environment.

The internship will equip interns with transferable skills valuable across development, policy, and analytical career paths

1. Strengthening Research and Analytical Skills through hands-on experience in conducting literature reviews, synthesizing complex information, and supporting data-driven analysis related to real-world economic and social development issues.

2. Improving Data Literacy and Attention to Detail

3. Enhancing skills in Written and visual Communication and Professional Coordination in a high paced work environment

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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