Research, Documentation, and Knowledge Management 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 subnationalgovernment, 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 andpriorities 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 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 findcountry-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

Project Background:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its Business and Human Rights (B+HR) project aims to enable Sustainable Economic Development, through the Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework of the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on Business & Human Rights (BHR). The project promotes the agenda on BHR by working with governments, businesses and civil society in the implementation of the UNGPs at the national level, through dialogue, training, research, civil society action, awareness raising and capacity building activities.

The overall objective of the project is to prevent, mitigate and address human rights abuses in business operations and enable a more level playing field for businesses that demonstrate respect for human rights. In so doing, the action aims to strengthen human rights conditions in business operations and supply chains, facilitating sustainable economic growth while also promoting multilateralism.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Research Analysis and Programme Support:
   • Conduct research to support in developing a blueprint for business and human rights (BHR)/responsible business priorities in India, vis-à-vis uptake and promotion of responsible business practices and sustainability in line with India’s national and international obligations
   • Conduct supervised secondary research on specific topics in the area of sustainability, green economy, just transition and related topics of relevance to the BHR agenda;
   • Provide support in writing of project related documents (concept notes, proposals, etc.), and synthesize documents and other relevant knowledge products;
   • Identify key areas of intervention for engagement with Private Sector (with particular focus on MSMEs) on decent work, sustainable economic growth, human rights and environmental sustainability and reducing inequalities;
   • Identify opportunities for engagement on environment and human rights due diligence tools and processes with the Private Sector in particular MSMEs, sector-wise; and
   • Work closely with UN agencies working in India to implement and further responsible business framework.
2. Communications and Knowledge Management:
   • Contribute to development of policy briefs, speeches, talking points and background/communications materials and other advocacy activities for strengthening communication and relationship with varied stakeholders on the BHR agenda.
   • Support in proof reading and editing of reports, books, booklets or any other type of publications/communications material.
   • Support in developing and implementing the social media strategy for the programme.
   • Initiate and/or assist in submitting best practices, stories and experiences on responsible business practices for wide dissemination through multiple channels.
   • Prepare PowerPoint presentations, visual representations, infographics as required.
   • Assist in the organization of webinars/conferences/events/forums; and
   • Support the team with other relevant tasks.
3. Engage with Private Sector, with focus on MSMEs:
   • Support in building networks for UNDP and support work with Industry Associations, national and regional (FISME, CII, FICCI etc.) on outreach, training, monitoring, reporting and evaluation as well as any other relevant processes.
   • Coordinate and support capacity building efforts (including conceptualization) on responsible and sustainable business practices for private sector including roll-out and implementation including facilitating awareness on national and international policies; and
   • Work closely with other UN system-wide coordination groups, industry associations and civil society actors on the agenda.

Competencies

• Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pay attention to details, delivers 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

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) in one of the following disciplines: Finance, Business & Administration or other relevant subjects.
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (suchas 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 and undertake theinternship as part of this program.
• Field of study: Law, International Development, Human Rights, Social Sciences or equivalent
• Has sound knowledge of Microsoft office (Office 365, SharePoint Online)
• Ability to produce high quality documents with quick turnaround time.
• Good team player and ability to adapt to change in work environment.
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and adjust accordingly as new priorities arise.
• Familiarity with use of Canva and other design and data analysis tools.
• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others and take initiative; and
• Proactively works on tasks and delivers under given timelines.
• Proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of Hindi and/or any other Indian language will be considered an asset

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.

Key learning opportunities would include:

• Gaining hands on experience of international development, human rights and sustainable development thematic work areas
• Exposure to a multilateral setting with substantial collaboration opportunities across UNDP’s global and regional offices and across programmatic units
• Build sound experience in strategic communication, content creation, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to the organization’s mission of promoting sustainable development

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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