Background

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares the development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. It is one of UNDP’s global policy centres. USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the Republic of Korea and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between Korea and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

The Centre’s administration work is an integral component of USPC’s work and aims to facilitate the implementation of the USPC’s programmatic works by undertaking overall administration and execution of varied and inter-related operational and logistical activities for the office.

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final-year undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

• 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 mindset;
• Communicates 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;
• Demonstrated interest in the field of development;
• Demonstrated research and analytical capacity;
• Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• currently enrolled in a Master’s degree or PhD degree; or
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: Public/Business administration, economics, finance, or equivalent.

IT skills:

• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Knowledge and skills of Adobe products e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator would be an asset.

Language skills:

• English and Korean required;
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

VISA

• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed. The internship opportunities are exclusively available to individuals who possess the legal right to reside and work in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Any applicant would need to have legal permission to carry out an internship in ROK and, for non-Korean applicants, would need to fulfill the visa requirements as set by ROK.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as reference, the stipend for 2024 is set at KRW 1,169,728 per month; the stipend amount for 2025 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with the internship 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 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 own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
• Interns will accrue leaves at a rate of 1.5 days per month and will be granted off-days on official UN holidays for the Republic of Korea. If exceptional leave arrangements are necessary, requests must be submitted to and be approved by the supervisors in advance to ensure adequate office arrangements. 

Background

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan. 

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private, government and civil society dialogues, and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. 

UNDP's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan highlights our continued commitment to eradicating poverty, accompanying countries in their pathways towards the SDGs and working towards the Paris Agreement. As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP's Nature, Climate Change, Energy, and Waste  Hubs promote and scale up integrated whole-of-governance approaches and nature-based solutions that reduce poverty and inequalities, strengthen livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigate conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promote more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas.

BPPS work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate nature, climate, energy and waste related concerns into national and sector planning and inclusive growth policies, support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements, and oversee the implementation of the UN’s largest portfolio of in-country programming nature, climate change, energy, and waste. This multi-billion-dollar portfolio encompasses: 

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services including forests; 
• Sustainable Land Management and Desertification including food and commodity systems; 
• Water and Ocean Governance including SIDS; 
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; 
• Sustainable Energy; 
• Extractive Industries; 
• Chemicals and Waste Management; 
• Environmental Governance and Green/Circular Economy; and SCP approaches.

This work advances crosscutting themes on innovative finance, , capacity development, human rights, gender equality, health, technology, South-South learning and digital transformation.

UNDP has developed its new Strategy for Food and Agricultural Commodity Systems (FACS) to focus its vision and enhance its support to transform FACS. 

FACS are fundamental to the sustainable development of the 170 countries UNDP supports. FACS are often the largest contributor to their economies; food and nutrition is fundamental for citizen health; and FACS have a key role to play in achieving the SDGs. Yet, FACS are in crisis and need to be radically transformed to become sustainable. UNDP, building on its experience, has for the first time consolidated its FACS support and vision into this Strategy. The challenges and need for change related to FACS have been highlighted by a suite of reports by many research and international organizations and think tanks. The production practices and consumption patterns of food and agricultural commodities are taking these systems on an unsustainable trajectory with multiple impacts on human development, the environment and economies; from ecosystem degradation, conflicts over land and natural resources, reduced capacity and resilience to climate and other shocks, persistent poverty, food insecurity and related people displacement and migration, to malnutrition including overweight and obesity. There is a clear need to work in a systemic and integrated manner to transform the FACS towards sustainability. 

UNDP´s Vision for FACS 2030 is, through partnerships, to transform food and agricultural commodity systems into resilient; equitable; healthy, inclusive; environmentally, socially and economically sustainable systems. Working on FACS will contribute to not only recovery from the COVID19 crisis, by creating sustainable and resilient livelihoods for many along the FAC supply chains, but also to preventing further zoonoses from emerging in the future. This will require a change in the current paradigm of agricultural production focusing on maximizing productivity to a new paradigm based on diversified agroecological systems which work simultaneously on achieving economic, environmental, social, and health outcomes; with smallholders as a key part of the solution in their role as the engine of economic development. A FACS practice has been established within UNDP´s Nature, Climate and Energy team, which is tasked to support UNDP Country Offices with FACS related challenges in a way that is aligned with UNDP´s FACS strategy. 

The FACS Team has recently launched a new initiative: ‘C3 Labs – Collaboration for Complex Challenges: addressing the food-biodiversity-climate nexus.’

C3 Labs aims to facilitate greater collaboration between government agencies, development agencies, donors, development finance institutions, the private sector, civil society and research institutions. With the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Innovation Window funding the project will: 

• Strengthen the evidence base on how to accelerate systemic, collaborative and adaptive approaches to address complex environmental challenges, focusing on the food-biodiversity-climate nexus to support greater integration of government and development sector programming across the NDCs, NBSAPs, and LDN targets, and connecting to national pathways for food systems transformation.
• Generate practical guidance on how to bridge the gap between the theories of collaboration and systems transformation and their real-world application.

The initiative will: develop, prototype, iterate and evaluate a Collaboration Lab methodology  applied to food-biodiversity-climate nexus challenges in two pilot countries; harvest and disseminate learnings through a global learning lab; and publish findings through a series of evidence-based recommendations, tools and guidance that can improve the GEF’s approach to program design and implementation, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and impact of GEF investments.

UNDP FACS is seeking to recruit a “C3 Labs Intern” to support in the implementation of a range of activities for the launch of C3 Labs, reporting to the FACS Innovation Lead.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support to the C3 Labs Team in: 

• Support coordination of the C3 Labs initiative, in particular ensuring coordination with core partners, country office(s) and the GEF.
• Preparation and organization of calls, webinars, virtual workshops;
• Preparation of presentations, slide deck; briefing notes, project proposals, meeting minutes and reports; 
• Assist in research, including partner outreach and fundraising opportunities, and on any other key C3 Labs related issues.
• Drafting, designing, and updating communications content and support on social media promotion and website updates;
• Maintain internal filing system up to date; including database management of C3 Labs partners. 
• Support other related tasks and support project team members, as and when needed.

Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.

Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) such as environment, agriculture, sustainable development, economics, journalism, communications, international development, social/political sciences or related fields; or 
• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) such as environment, agriculture, sustainable development, economics, journalism, communications, international development, social/political sciences or related fields; or 
• Have graduated with a university degree such as environment, agriculture, sustainable development, economics, journalism, communications, international development, social/political sciences or related fields or related field and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation. 

Experience:

• Experience in project coordination and partnership management
• Experience in communications, writing and editing 
• Experience in sustainability

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.

Internship Conditions

Applicants should become familiar with the internship conditions prior to signing an internship agreement. For information visit www.undp.org/internships/ 

Institutional Arrangements
The intern will report to the FACS Programme Lead Advisor.

Financial aspects, expenses and medical benefits

• UNDP will not pay for the internship but may provide a stipend in monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance for the intern or for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness during the internship period. Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
• UNDP is not responsible for any claims by an intern or third party in the case of loss or damage to property or death or personal injury as a result of actions or omissions on the part of the intern during the internship period.

Working conditions:

• When completing an in-person internship in a UNDP Office, interns must be provided with the workspace and equipment necessary to accomplish the activities related to the internship.
• When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and work space.

Subsequent Employment
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.  Interns cannot apply for, or be appointed to, any position during the period of their internship.

Important note:

• Interns are considered as gratis personnel. They are not staff members.
• Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts.
• Interns may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

Application

Please provide the following documents to be considered:

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:

• Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date.
• Letter of recommendation from a professor.
• Copy of his/her most recent school transcript.
• Copy of passport.
• Completed UNDP internship application form.
• Signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
• Medical Certificate of Good Health.
• Proof of medical insurance.

Kindly note the above documentation is required within one week after selection.

Background

With offices in Copenhagen, Kuala Lumpur, Dakar, Amman, Panama City and Istanbul, the Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) services over 180 countries, 40,000 personnel and more than 70 other UN Agencies and Organizations. Through its functional service lines, the BMS/GSSC ensures high quality and timely delivery of human resources and financial services as well as information and innovative tools to its various clients and stakeholders.

The BMS/GSSC is led by the Director, who reports to the Director of Bureau for Management Services (BMS). Reporting to the Finance Specialist/Analyst, the Finance Associate works collaboratively within the BMS/GSSC Finance Service Delivery Teams with a client-oriented approach.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensures administration and implementation of operational and financial management strategies, adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations of financial processes.
• Preparation of relevant reports and audit follow up; implementation of the effective internal control framework.
• Finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Finance in consultation with the direct supervisor and office management.
• Ensures financial records are in compliance with SOPs, IPSAS and  UNDP Financial Rules and Regulations.

2. Provides accounting and finance support to Country Offices (COs) and performs various analysis functions focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Proper review/validation of the supporting documents for advance requests by UN Agencies  and  the expenditures submitted on the Project Delivery Reports (PDRs), under the Project Clearing Account (PCA) modality.  
• Timely follow up with COs on pending information on processing donor refunds and project financial closure.
• Respond to UNALL and email communications from COs regarding the tasks assigned.
• Ensures proper adherence to Service Level Agreement (SLAs) contribute to the evolution of services proposed by GSSC and the establishment of a continuous improvement environment.
• Perform accounting tasks such as creating credit memos, analyzing account payables and pending project financial closure cases.
• Conducts accounts analysis between sub-system and General Ledger (GL) in the ERP system (Quantum), to prepare accounts reconciliations, identify differences and take corrective actions.
• Assist in the implementation of accounting, closing calendars, audit requirements and quarterly, bi-annual and year-end certifications.
• Support the implementation of the Internal Control Framework.
• Other tasks as assigned.

3. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Finance Unit focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Support the organization of training for staff in the Finance Stream.
• Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in Finance.
• Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Finance Unit as requested by the supervisor.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education Requirements:

• Secondary Education including subjects or modules in Accounting and/or Finance. University Degree in Finance or Accounting is desirable.

Min. Years of Relevant Work Experience

• Minimum 6 years with secondary school education or 3 years with a Bachelor’s Degree, of relevant experience in Finance and/or Accounting.

Required Skills:

• Experience in the usage of computers and MS Office packages
• Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages
• Hands-on experience with CRM or ERP, preferably with Oracle
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English. Knowledge of any other UN languages is desirable.

Professional Certificates:

• A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy is desirable.

Background

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. It is one of UNDP’s global policy centres. USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the ROK and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between the ROK and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

The Centre’s private sector engagement and development work is an integral component of USPC’s programmatic work. Working with Korean businesses of all sizes, including impact start-ups, micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), conglomerates and the investment community, as well as the related ecosystem, it aims to leverage the private sector’s innovative approaches and resources for the achievement of SDGs. Examples of our efforts to support developing countries include strengthening the capacity of MSMEs through inclusive digital transformation, with the ROK’s policies and practices as reference, and providing acceleration support to SDG-aligned start-ups in the ROK and other countries.

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final year undergraduate, and graduate students, the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: http://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES:

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

• 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;
• Communicates 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;
• Strong interest and training in drafting and editing documents;
• Demonstrated interest in the field of development;
• Demonstrated research and analytical capacity;
• Administrative skills in the organizing of meetings and events;
• Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
• Have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: international development, international relations, sociology, political science, public administration, economics, commerce, business administration, marketing, or equivalent.

IT skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Familiarity with social media and creative design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Photoshop) is an asset.

Language skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required;
• Fluency in Korean is highly desirable, and other UN languages is considered an asset.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as reference, the stipend for 2024 is set at KRW 1,169,728 per month; the stipend amount for 2025 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with the internship 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 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 own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.;
• Interns will accrue leaves at a rate of 1.5 days per month and will be granted off-days on official UN holidays for the Republic of Korea. If exceptional leave arrangements are necessary, requests must be submitted to and be approved by the supervisors in advance to ensure adequate office arrangements. 

Background

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

As the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares the development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. It is one of UNDP’s global policy centres. USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the Republic of Korea and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between Korea and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final year undergraduate, and graduate students, the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

USPC work on environmental issues started in 2017. Since then, it has evolved to encompass different processes, workstreams and partnerships. USPC has worked on projects related to waste management, wastewater management and sustainable energy. Currently, the Green Recovery and Transition team is focused on the sustainable forestry programme (including both community-based forestry and forest fire prevention) with partnerships in Albania, Cambodia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Namibia, and Zambia. The green transition and recovery portfolio is also expanding to new thematic areas such as circular economy (solid waste management, plastics, wastewater), carbon markets and energy.

You are invited to join a small, but vibrant team. Whereas the focus of your assignment will be on the tasks outlined in this Terms of Reference, you need to expect considerable amount of multi-tasking and supporting other members of the team.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

General:

• Takes initiative and works independently with minimum supervision;
• Upholds highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty;
• Shows excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and administrative skills.
• Able to multitask, balance multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines;
• Shows commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and strategic goals;
• Able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.

Communication Skills:

• Speaks and write clearly and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to receive further clarity on requests and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational and unit goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise and willingness to learn from others.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to this Internship programme must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:

• currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• currently enrolled in a Master’s degree or PhD degree; or
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: environmental policy/env. science/env. engineering, natural resource economics, economics, climate science, energy, international studies or related area.

Experience:

• Prior experience on environmental and climate projects and /or policy research is desirable.
• Familiarity with basic aspects of project management is desirable;
• Familiarity with issues related to green transition, development and digitalization is desirable.
• Experience writing analytical pieces on relevant issues is desirable;
• Prior experience in Korean-English translations would be an asset;
• Proficiency or prior experience in using Zoom and other digital tools would be preferable.

IT skills:

• Knowledge of/proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Proficient in hosting Zoom and other web-based meetings and seminars.

Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required;
• Fluency in oral and written Korean is a major asset;
• Knowledge of another UN language is also an asset.

APPLICATION

To apply please include in your application one pdf file that includes:

• Your resume in a format of your choosing;
• Cover letter (max. 1 page) including information about:

• Your interest to apply for an internship with UNDP / UNDP Seoul Policy Centre;
• Your general interest in issues related to Green Recovery and Transition.

VISA

• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed. The internship opportunities are exclusively available to individuals who possess the legal right to reside and work in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Any applicant would need to have legal permission to carry out an internship in ROK and, for non-Korean applicants, would need to fulfill the visa requirements as set by ROK.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as a reference, the stipend for 2024 is set at KRW 1,169,728 per month; the stipend amount for 2025 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with the internship 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 (the internship opportunities are exclusively available to individuals who possess the legal right to reside and work in Korea);
• 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.
• Interns will accrue leaves at a rate of 1.5 days per month and will be granted off-days on official UN holidays for the Republic of Korea. If exceptional leave arrangements are necessary, requests must be submitted to and approved by the supervisors in advance to ensure adequate office arrangements. 

Background

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

As the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares the development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. It is one of UNDP’s global policy centres. USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the Republic of Korea and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between Korea and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

The Centre’s governance and gender work is an integral component of USPC’s programmatic work and aims to i) enhance the visibility and recognition of USPC, UNDP and its work by raising awareness and promoting dialogue and cooperation on the SDG 16 both within and outside of Korea and ii) build and strengthen partnerships, with a focus on i) anti-corruption and ii) sexual and gender-based violence in Korea and elsewhere.

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final-year undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates a keen interest and motivation in working with international organizations, particularly in the area of governance;
• Excellent analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
• Open-minded towards creative ideas, feedback and differing points of view, and can adapt with agility;
• Detail-oriented with excellent administrative skills in the organizing of meetings and events;
• Ability to handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, mixing long-term projects with the urgency of immediate demands;
• Takes an initiative and has a goal-oriented mindset;
• Able to work independently and collaboratively to achieve actionable results;
• Appreciates and respects differences (culture, gender, religion, race, nationality and age) and confronts discrimination;
• Consistently approaches work with energy, positivity, and constructive attitude, while showing consideration for the needs and feelings of others;
• Demonstrates honesty and transparency in all work-related activities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: Social science area e.g. international development, international relations, political science, human rights, gender studies, public administration, journalism, communications or equivalent.

IT skills:

• Knowledge of/proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Proficient in hosting Zoom and other web-based meetings and seminars;
• Skills in Visual Communication and Graphic Design (including Canva) would be an advantage.

Language skills:

• Highly proficient in both spoken and written English required;
• Proven experience in editing/copyediting/proofreading documents preferably on development policy, governance or similar would be an asset;
• Knowledge of Korean and other UN languages (particularly French or Spanish) is an advantage.

VISA

• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed. The internship opportunities are exclusively available to individuals who possess the legal right to reside and work in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Any applicant would need to have legal permission to carry out an internship in ROK and, for non-Korean applicants, would need to fulfil the visa requirements as set by ROK.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as a reference, the stipend for 2024 is set at KRW 1,169,728 per month; the stipend amount for 2025 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with the internship 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.
• Interns will accrue leaves at a rate of 1.5 days per month and will be granted off-days on official UN holidays for the Republic of Korea. If exceptional leave arrangements are necessary, requests must be submitted to and approved by the supervisors in advance to ensure adequate office arrangements. 

Background

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

As the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares the development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. It is one of UNDP’s global policy centres. USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the Republic of Korea and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between Korea and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

The Centre’s development cooperation work is an integral component of USPC’s programmatic work, and aims to i) identify, implement and disseminate practices and lessons learned as to how development cooperation could be undertaken better and ii) build and strengthen relations with Korean and other international development cooperation actors to establish innovative partnerships that address shared challenges such as achieving digital transformation and green transition.

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final-year undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

General:

• Takes initiative and works independently with minimum supervision;
• Upholds highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty;
• Shows excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and administrative skills;
• Able to multitask, balance multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines;
• Shows commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and strategic goals;
• Able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.

Communication Skills:

• Speaks and write clearly and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to receive further clarity on requests and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational and unit goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise and willingness to learn from others.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to this Internship programme must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:

• currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• currently enrolled in a Master’s degree or PhD degree; or
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: Development studies, international relations, economics, politics, environmental studies, or other relevant fields of study.

Experience:

• Familiarity with basic aspects of project management is desirable;
• Familiarity with issues related to broader development cooperation issues and/or the sectoral areas of green transition and digitalization is desirable;
• Experience writing analytical pieces on relevant issues is highly desirable;
• Proficiency or prior experience in using Zoom and other digital tools would be preferable;
• Prior experience with the multilateral system or with a bilateral donor agency is desirable;
• Familiarity with Large-Language Models such as GPT-4 is desirable.

IT skills:

• Knowledge of/proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Proficient in hosting Zoom and other web-based meetings and seminars;
• Familiar with data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, R, etc.);
• Skills in visual communication and graphic design (including Canva) would be an advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required;
• Fluency in oral and written Korean is required;
• Knowledge of another UN language is also an asset.

APPLICATION

To apply please include in your application one pdf file that includes:

• Your resume in a format of your choosing
• Cover letter (max. 1 page) including information about:

• Your interest to apply for an internship with UNDP / UNDP Seoul Policy Centre;
• Your general interest in issues related to digitalization, and/or aid effectiveness, South-South, and Triangular Cooperation.

VISA

• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed. The internship opportunities are exclusively available to individuals who possess the legal right to reside and work in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Any applicant would need to have legal permission to carry out an internship in ROK and, for non-Korean applicants, would need to fulfill the visa requirements as set by ROK.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as a reference, the stipend for 2024 is set at KRW 1,169,728 per month; the stipend amount for 2025 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with the internship 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 (the internship opportunities are exclusively available to individuals who possess the legal right to reside and work in Korea);
• 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.
• Interns will accrue leaves at a rate of 1.5 days per month and will be granted off-days on official UN holidays for the Republic of Korea. If exceptional leave arrangements are necessary, requests must be submitted to and approved by the supervisors in advance to ensure adequate office arrangements. 

Background

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. It is one of UNDP’s global policy centres. USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the ROK and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between the ROK and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

The Centre’s communications and advocacy work is an integral component of USPC’s programmatic work, and aims to enhance the visibility and recognition for USPC, UNDP and its SDG partnerships by raising awareness and promoting dialogue and cooperation on the SDGs both within and outside of the ROK among different development actors. 

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final year undergraduate, and graduate students, the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: http://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES:

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Competencies

COMPETENCIES

• 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;
• Communicates 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;
• Strong interest and training in drafting and editing documents;
• Demonstrated interest in the field of development;
• Demonstrated research and analytical capacity;
• Administrative skills in the organizing of meetings and events;
• Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
• Have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: international development, international relations, sociology, political science, public administration, communication and media, journalism, public relations, or equivalent.

IT skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Proficiency in social media and creative design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere) is an advantage.

Language skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required;
• Fluency in Korean is highly desirable, and other UN languages is considered an asset.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as reference, the stipend for 2024 is set at KRW 1,169,728 per month; the stipend amount for 2025 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with the internship 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 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 own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.