Job Description

United Nations Development Programme

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 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 a growing portfolio of global projects implemented directly by UNDP Nature Hub. These projects aim to promote equitable, ethical, and sustainable stewardship of nature by advancing the leadership, participation, and empowerment of Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and Afro-Descendant Peoples (IPLCs and ADPs). The Nature Hub's initiatives are implemented in close collaboration with national partners and community-based organizations, focusing on rights-based approaches to conservation, biodiversity protection, and nature-based solutions.

Recognizing that the full and effective engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, who are at the frontline of the nature crisis, must be central to any nature market strategy, UNDP and Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA) established the Communities Advisory Panel, which has since evolved into the International Environmental Guardianship (IEG). Hosted by UNDP, IEG is a member-based body representing Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and Afro-Descendant peoples. It plays a key role in shaping the biodiversity credit market in line with principles of justice, equity, respect for Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge, and the empowerment of communities to actively engage in nature-based solutions.

The 8 Billion Hour Pledge is an innovative funding mechanism developed by the International Environmental Guardianship (IEG) to channel financing toward community-led nature projects. The Pledge promotes equitable distribution of funds across diverse regions and communities and aims to strengthen trust-based participation of IPLCs and ADPs in global conservation and restoration efforts. The mechanism is currently under internal consensus building, with plans for pilot transactions and a public launch by COP 17 in 2026.

UNDP is looking for one intern to support IEG's activities and its 8 Billion Hour Pledge. The intern will be deployed to work with the IEG and other Nature Hub projects.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

1 Support the International Environmental Guardianship (IEG):
• Assist in planning, organizing, and documenting international events and workshops, including COP30 side events, G20 engagements, and parallel sessions;
• Prepare and manage funding arrangements for IEG activities, including budget planning, financial tracking, and reporting;
• Contribute to budget forecasting and expenditure monitoring for IEG projects, ensuring accurate allocation of funds for travel, workshops, and community participation.
• Support engagement and coordination with external stakeholders
• Undertake day-to-day activities and internal and external communications;
• Manage and maintain relevant documents in a shared repository;
• Respond to stakeholder queries and support regular interactions with key stakeholders. 

2 Support the coordination and monitoring of the 8 Billion Hour Pledge
• Help organize regional and global consultations or workshops related to the 8 Billion Hour Pledge, ensuring inclusive participation and dissemination of results.
• Contribute to the data collection, verification, and analysis of community-led actions recorded under the 8 Billion Hours Pledge, ensuring transparent and accurate time accounting in line with IEG standards.

3 Support other Nature Hub projects/activities as seen relevant and 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 a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in fields such as international development, international policy, business administration, economics, finance, accounting, financial engineering or related fields.

Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above), and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation. 

Experience:

• Excellent analytical skills coupled with experience in research, drafting and developing reports and knowledge products are required;
• Knowledge of the current state of affiars on biodiversity including Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is an asset;
• Experience developing social media materials is an advantage;
• Experience in programme management support and coordination among multiple stakeholders is an advantage; 
• Experience in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation is an advantage;
• Knowledge in the preparation of webinar and (virtual) workshops with experience in using Zoom, MS Teams and other tools is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required

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. 

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.

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Important Application Information:
Please submit your application  only  via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site . Applications submitted through other job portals  will not be forwarded  to the respective organization and  will not be considered . To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Internship

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