SART Intern

Background

The Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) leads the work of the United Nations Development Programme in the Sub-Saharan African region to implement the organization’s Strategic Plan, driven by the vision to eliminate poverty and significantly reduce inequalities and exclusion. UNDP provides proactive strategic oversight and support to forty-six country offices in Africa by responding to their demand for operations, policy and programme advice. In line with UNDP’s Strategic Offer for Africa, UNDP supports countries in Africa to address multiple interrelated challenges that are impairing the ability of the continent to further advance sustainable human development.

The Strategy, Analysis and Research Team (SART) provides strategic analysis and upstream policy advice to RBA management and country offices in sub-Saharan Africa through intellectual leadership on key development issues in the region. SART’s focus areas include data analysis and measurement, strategic policies, and knowledge production.

We are seeking a highly qualified intern to join our team for a period of 3 months. The ideal candidate will be responsible for compiling and analyzing data from various sources, collating information from various sources, supporting the preparation of briefing notes and talking points, and helping in organizing events.

The intern will be supervised and report to the Chief, SART. The internship is for 3 months, extendable to a maximum of 4 months. The internship is a full-time internship and is not paid (however, a stipend is provided). Interns work five days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyzing statistical data from various sources to report on development trends in Africa
• Support the writing of reports, policy brief, briefing notes and talking points
• Help organize events including logistical support as well as outreach and communication
• Support general administrative activities in the unit

Competencies

General:

• Knowledge of economics or economic development concept and measurements
• Quantitative skills including data compilation, analysis and visualization
• Ability to write clearly and effectively for a variety of audiences
• Able to take initiative and work independently, with minimum supervision
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty
• Excellent quantitative skills
• Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines,
• Commitment to the UNDP vision, mission, and strategic goals

Communication Skills:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
• Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Teamwork:

• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.

Required Skills and Experience

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

• Bachelor's degree in economics, development or a related field.
• Enrolled in Master’s or Doctorate program in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, development economics, political science).

Experience:

• Previous work experience with data analysis and policy-related writing
• Demonstrated experience in economic analysis is an asset but not required

Languages:

• Strong English language skills (oral and written) required.
• French desired.

Intern conditions:

• UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship,
• UNDP offers a modest monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station,
• All other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government, or institution,
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship,
• 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,
• The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan,
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.