Intern, Programme and Knowledge Management Support

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. II. CORPORATE BACKGROUND UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do. UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas: • Sustainable development • Democratic governance and peacebuilding • Climate and disaster resilience In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable. UNDP Lao PDR: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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. Guided by the global UNDP Strategic Plan (2026-2029) and UNDP Country Programme for Lao PDR (CPD, 2022 – 2026 and any other subsequent CPDs) UNDP in Lao PDR works closely with the line Ministries, mass organizations, civil society, development partners, and the private sector at both national and sub-national levels in pursuit of the national socio-economic development priorities defined in Lao PDR’s five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP has a long history working in Lao PDR. UNDP’s comparative advantage has been its ability to work closely with a very broad range of government and local-level institutions at all levels. The new CPD 2022- 2026 builds on the achievements of the previous CPD that saw the incorporation of the SDGs into the national planning architecture. The UNDP’s work is strongly focused on the provision of policy advice and technical support to the Government of Lao PDR in the design and implementation of national legislation and strategies across three broad priority pillars – (1) inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, including UXO clearance and risk education, (2) natural resources, climate change and disaster risk reduction, and (3) effective, responsive, and accountable governance (Lao CPD|UNDP). UNDP, in close partnership with key government ministries, institutions, and other stakeholders, has been implementing a diverse array of development projects and interventions across various interconnected sectors. These sectors include natural resources, forestry, biodiversity, water, energy, social issues, economics, finance, poverty alleviation, governance, the rule of law, access to justice, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Natural Resources Management, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (NRM, CC, & DRR) Unit: Lao PDR is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly those of floods and droughts. Since the 1960s, the country has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of these events, resulting in increased impacts on and risks to vulnerable communities in the Lao PDR. These impacts include, for example, damage to crops, thereby decreasing food and financial security. The severity of climate change impacts is further compounded by non-climate change-related factors such as increasing urbanization, ecosystem degradation, and deforestation. UNDP focuses on the provision of technical and policy support to the Government of Lao PDR to strengthen sustainable management of natural resources, including land, water, and biodiversity, and increase resilience to climate change-related risks. III. INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND: The intern will support the Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction (NRM, CC & DRR) Unit in UNDP Lao PDR. This internship aligns with the implementation of the UNDP Lao PDR Country Programme Document (CPD) 2026–2030, which prioritizes strengthening resilience to climate change and disasters, promoting sustainable resource management, and advancing inclusive development. The intern will play a key role in supporting the programming efforts, project oversight, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities of the projects under NRM, CC and DRR Unit. The intern works under the supervision of Programme Support Analyst, providing support for the above mentioned areas and other tasks that the Unit works on, as required, contributing to the technical aspects in the areas of environment to enhance project results and quality. III. DUTIES: The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities: No Duties and responsibilities % of time In this section list the primary responsibilities and tasks of the position. (Include percentages for each duty.) 1 Support to ensure effective management of the CO programme within the assigned thematic/sector areas focusing on quality assurance and risk management from formulation to implementation of the country programme: • Support design and formulation of projects, translate UNDP priorities into local interventions, and oversee project implementation with the implementing partners within the assigned programme areas. Help ensure that design and formulation of programme considers societal digital technology risks and opportunities and other future signals. • Support to oversee planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the assigned programme areas; and track use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Assist to ensure digital technology solutions in programme implementation are managed towards scalability and sustainability in line with UNDP’s digital standards. • Support effective application of results-based management tools and track achievement of strategic results. • Support trends analysis for future informed and anticipatory programming. • Support to prepare and aggregate reports on activities, outputs and outcomes, including donor and corporate reports. • Support to the rollout of new initiatives and programmes including through presentation of the project to PAC; finalize contribution agreements; and determine required revisions. 40% 2 Assist to ensure creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy: • Support to develop and maintain partnerships with the UN Agencies, international financial institutions (IFIs), government institutions, donors, private sector (if applicable to CO), and civil society in assigned programme/ thematic areas. • Help identify strategic programme areas of cooperation including for joint programming. • Support analysis and research of information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, to identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, and to substantively contribute to Country Office resource mobilization efforts. • Support development of portfolios and Country office pipeline including through the design of Programme/Project documents, concept notes, proposals, and cross-sectoral coordination in assigned areas to bring resources for projects. 30% 3 Help ensure provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management: • Help identify policy-driven issues; and identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals. • Provide support in the development of policies and institutions to address country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners. • Provide input so that policy advisory contributes to inclusive societal digital transformation and takes digital technology risks and opportunities or futures signals into account. • Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms. 30% The incumbent supports other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS Education: Enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor’s, or master’s degree in Climate Change, Environment Science, Business Administration, International Relations, Development Studies, or closely related field. IT skills: • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Tools is required. • Fluency in English, and knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage. Language skills: • Fluency in English, and knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage. Other competencies and attitude: • Demonstrates interest and motivation in working for an international organization. • Possesses strong analytical skills for gathering, consolidating, and applying data and research. • Proactive and self-driven individual with a goal-oriented mindset. • Communicates effectively, both independently and as part of a team. • Excellent organizational skills for managing diverse tasks and responsibilities. • Displays sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, national, and age diversity. • Responsive to feedback and differing points of view. • Consistently approaches work with energy, a positive, and constructive attitude. • Familiarity with environmental issues, particularly disaster risk reduction, is an advantage. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Experience: • Prior experience in supporting programming work, project oversight, and/or M&E is an asset. • Experience in digital systems, content creation, or event organization is an asset. V. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS • UNDP internships are not remunerated. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity; • 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. 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.