UNDP Internship roster (call for applications - Research interns, home-based, report to office in New York, USA)

The Intern will support the management and tracking of UNDP’s energy portfolio, including the tracking of country office requests for support from Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy team.

• Support the Country Office request providing ad-hoc literature review, briefing note and policy research.  
• Contribute to publication and research paper under the supervision of the Head of the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy, Healthy Planet.
• Work with Country Offices to ensure they receive the right support from the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy team.
• Support the team in developing partnerships with national and local stakeholders to promote energy access, just energy transition, and energy resilience.

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

• Background in research and empirical analysis with a focus on sustainable energy for development. 
• Background in data analytics and research skills relevant to the topic of energy access in off-grid settings  a just energy transition, energy resilience in fragile context;
• Knowledge of policy, innovative business models, and financial mechanisms in low-carbon energy to disrupt existing markets and to bring energy and development benefits to developing countries. 
• Knowledge of the social, gender, and governance impact of the just transition.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a simple, concise and persuasive manner.

• Ability to work and build partnerships with multiple stakeholders and partners across a wide range of disciplines;
• Demonstrated ability in strategic thinking; 
• Strong organizational, reporting and writing abilities;
• Able to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored, even under pressure; 
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; 
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team and process.

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

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in fields such as Energy, Data Science, Computer Science, Economics or related disciplines;
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in these disciplines;
3. Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (1) and (2) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program

• Relevant work/voluntary/internship experience in research activities related to climate change or sustainable energy, multi-stakeholder initiatives at the domestic and/or international level;
• Knowledge of/familiarity with research activities needed to design and/or implement development projects to promote energy investment. Hands on experience preferred;
• Experience working with a wide set of energy stakeholders, such as the private and financial sector, government, and civil society is an advantage;
• Field experience in energy-related projects in developing countries contexts is desirable;
• Knowledge of, and/or prior experience within, the UN system is considered an advantage.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language is required;
• Fluency in other official languages of the UN is considered an asset.

The interns will report to the Head, Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy, Healthy Planet Hub.

When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and work space.

Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office. 

Where an intern is engaged remotely and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a remote stipend intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, will be paid by the receiving office.

The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.

Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.  No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement, except for any reimbursements made to an intern under paragraph 33 of  UNDP Internship Policy [link removed].

Interns will accrue combined sick and annual leave at the rate of 1 ½ days per month, which will be prorated to the nearest half day for part-time internships. Any accrued leave days not used by the end of the internship will be forfeited. Any unjustified absences during the internship period exceeding a total of nine days or as prorated for part-time internships, will be deducted from the monthly stipend.

Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:

1. The sponsoring institution, related institution or Government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or
2. The intern.

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. 

Selected candidates for in-person internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For interns that are neither nationals nor residents of the duty station of the internship, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

1. Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;
2. Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. 

There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.  

UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.

For more information on internship eligibility and conditions, please refer to the UNDP Internship Policy [link removed].