Project Management and Operations Intern

Project Management and Operations Intern

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

June 23, 2026June 22, 2026Panama CityPanama
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that focuses on sustainable development and poverty eradication. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, employing over 17,000 personnel worldwide. The organization aims to integrate collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is recognized as a knowledge frontier organization within the UN Development System. UNDP's work spans various domains, including policy development, technical assistance, and advocacy, with a strong emphasis on local knowledge and global perspectives. The organization is committed to achieving structural transformations that advance poverty eradication, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable development through its strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Project Management and Operations Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Food Systems Team within UNDP's Healthy Planet Hub. This position involves assisting in the development, coordination, and implementation of various project management, administrative, and operational activities related to ongoing initiatives. The intern will work closely with the Project Management Analyst and the Food Systems Operations Team to ensure effective communication, data management, and operational support. The role is designed to provide valuable experience in project management and operations within a global organization focused on sustainable development. The intern will engage in tasks such as preparing presentations, conducting research, supporting recruitment processes, and assisting with event management, all of which contribute to the overall mission of transforming food systems for sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Support the Project Management Teams: Assist in preparing and reviewing presentations, briefing notes, reports, and other supporting materials. This includes proofreading, formatting, redacting, and updating documents on SharePoint. Conduct in-depth research and consolidate reports to support various programs related to Food Systems. Facilitate internal communication and ensure the flow of information among project teams and partners. Assist in data collection and organization of project-related documents. Perform any other relevant tasks as assigned by the Operations and Management Team.
  • Support the Operations Team: In Human Resources, assist with Terms of Reference (TOR) clearance, gather and consolidate recruitment documentation, and support the longlisting and shortlisting process. Help schedule interviews and consolidate notes from panelists. Assist with onboarding and offboarding of Food Systems Interns. Ensure compliance with HR mandatory requirements by reviewing dashboards and notifying team members of necessary actions. Promote learning activities related to Food Systems and disseminate available learning tools and opportunities. In Procurement, support the consolidation of documents for procurement processes and assist with GPN Roster vetting by reviewing candidate CVs. In Travel & Event Management, coordinate virtual events and face-to-face workshops, and manage travel arrangements, including following up on travel claims and plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet one of the following criteria: a) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) in fields such as Project Management, Administration, Operations, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Environmental Management, Agriculture, Sustainable Development, Economics, Global Development, Social or Political Sciences, International Relations, or related fields; or b) Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in the aforementioned fields; or c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes enrollment in a university degree program at the bachelor’s or master’s level in relevant fields such as Project Management, Administration, Operations, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Environmental Management, Agriculture, Sustainable Development, Economics, Global Development, Social or Political Sciences, or International Relations. Candidates who have recently graduated in these fields are also eligible to apply, provided they can start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should possess a foundational understanding of project management and operations. Experience with the MS Office suite and Zoom settings is essential. Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills are required, along with experience in data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. Previous involvement in program management support, operations, and coordination is advantageous, as is experience in organizing virtual events and workshops.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Spanish is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication within the diverse teams and stakeholders involved in UNDP's initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, but UNDP may provide a monthly stipend in accordance with its internship policy. Interns are responsible for securing their own medical insurance and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. The position does not guarantee subsequent employment with UNDP, and interns are considered gratis personnel, meaning they are not staff members and cannot represent UNDP in any official capacity. The organization values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring an inclusive workplace where all personnel can thrive.
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