Intern - Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA)

Job Posting Organization:
The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is a vital component of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), responsible for managing the organization's external relations and advocacy functions. BERA plays a crucial role in building and maintaining strategic relationships and alliances that are essential for achieving UNDP's mission. Established to enhance UNDP's engagement with various constituencies, including development partners, member states, multilateral institutions, and the private sector, BERA is instrumental in resource mobilization and donor relations. The Partnerships Group (PG) within BERA focuses on guiding engagement with partners to support the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029, coordinating multi-stakeholder partnerships, and ensuring quality assurance in these engagements. BERA operates in multiple countries, leveraging its global presence to foster collaboration and drive development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position within the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience in the field of international relations, particularly in intergovernmental processes and policy analysis. The intern will work closely with the UN System Affairs Team (UNSAT), contributing to various tasks that support the team's objectives. The role involves gathering and analyzing data related to inter-agency and intergovernmental meetings, monitoring key developments, and assisting in the preparation of documentation for executive board sessions. The intern will also engage in activities that enhance UNDP's strategic positioning in key intergovernmental forums, thereby gaining insights into the dynamics of the UN development system and its reform initiatives. This position is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, allowing the intern to develop a robust understanding of the UN's intergovernmental bodies and mechanisms, as well as UNDP's contributions to collaborative efforts with other UN agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities that are integral to the functioning of the UNSAT. These include covering and gathering data on inter-agency and intergovernmental meetings, supporting analysis on strategic issues, and regularly monitoring developments within the intergovernmental and interagency spaces. The intern will assist in the preparatory work for UNDP/UNOPS/UNFPA Executive Board sessions, including the preparation of readouts and documentation. Additionally, the intern will attend meetings and consultations, providing timely information on relevant issues. The role also involves supporting the monitoring of Member States and UN entities' positions, establishing standardized political positioning metrics, and maintaining information repositories for knowledge management. The intern will perform other duties as required to support the team's objectives and workplan, under the guidance of the UNSAT Team Leader.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this internship must meet specific educational requirements, including enrollment in a graduate school program or being in the final academic year of a university degree program. A university degree within one year of graduation is also acceptable. The ideal candidate should be currently enrolled in a Master's or postgraduate program in international relations, political science, or a related field. Additionally, relevant national and/or international experience in areas such as multilateral diplomacy, sustainable development, human rights, or political affairs is desirable. Knowledge of multilateral diplomacy and development-related areas, as well as experience in drafting meeting notes and organizing collaborative events, will be advantageous for applicants.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in a graduate school program, which may be a second university degree or equivalent, or being in the final year of a university degree program (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent). Candidates should ideally be pursuing a Master's or postgraduate degree in fields related to international relations, political science, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of the UN system and the intergovernmental processes that the intern will be involved in during their tenure.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this internship is primarily focused on relevant national and/or international exposure in fields such as multilateral diplomacy, sustainable development, human rights, humanitarian affairs, or political science. While prior experience is desirable, it is not mandatory, as the internship is designed to provide learning opportunities. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge in areas related to multilateral diplomacy and development, as well as experience in drafting analytical notes and organizing meetings. This experience will help the intern effectively contribute to the team's objectives and gain valuable insights into the workings of the UN system.

Languages:
Strong English language skills, both oral and written, are mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in English is essential for engaging with various stakeholders and contributing to documentation and reports. While proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, it is not explicitly stated as a requirement for this internship. However, knowledge of other UN official languages could enhance the intern's ability to navigate the diverse linguistic landscape of the UN system.

Additional Notes:
This internship is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, with a focus on mentoring and exposure to various aspects of intergovernmental processes. Interns may receive a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policies if they are not financially supported by any institution. It is important for interns to secure adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship, as UNDP does not cover costs arising from accidents or illness. Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to the duty station. It is also emphasized that interns are not eligible for employment with UNDP during the internship period, and there should be no expectation of employment following the internship. The evaluation of the intern's performance will occur at the end of the contract, with recognition of their contributions provided in writing.