Internship Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to create integrated solutions that address development challenges. UNDP has been a key development partner of the Surinamese Government and its people since 1994, supporting various programmatic areas such as Democratic Governance, Social Development and Inclusion, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resource Management. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission and that marginalized populations are represented in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme at UNDP Suriname aims to provide students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds with exposure to development issues and a first-hand experience of the day-to-day working environment of UNDP. This open call for a roster of qualified interns will serve as a pool of candidates who may be considered for internship assignments throughout the 2026 period, depending on organizational needs and project requirements. Interns will work under the guidance of Project/Portfolio Managers and will be expected to engage in various tasks that support the organization's mission and objectives, contributing to meaningful projects that impact the community and environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing support in research, analyses, and studies conducted within the project/portfolio; identifying national sources of data and translating data into English as necessary; comparing information on Suriname with regional and international data; offering operational support for project activities, including logistics and administrative support for online trainings, workshops, and conferences; assisting with communication activities; attending conferences and events, helping with their preparation, ensuring invitations are sent, and organizing logistics; facilitating effective communications and information management support; providing executive support to senior management; and supporting external relations activities as required. Interns are expected to perform any other duties within the scope of the project/portfolio as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application: be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme in environmental management, administration, sustainable development, social or political science, international relations, or a related field; be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme in the aforementioned fields; have recently graduated with a university degree in the specified fields and must start the internship within one year of graduation; or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program. Additionally, candidates should possess excellent communication, writing, and editing skills, experience in operational and programme management support, and experience in preparing virtual events and workshops.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the UNDP internship programme must have a relevant educational background. This includes being enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, such as a master’s programme or higher, in fields related to environmental management, administration, sustainable development, social or political science, international relations, or any other related field. Alternatively, candidates may be in their final academic year of a first university degree programme in these areas or have recently graduated with a degree in the specified fields. If selected, candidates must start the internship within one year of graduation or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program that includes the internship as part of the curriculum.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this internship is primarily focused on relevant skills rather than extensive professional experience. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication, writing, and editing skills, as well as experience in operational and programme management support. Experience in preparing virtual events and workshops is also beneficial. While prior internship or volunteer experience in related fields may be advantageous, it is not a strict requirement for applicants.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is essential. Knowledge of Dutch is considered a strong advantage, as it may facilitate better communication within the local context and enhance the intern's ability to engage with various community members and organizations.

Additional Notes:
The internship is not considered a staff position, and interns are subject to the Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission. The normal duration of the internship is between six weeks and six months, with assignments available on both a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs of the office. Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting. A stipend may be provided to cover basic daily expenses if the intern is not financially supported by any institution or program. There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following the internship, and either party may terminate the internship with two weeks' notice.