UNDP

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, working in over 170 countries and territories to support countries in achieving sustainable development, reducing poverty and inequality, and building resilience to crisis. UNDP partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through integrated and locally driven solutions. In Sri Lanka, UNDP has been a trusted development partner for decades, supporting national priorities across areas such as democratic governance, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth.

• Strategic Engagement Digital Innovation Team (SEDIT): This team leads the Country Office’s work on strategic communications, partnerships, and the integration of digital and innovation practices to accelerate sustainable development. Anchored in UNDP’s commitment to systems transformation and future-oriented development, the team works across portfolios to position UNDP as a trusted thought leader and partner of choice.
• CITRA Social Innovation Lab: Citra is a joint initiative between the Government of Sri Lanka and UNDP, which was established in 2018. As Sri Lanka’s first Public Sector Innovation Lab, over the last several years Citra worked to strengthen institutions, build capacities of the public sector, and re-engineer public service delivery through specialized foresight and innovation tools, such as design-thinking, systemic design and human-centered design approaches, among others. The Innovation Lab works in alignment with national development priorities and works towards bringing in greater citizen engagement to the formulation of development solutions.

Post Context:

Interns will work closely with their respective team under the guidance of supervisors.

One of the positions, based primarily at the UNDP office in Colombo, will support the UNDP Resident Representative and the Strategic Engagement and Digital Innovation (SEDIT) team on central service functions. These functions cut across the UNDP Country Office, UN agencies, the Government and other stakeholders, facilitating a whole-of-society and whole-of-Government approach.

• Innovation: Realizing and advocating for UNDP Sri Lanka's investments in design thinking, experimentation, implementation and integration, whilst providing a platform for innovation through the Citra Social Innovation Lab.
• Communications: Promoting UNDP's work to external partners, positioning CO visibility, as well as facilitating in-house communications within the CO.
• Partnerships: Scanning horizons for likeminded stakeholders to forge strategic partnerships to advance & accelerate the achievement of the SDGs.

The position based at the Citra Lab will support the Lab’s ongoing initiatives on Digital Transformation, Public Sector Innovation, and Skills & Entrepreneurship.

Internship may also offer field travel opportunities, depending on the nature of the assigned projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support in gathering, analysing and maintaining data for ongoing and upcoming projects. Assist in preparing research documents and reports.
• Assist with daily administrative tasks, including organizing meetings, maintaining project records and supporting the team with documentation processes.
• Contribute to the development and updating of project work plans, timelines and other project- related documentation to ensure smooth implementation.
• Assist in the coordination of workshops, meetings and events, including logistical arrangements, communication with participants and maintaining records of key discussions and outcomes.
• Develop knowledge products including reports, presentations and briefing materials for internal and external use. Assist in drafting proposals and other project-related documents.
• Engage with team members and external stakeholders, such as government agencies or partners, to ensure effective communication and collaboration on various projects.
• Assist to develop pipeline projects, concept notes and project proposals.
• Monitor and track the progress of assigned projects, collecting feedback and providing updates to the team for evaluation and reporting purposes.
• Support the communication team in preparing content for newsletters, social media platforms and other outreach materials to showcase UNDP’s work and impact.

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail: Able to carefully review work and ensure accuracy in documentation and project tasks.
• Adaptability: Capable of adjusting to changing project requirements and working under tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Problem-solving skills: Ability to identify challenges and propose practical solutions in a proactive manner.
• Effective communication: Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational skills: Excellent at managing time, prioritizing tasks, and balancing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Analytical mindset: Ability to think critically and analyse data to support project goals and decision- making processes.
• Cultural awareness: Understands and respects diverse cultural perspectives and shows sensitivity when working in a multicultural setting.

Qualifications and Experience

(a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher).

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

(c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

(d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Family Relationship

A person who is the child or sibling of an UNDP staff member is not eligible to apply for an internship at UNDP. An applicant who bears any other family relationship with a UNDP staff member may be engaged as an intern, provided that they must neither be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor be placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member.

Medical Insurance

Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate 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.

Stipends, insurance and interns’ expenses

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

(a) The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or (b) The intern.

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.

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