Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Intern

Job Highlight

Gain hands-on experience supporting inclusive workplace initiatives across UNOPS, contributing to engagement strategies and advancing equity across gender, disability, generations, LGBTQIA+, and race and geography

About the Group

The People and Culture Group (PCG) positions UNOPS as a people-centered, high-performing organization by driving the development of HR policies, talent frameworks, and inclusive practices aligned with the strategic plan. Through the Integrated People Strategy, PCG empowers personnel, fosters an engaging and inclusive work culture, and enables the delivery of sustainable development solutions. Partnering closely with UNOPS leadership, PCG delivers on the organization’s People Goals—shaping culture, nurturing leaders, enabling flexibility and fairness, building future-ready teams, and setting people up for success. Core capabilities include strategic HR partnering, policy integration, and process simplification through digitization. PCG prioritizes leadership development, workforce diversity, personnel well-being, and innovation in HR practices. By focusing on culture transformation and talent excellence, PCG ensures that UNOPS remains agile, equitable, and capable of delivering results in complex operational environments.

Role Purpose

The Intern supports the implementation of UNOPS DEI initiatives with a focus on community engagement. The intern also provides hands-on support to the 5 employee resource groups (ERGs), the internal DEI network and communities, as well as DEI-related activities and communications, while gaining practical experience in fostering an inclusive workplace. The role may also contribute to other projects within the People and Culture Group, as needed.

Learning Opportunities

This internship offers a comprehensive immersion into the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work within UNOPS, offering hands-on experience in managing strategic communications, tracking social impact metrics, and fostering inclusive communities within a large international organization. Through the role the intern will have a cross-functional perspective on both strategic planning and operational execution while seeing the "behind-the-scenes" of the employee experience. The intern will have access to the UNOPS Learning Zone and can access training in various areas such as Gender and Diversity, Human Resources Management, Project Management, Data & Technology, and mandatory training as per UNOPS policy.

Note: Re-advertisement

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Community Engagement Support

* Support the coordination and day-to-day functioning of all UNOPS Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), internal DEI Network and communities

* Assist in scheduling meetings, preparing materials and supporting engagement activities across ERGs

* Support communication with ERG Co-chairs, Executive Sponsors and members to facilitate preparation and information flow

* Assist in tracking participation, activities, key outputs and impact across the ERGs, and flag any gaps or follow-up needs

* Support cross-ERG coordination (e.g. joint events, campaigns or shared initiatives)

* Support activities related to the Youth Engagement Platform and other internal DEI communities

2. Coordination of DEI Activities and Initiatives

* Assist with organizing meetings, workshops, campaigns, and events across DEI initiatives and ERGs

* Take meeting notes and support tracking of action points

* Maintain trackers to monitor activities, timelines and outputs across DEI initiatives and ERGs

* Follow up with stakeholders on agreed actions, as guided

3. Communications Support

* Assist in drafting and preparing internal communication materials (e.g. emails, intranet posts, campaign messages)

* Support dissemination of DEI communications across internal platforms

* Assist in coordinating timelines for campaigns and key observances

* Support communication related to ERG activities to ensure visibility and participation

4. Administrative and Operational Support

* Provide general administrative support to the DEI team (scheduling, documentation, filing, etc)

* Support onboarding coordination for facilitators or contributors to DEI initiatives

* Support communication and follow-up with ERGs, regional focal points, and internal networks

* Manage DEI email platforms and coordinate prompt response to internal queries/ enquiries

Skills

Communication, Data Analysis, Diversity & Inclusion, Stakeholder Engagement, Active collaboration

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required:

* The applicant should have completed a Minimum First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), or be enrolled in a postgraduate program or have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the start date of the intern assignment.

Experience Requirements

Desired:

* While no prior work experience is required, some experience in human resources, social justice, diversity and inclusion, social inclusion, disability inclusion, special education, psychology, social pedagogy, or related fields would be an asset.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredFrenchIntermediateDesirableSpanishIntermediateDesirable

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.