Economist Intern

BACKGROUND:

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction ofinequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutionalcapabilities and build resilience to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries’ efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three primary areas:

• Sustainable development
• Democratic governance and peacebuilding
• Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:

The Economist role in UNDP Philippines supports evidence-based policy advice, economic analysis, and strategic engagement with government counterparts, development partners, and the private sector. This includes work on macroeconomic trends, poverty and inequality, development finance, and climate–economy linkages that shape inclusive and sustainable development.

Under the general supervision of the Economist, the Economist Intern will support analytical work and coordination by assistingin data gathering and research, preparing materials for engagements, and supporting internal and external coordination, includingthe organization and documentation of public policy dialogues and consultations.

Under the guidance of the Economist, the intern will work closely with relevant teams and partners across UNDP Country Office, Bangkok Regional Bureau and Global clusters and with government counterparts in the Philippines.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Economic Research and Data Support:

• Assist in gathering, cleaning, and consolidating macroeconomic, poverty, labour, fiscal, and development finance data from official sources and databases
• Support literature reviews and background research for economic briefs, presentations, and policy notes.
• Prepare basic analytical inputs (tables, charts, and short summaries) to inform knowledge products and management briefings.

2. Internal and External Coordination Support:

• Support internal coordination within UNDP and the UN system by consolidating inputs, preparing briefing materials, and tracking follow-ups.
• Support coordination with government counterparts and external partners by assisting in meeting preparation, agenda drafting, and documentation.

3. Support to Public Policy Dialogues and Knowledge Products:

• Assist in organizing public dialogues, policy roundtables, and consultations, including logistical support and documentation (notes and summaries).
• Support preparation of drafts, presentations, talking points, and post-engagement summaries for policy engagements.

4. Others:

• Support other/ad hoc activities related to economic analysis and policy engagement as requested by the supervisor.

Competencies

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical application;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Good in coordinating, organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities between teams and stakeholders;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view; and
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude showing willingness to learn.