Intern - Administration

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.

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares the development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. As one of UNDP’s global policy centres, USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the Republic of Korea and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between Korea and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

The Centre’s administration work is an integral component of USPC’s work and aims to facilitate the implementation of the USPC’s programmatic works by undertaking overall administration and execution of varied and inter-related operational and logistical activities for the office.

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final-year undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Assist and support operations and administration tasks (85%):

• Preparation of financial and accounting documents;
• Maintenance of the Centre’s email, calendar, contact list, publications, promotional items, arrangement of appointments and meetings;
• Maintenance of protocol procedures;
• Coordination of the information flow in the office and arrangement of on/off-line team meetings;
• Preparation of informal translations/interpretation;
• Administration of procurement and supply and assets management;
• Provision of technical support in development/maintenance of internal digital tools;
• Coordination of information flow and events involving interns, including mandatory training and other activities;
• Screening of incoming calls and correspondence; arranging world-wide telephone and video conferences;
• Organization of workshops and conferences in coordination with other staff; support for international participants’ travel and logistics matters;
• Provision of support to the Greening UNDP initiatives and activities as a task force team member;
• Designing, writing, editing, and/or proofreading the team’s working documents;
• Supporting the Director and other teams with all aspects of USPC’s office operations as needed;
• Provision of wide range of support on operations/administration tasks.

Other (15%):

• Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
• Have recently graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Field of study: Public/Business administration, economics, finance, or equivalent.

IT skills:

• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Knowledge and skills of Adobe products e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator would be an asset.

Language skills:

• English and Korean required;
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Other competencies and attitude:

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mindset;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Demonstrated interest in the field of development;
• Demonstrated research and analytical capacity;
• Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

APPLICATION

To apply please include in your application one pdf file that includes:

• Your resume in a format of your choosing;
• Cover letter (max. 1 page) including information about: 1. Your interest to apply for an internship with UNDP / UNDP Seoul Policy Centre. 2. Your experience in tasks related to Administration and Operations.

VISA

Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed. The internship opportunities are exclusively available to individuals who possess the legal right to reside and work in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Any applicant would need to have legal permission to carry out an internship in ROK and, for non-Korean applicants, would need to fulfill the visa requirements as set by ROK.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as reference, the stipend for 2026 is set at KRW 1,169,728 per month); all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or the sponsoring government or institution;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility can be allowed for education programmes;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
• Interns will accrue leaves at a rate of 1.5 days per month and will be granted off-days on official UN holidays for the Republic of Korea. If exceptional leave arrangements are necessary, requests must be submitted to and approved by the supervisors in advance to ensure adequate office arrangements.

Disclaimer

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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