Intern - Development Cooperation

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 development cooperation work is an integral component of USPC’s programmatic work, and aims to i) identify, implement and disseminate practices and lessons learned as to how development cooperation could be undertaken better and ii) build and strengthen relations with Korean and other international development cooperation actors to establish innovative partnerships that address shared challenges such as achieving digital transformation and green transition.

The Development Cooperation team has traditionally worked on broad development cooperation issues, including engaging with bilateral government partners, and exploring emerging modalities of cooperation. While the team continues to support these areas, its current focus has largely shifted to digitalisation and AI adoption. This includes work on statistical capacity building, AI integration, open-source innovation, digital transformation, research on Official Development Assistance (ODA) data, and the development of in-house digital solutions.

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:

Programme activities (45%):

• Support the conceptualization and facilitation of projects in collaboration with the wider UNDP network and Korean partners. This may include tasks such as supporting the drafting of idea and concept notes on topics related to digital transformation and AI adoption;
• Support research, the organization of meetings and other events, and the drafting of policy briefs on subjects related to the broader issue of development cooperation (e.g., modalities of knowledge exchange, aid effectiveness, South-South and Triangular Cooperation, Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus) and sectoral issues such as digitalisation;
• Facilitate partnership-building efforts between UNDP and the Republic of Korea through the preparation of corporate missions and proposals on issues of strategic interests (e.g., Digital and AI, Statistical Capacity Building, etc.) while supporting the analysis of relevant policy documents and producing summary documents of relevant events;
• Manage project management tracking tools and communication with internal UNDP units and external stakeholders.

Digital tool development (45%):

• Support the conceptualization and development of digital tools;
• Contribute to digital tool refinement, including web-based interfaces, UI/UX reviews, and producing product manuals and non-technical documentation. *Previous experience would be an advantage, but is not required.

Other (10%):

• Support administrative, monitoring, and communications tasks such as updating USPC’s office calendar, annual work plan, and results framework as necessary in day-to-day office operations;
• Complete other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.

COMPETENCIES

General:

• Takes initiative and works independently with minimum supervision.
• Upholds highest standards of integrity, discretion, and loyalty.
• Shows excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and administrative skills.
• Able to multitask, balance multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Shows commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.

Communication Skills:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately.
• Asks questions to receive further clarity on requests and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
• Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational and unit goals.
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise and willingness to learn from others.

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: Development studies, international relations, economics, politics, computer science, data science, or other relevant fields of study.

Experience:

• Familiarity with basic aspects of project management is desirable;
• Familiarity with issues related to broader development cooperation and/or digitalization is desirable;
• Experience writing analytical pieces on relevant issues is highly desirable;
• Proficiency or prior experience in using Zoom and other digital tools would be preferable;
• Prior experience with the multilateral system or with a bilateral donor agency is desirable.

IT skills:

• Knowledge of/proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Proficient in hosting Zoom and other web-based meetings and seminars;
• Familiar with data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, R, etc.);
• Familiarity with AI-powered tools and Large-Language Models is desirable;
• Experience with basic programming or AI-powered coding tools would be an advantage, but not required;
• Skills in visual communication and graphic design (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, etc.) would be an advantage.

Language skills:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required;
• Fluency in oral and written Korean is required;
• Knowledge of another UN language is also an asset.

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 general interest in issues related to development cooperation, digitalisation, and/or aid effectiveness.

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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