Intern - Governance and Gender (2 positions)

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 Governance and Gender Programme activities (90%):

• Conducting preliminary research and supporting the production of various documents (e.g. reports, web materials, social media cards, briefs and presentations) on key topics related to the Centre’s work on governance and gender in the areas of anti-corruption, digital governance, sexual and gender-based violence, and access to justice;
• Documenting, translating and packaging Korea’s policy tools and lessons learned with an international perspective as a basis of knowledge exchange and triangular cooperation with partner countries;
• Proposing and designing creative communications materials on the team’s governance policy tools, programme results and lessons learned (for partners and the general public);
• Designing, writing, editing, and/or proofreading the team’s working documents, knowledge & communication products, and correspondences;
• Providing support in organising partnership meetings and programme events such as webinars, workshops, study visits, conferences, and policy dialogues—including on the logistical & travel arrangements and substantive preparations along with a note- and photo-taking and technical support;
• Translating and editing publications, papers, web content and other materials from English to Korean and vice-versa;
• Providing holistic support in every aspect of the office and staff members in any other important tasks such as the high-level visits from UNDP headquarters and partner countries;
• Copy-editing the team’s working documents ensuring the flow, clarify and grammatical accuracy; and
• Supporting administrative and communications tasks as necessary in the day-to-day office operation.

Other (10%):

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

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates a keen interest and motivation in working with international organizations, particularly in the area of governance;
• Excellent analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
• Open-minded towards creative ideas, feedback and differing points of view, and can adapt with agility;
• Detail-oriented with excellent administrative skills in the organizing of meetings and events;
• Ability to handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities simultaneously, mixing long-term projects with the urgency of immediate demands;
• Takes an initiative and has a goal-oriented mindset;
• Able to work independently and collaboratively to achieve actionable results;
• Appreciates and respects differences (culture, gender, religion, race, nationality and age) and confronts discrimination;
• Consistently approaches work with energy, positivity, and constructive attitude, while showing consideration for the needs and feelings of others;
• Demonstrates honesty and transparency in all work-related activities.

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: Social science area e.g. international development, international relations, political science, human rights, gender studies, public administration, journalism, communications or equivalent.

IT skills:

• Knowledge of/proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Proficient in hosting Zoom and other web-based meetings and seminars;
• Skills in Visual Communication and Graphic Design (including Canva) would be an advantage.

Language skills:

• Highly proficient in both spoken and written English and Korean required;
• Proven experience in editing/copyediting/proofreading documents, preferably on development policy, governance or similar would be an asset;
• Knowledge of other UN languages (particularly French or Spanish) is an advantage.

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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