Internship - Cross-Border Knowledge Management (National Applicants Only)

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so that countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s global development network, UNDP supports countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through integrated policy advice, capacity development, and partnerships.

The UNDP Resilience Hub for Africa, based in Nairobi, serves as a regional platform providing strategic advisory support, programme design expertise, and knowledge services to UNDP Country Offices and regional partners across Africa. The Hub works across fragile and frontier regions to address complex and multidimensional risks including conflict, climate change, governance deficits, displacement, and economic vulnerability. Within this framework, governance and peacebuilding are central pillars of UNDP’s work to strengthen inclusive institutions, social cohesion, and conflict prevention mechanisms, particularly in regions affected by fragility and instability.

The Horn of Africa continues to face overlapping governance, security, and development challenges, including political transitions, cross-border mobility, climate stress, resource competition, and conflict risks. Addressing these dynamics requires integrated approaches that strengthen governance systems, promote inclusive political processes, and support peacebuilding and stabilization efforts. The Cross-Border Knowledge Management Intern will support the work of the Resilience Hub in advancing analytical work, programme design, and knowledge development related to governance and peacebuilding initiatives in the Horn of Africa.

The objective of this internship is to support the Governance and Peacebuilding portfolio of the Resilience Hub for Africa in strengthening policy analysis, programme development, and knowledge management related to governance, conflict prevention, and social cohesion in the Horn of Africa.

The internship provides an opportunity to contribute to UNDP’s efforts to advance inclusive governance, conflict prevention, and resilience programming while gaining practical experience in development policy and programme implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Regional Advisor, Resilience Hub for Africa, the intern will support the Governance and Peacebuilding portfolio through the following activities.

1. Support knowledge tracking and repository management

Focus on establishing a centralized and structured knowledge base to support evidence-based programming and research on cross-border dynamics in the Great Lakes Region.

• Establish and maintain a structured knowledge repository on cross-border issues
• Identify, collect, organize, and catalogue open-source knowledge products and reference materials
• Maintain and update a central repository on the UNDP shared drive, covering reports, policies, datasets, and analytical products
• Develop and manage a directory of key actors and institutions working on cross-border issues

2. Develop and manage the Great Lakes Cross-Border Monitor

Support the production of a recurring monthly knowledge product to track and synthesize key developments and trends across the region

• Conduct monthly research and systematic review of open-source information
• Compile, analyse, and draft the Great Lakes Cross-Border Monitor publication
• Track and synthesize regional trends across thematic areas including trade, mobility, governance, and displacement
• Ensure quality assurance and timely production of monthly editions

3. Conduct thematic analysis on cross-border dynamics

Contribute to generating analytical insights on key cross-border issues to inform programming, policy engagement, and decision-making.

• Analyse developments across sectors including peace and security, livelihoods, climate change, and regional investments
• Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in the Great Lakes borderlands
• Produce consolidated analytical inputs to inform programme design and policy engagement
• Contribute evidence-based insights for REST-GLR programming

4. Support knowledge dissemination and stakeholder engagement
Ensure that knowledge products are effectively shared and accessible to key regional stakeholders and partners.

• Prepare and disseminate the Cross-Border Monitor to regional stakeholders and partners
• Engage with institutions including EAC, ICGLR, COMESA, AU, governments, and UN entities
• Support preparation of communication materials, briefs, and stakeholder updates
• Facilitate knowledge sharing across the Resilience Hub and partner networks

5. Contribute to knowledge products and programme support

Strengthen the integration of knowledge and analysis into programme design, implementation, and resource mobilization efforts.

• Synthesize analytical findings into actionable knowledge products and briefs
• Maintain continuous updates of the repository with new research and publications
• Support programme teams with evidence-based inputs for design and resource mobilization
• Contribute to documentation of outputs, lessons learned, and knowledge outputs under REST-GLR

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
• Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Technical Competencies

• 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 at organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities.
• Excellent computer skill (Microsoft Office and software applications).

Other competencies and attitudes

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment and beliefs/backgrounds.
• Respond positively to feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants at the time of application, must meet one of the following:

Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher); OR be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent); OR have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Governance and Public Policy, Law or related disciplines is required and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation; OR be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme.

Experience:

• Demonstrated interest in governance, peacebuilding, or development policy.
• Experience in research, policy analysis, or communication for development or academic writing is desirable.
• Familiarity with governance and conflict dynamics in Africa is an advantage

Language Requirements:

• Written and spoken proficiency in English
• Any Other UN Language would be an asset.

Work Arrangement: Status:

• Interns are considered gratis personnel and are not staff members. They must not be used to replace staff or represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• Third-party Claims: UNDP is not responsible for any claims arising from the intern's actions during the internship.
• Other: UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Individuals from marginalized or underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Application Instruction

Interested applicants must submit the following documentation to UNDP while applying online.

• Updated CV and cover letter (in English)
• Education Testimony (Bachelor’s or Masters’s Degree / Proof of Enrollment) * Please note that the Intern will be present and working in the UNDP Resilience Hub, Nairobi, KENYA
  * If you meet the above criteria, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.