Internship - Governance Data and Analytics

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the backbone of the UN development system. The UNDP Strategic Plan (2026-2029) is grounded in the determination of UNDP to eradicate poverty, the greatest global challenge, indispensable to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. During these next four years, UNDP will continue to support countries’ progress towards high human development, while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives – prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience and healthy planet – define its strategic direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation; gender equality; and sustainable finance.

The UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance (GPCG) is UNDP’s dedicated Centre for Governance issues, which advances global dialogue and knowledge on inclusive and transformative governance for peaceful, just and inclusive societies. The Centre builds knowledge, insight and data through drawing on the experience of practitioners, policymakers and researchers as well as stimulating global discourse and dialogue on key governance questions in the world today.

A key function of the Centre is the work on governance data and analytics focused on supporting data collection, reporting and capacity development on UNDP custodian indicators for SDG 16 (on participation and representation, inclusive and responsive decision-making, and access to justice), supporting the implementation of the SDG 16 Survey with UN partners and advancing international standards for governance statistics through the Praia City Group on Governance Statistics.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern shall undertake duties which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Support the development of the SDG 16 Global Progress Report, the 2026 Voluntary National Review report, and other analytical reports.
• Support in data analysis and data visualization.
• Support the implementation of the SDG 16 Survey including preparation of capacity development workshops and related activities.
• Support UNDP’s engagement and contribution to the work of the Praia Group in the advancement of standards on governance statistics.
• Assist in the preparation of webinars and in person meetings related to SDG 16/governance data.
• Support dissemination and advocacy activities.

Required Skills and Experience

Eligibility:

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

• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent); preferably in Statistics, Data science, Psychology, Sociology and other social sciences.
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher); preferably in Statistics, Data science, Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation, Sociology and other social sciences .
• Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above 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.

Languages:

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Fluency in French is desirable.
• Fluency in a Scandinavian language is an asset.

Competencies

• Excellent communications, written and oral.
• Demonstrated interest in global development and the work of international organisations.
• Strong interest in governance rule of law and justice questions.
• Team player; works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Able to work independently and take initiative.
• Work experience from a developing country and/or an international organisation or related is an advantage.