Project Support Intern

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 UNDP Economic Resilience Programme is articulated around several business development tools that will seek to strengthen assistance for sustainable and inclusive economic development with the objective of increasing productivity and competitiveness for sustainable and inclusive growth, through actions that can strengthen the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their ecosystem, expanding their access to finance, incorporating innovation in business models, strengthening local productive chains and supporting the internationalization of enterprises. By fostering a better enabling environment for private sector engagement in the framework of the 2030 Agenda, UNDP can directly encompass business support to different types of economic units (such as farms, productive associations, cooperatives, SMEs, but also large anchor companies). Support aimed at how to better interconnect local, regional and global supply chains, through specific methodologies.

The UNDP Economic Resilience Programme offers integrated solutions for the private sector, governments, and development partners to foster MSMEs incubation and acceleration, through a demand-driven approach towards more inclusive and sustainable economies. The Programme works hand in hand with governments to identify priority sectors and the key value chain for implementation. The toolkit of the Programme includes 5 methodologies: In Motion, Digital In Motion, Starting Your Business, Growing with Your Business and the Supplier Development Methodology. The ERP program will have a strong focus on the In Motion, In motion Digital, Growing Your Business and Supplier development methodology. This tool’s brings opportunities for micro and small businesses to grow and become competitive in the market. It also brings the opportunity of skills development on methodologies and empowers our micro and small enterprises by not only upgrading their business models but also by enhancing their competitiveness within and outside municipalities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the UNDP Project Manager, the Project Support Intern will execute duties and responsibilities outlined below:

• Support the Project Manager in implementing project activities and related ERP interventions;
• Assist in applying business support tools in line with programme methodologies and guidance;
• Provide support to coordination and participation of institutions involved in ERP;
• Assist in organizing and implementing training sessions and support consultants in follow-up with beneficiary businesses;
• Interact and provide support in field to consultants in tracking progress and advisory processes;
• Assist in coordinating activities with municipalities, beneficiary businesses, consultants, institutions, development partners, and other relevant stakeholders involved in programme implementation;
• Support data collection, reporting, documentation, filing, and maintenance of programme monitoring and administrative system;
• Support data collection and maintenance of information required for programme monitoring and reporting;
• Assist in outreach and communication activities with companies, organizations, and institutions participating in the programme;
• Support preparation of social media posts, communication materials, and programme brochures/booklets;
• Maintain and update programme administrative records, filing systems, and data management information related to programme implementation;
• Assist in compiling and updating information related to programme activities, beneficiary progress, and implementation status in line with ERP and UNDP reporting requirements;
Other Duties:
• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as requested by the Project Manager, in line with the scope of work and evolving project needs.

Competencies

• Ability to perform a variety of repetitive and routine tasks and duties related to administration, collecting and preparation of documentation, data input, tracking, filing and provision of information.
• Ability to review data, identify and adjust discrepancies.
• Ability to produce accurate and well documented records conforming to the required standard.
• Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of project work;
• Focuses on results and responds positively to feedback;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to carry out tasks independently as well in a team environment.
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• Demonstrating/safeguarding UN’s values, ethics, and integrity.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Actively promotes gender equality in all assignment activities.
• Self-development, initiative-taking.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

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

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

• Field of study: Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic, Law, or a related discipline/equivalent.

Experience:

• Previous experience in providing administrative, operational, and coordination support for project implementation activities, including support to meetings, field activities, communications, reporting, and stakeholder engagement processes is an advantage.
• Demonstrated interest in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including municipalities, MSMEs, consultants, institutions, development partners, and beneficiaries is an asset.
• Experience of working with national/international organizations in a similar role would be highly desirable.
• Experience in preparing administration documents (draft meeting notes, agendas, logistic notes, etc.).
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Language skills:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in Albanian or Serbian is required.

Learning:

The intern will have the opportunity to:
• Participate in in-house training opportunities as applicable.
• Learn the structure, mechanisms, policies and practice areas of UNDP.
• Strengthen his/her effective writing.

Status:
Interns are not considered as having the status of a staff member. During the internship with UNDP, interns are subject to the Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission (ST/SGB/2002/9). Interns must not represent UNDP in any official capacity or commit resources on its behalf.

Duration:
Internship assignments vary in length according to the academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. The duration of assignments may range from a minimum of six weeks to a maximum of six months. However, an internship may last up to nine months if the intern can demonstrate that it will award them a credit for an academic course.
The envisaged duration of this Internship is 6 months.

Medical Insurance
Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.

Expenses
The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and will be pro-rated for part-time internship arrangements.
No other payments of any kind, or advance on the stipend due, will be made to an intern by the receiving office in connection with an internship agreement, except for any reimbursements made to an intern under paragraph 33 of the present policy.
Paragraph 33 - Expenses incurred by interns, including undertaking official travel at the request of UNDP, in the discharge of the activities related to the internship are reimbursed by UNDP on the same basis as costs incurred by staff members or costs reimbursed to staff members, including payment of daily subsistence allowance and additional insurance coverage, as applicable.

Subsequent Employment
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.

Responsibilities and obligations of the office and the supervisor:
The receiving office and supervisors must create a working environment conducive to interns’ substantive learning and professional development.

The applicants will be required to submit the following documentation:
• Letter of motivation in addition to application;
• Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date, if applicable or copy of diploma if already graduated.
• Clear information on academic status, either:
o If currently enrolled: specify the name of the university, field of study, current year of studies, and academic year (e.g., 3rd year of Bachelor studies, academic year 2026/2027)
o If graduated: indicate the exact graduation date and name of the university

The successful candidate will be asked to provide, prior to commencing work, the following documentation:
• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement Form.
• Medical Certificate of Good Health.
• Proof of medical insurance for the duration of the contract.

All forms must be completed/signed by intern prior to start of internship.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

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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