Roster of Interns (open call)

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.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) covering a period 2021 – 2025 derives from and supports the implementation of the UN Development Partnership Framework with the focus on: (a) more accountable institutions and empowered citizens, (b) inclusive innovation for development and decent work opportunities and (c) strengthening resilience for current and future generations. The UNDP office in Serbia supports the country in achieving a high level of human prosperity and dignity for all its citizens irrespective of their gender, ethnicity or creed. UNDP promotes sustainable human development, human security and equal possibilities for all, while providing every available support to Serbia in its progress toward joining the European Union.

UNDP works in partnership with the Government of Serbia, development partners, UN agencies, civil society and local communities to help identify local solutions to meet national and global development challenges. With our expertise we contribute to the development of Serbia by providing support in four key focus areas:
· Inclusive and sustainable growth;

· Building and strengthening of accountable and representative governance institutions serving people;

· Low-carbon and climate-resilient development; and

· Gender Equality and lives free of violence

The purpose of the Internship programme is to provide students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds exposure to development issues and a first-hand experience with the day-to-day working environment of UNDP.
This is an open call for a roster of qualified interns. The roster will serve as a pool of candidates who may be considered for internship assignments with UNDP Serbia throughout the 2025 period, depending on organizational needs and project requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Project/Portfolio Managers, the interns will be expected to perform the following tasks:

• Provide support in research, analyses and studies conducted within the project/portfolio;
• Identify national sources of data and as necessary translate data into English;
• Identify regional and international sources of data to compare info on Serbia with countries of the region, EU, and the world;
• Provide operational support to the activities under the project/portfolio, including logistic and administrative support to on-line trainings, workshops, conferences and other events;
• Provide support to communication activities;
• Attend conferences and events, help with their preparation, ensure invitations sending, logistical organisation, etc.
• Perform any other duties within the scope of the project/portfolio, as required;
• When required facilitate effective communications and information management support and provide executive support to the senior management;
• Provide support to external relations activities.

Competencies

• Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of project work;
• Evidence of ability to express ideas clearly;
• Shares knowledge and experience;
• Focuses on results and responds positively to feedback;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards;
• Full computer literacy;
• Analytical, writing, editing and verbal skills for communicating with broad and diverse stakeholders in Serbian and English;
• Excellent organizational skills.

Qualifications

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 (as defined in (a) and (b) 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.

Language requirement:

Excellent knowledge of written and oral English language is required. Knowledge of Serbian language would be considered an asset.

Important Information:

This is an open call for expressions of interest to join the UNDP Serbia Internship Roster.
Being included in the roster does not guarantee selection or engagement. By joining the roster, candidates become eligible for potential internship opportunities that may arise in 2025, in alignment with project needs and areas of interest.

The open call will remain active for three months from the date of publication, until 15 October 2025.

Application procedure:

Interested candidates must submit the following as part of their application:

• CV
• Motivation Letter
• Clear information on academic status, either: Applications that do not clearly indicate the required academic information will not be considered. For more information on internship eligibility and conditions, please refer to the UNDP Internship Policy. Only shortlisted applicants will be required to submit the following documentation: The successful candidate will be asked to provide, prior to commencing work, the following documentation: Internship Conditions 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 The normal duration of internship is no less than six weeks and no more than six months. Internship assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns. Medical Insurance Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate 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 Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office. Subsequent Employment There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship. Termination The internship can be terminated by either UNDP or the intern for any reason upon giving two weeks’ notice. 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. Offices must: (a) Ensure that an intern’s assignment is at the appropriate level of complexity and variety; (b) Ensure proper supervision of the intern; (c) Ensure that the intern is informed of UN’s policy on Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Abuse of Authority and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (d) Prepare terms of reference describing the tasks of interns in the office; and (e) Provide constructive feedback to the intern regarding their performance. 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. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
  • 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 2025/2026)
  • If graduated: indicate the exact graduation date and name of the university
  • Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date or copy of diploma if already graduated.
  • Copy of his/her school transcript.
  • Endorsement letter or letter of reference in English language from a faculty member with University heading, signed and stamped.
  • A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
  • Medical Certificate of Good Health.
  • Proof of medical insurance valid for Serbia throughout the duration of the Internship.