Background

Office/Unit/Project Description
The Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (RBLAC) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently in the process of preparation of the new Regional Human Development Report (RHDR), which will be launched in 2025.

The RHDR will examine the concept of resilience from a human development perspective in Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizing the concept of agency and the imperative for individuals to have the ability to shape their future. Ultimately, the report will argue for the need to focus on using the opportunities that present themselves today, to build a path towards inclusive and sustainable societies that can withstand future shocks.

The report will focus on resilience from a human development perspective and will explore emerging risks from three areas: i) rapidly evolving technology, ii) deepening fragmentation of societies, and iii) a rapidly changing climate demand comprehensive resilience strategy. Emerging risks will change over time, but the capacity to understand their interrelated nature is critical to advancing and protecting Human Development.

The nature of risks has fundamentally changed. As economies and nations have become more intertwined, risk itself has evolved. Technology can advance development but also exacerbate inequalities and polarization if unregulated. Societal fragmentation, driven by low trust,
misinformation, and organized crime, weakens governance and social cohesion. Climate change amplifies vulnerabilities, impacting health, food security, and livelihoods. An integrated, interdisciplinary approach is essential to protect human capabilities and ensure sustainable
development amidst these interconnected risks.

In this context, RBLAC is seeking to support the professional development of young scholars interested in the Human Development approach and current international development issues, by enhancing their analytical and statistical skills and broadening their conceptual perspectives.

The recruited interns will be able to contribute through research, data analysis or communication to the Regional Human Development Report for Latin America and the Caribbean 2025 and its related knowledge products.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work
Under the supervision of the Chief Economist, the selected interns are expected to:

• Support with quantitative and qualitative background research for the RHDR 2025.
• Undertake literature reviews.
• Write short research notes.
• Review and verification of statistical materials for the RHDR 2025.
• Support the team in analysis and presentation of human development statistics.
• Assist in identification of data sources and preparation of datasets.
• Assist in fact checking and proof reading of the RHDR 2025 and its different chapters drafts.
• Support with the finalization of references and notes.
• Supporting the development of high-impact communications materials for the Regional Human Development Reports and related products.
• Support other activities as requested, including providing logistical support to various eventsorganized by the SDG Team such as consultations, workshops, and side events.

Competencies

Competencies

• Proven research and writing skills, with track records in producing research or communication products on development topics.
• Familiarity with human development concepts, measurements, and international development issues.
• Strong service and team-work orientation, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work in a fastpaced multi-national environment,
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
• Commitment to UNDP vision, mission and values and knowledge of UN work environment an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful Intern
Education
1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in development, environment and sustainable science, economics, statistics, social sciences or related field,

2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in development, environment and sustainable science, economics, statistics, social sciences or related field.

3. Have recently graduated with a master’s degree in development, environment and sustainable science, economics, statistics, social sciences or related field, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience
1. Previous experience in research and policy development or in communication for development.
Familiarity with the Human Development concept is an asset.

2. Experience with and knowledge of Excel, Stata, R and Python is an asset.

Language
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish; proficiency in other languages such as French and Portuguese is a strong asset.

Internship Conditions – Home Based

• As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy, if it is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government foundation or scholarship programme. A remote stipend intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office. The stipend will be paid monthly, and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns must provide proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan.
• Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes.
• The intern is 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 are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• The purpose of the internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
• The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract.
• The interns will be responsible for providing his or her own laptop.