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 works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries’ efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

• Sustainable development
• Democratic governance and peacebuilding
• Climate and disaster resilience

Office of the UNSGSA

Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was appointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development in 2009. Fifteen years later, in September 2024, she was appointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA) following significant global progress on financial inclusion. In this role, Queen Máxima is a leading global voice for the development of financial services, products, and policies that have financial health as the main goal. Through strategic and sustained advocacy, the UNSGSA encourages cooperation and commitment from political leaders, regulators, the private sector, civil society, and financially underserved groups, to build a more secure and resilient future.

As UNSGSA and Honorary Patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), Queen Máxima raises awareness and advocates specific policies, investments and actions with governments, regulators, private companies, international institutions and diverse stakeholders, all with view of how inclusive financial systems can help to reduce poverty, equalize opportunity and accelerate progress toward numerous development goals. She does so through country visits, speeches, meetings, convening of stakeholders and other outreach. This requires careful, comprehensive and rigorous analysis of local conditions, policies, available services and public priorities, as well as the needs of households, enterprises and communities.

The UNSGSA’s work is done in partnership and with wide consultation among the many stakeholders. The Office of the UNSGSA collaborates closely with an advisory Reference Group of leading international organizations in financial inclusion to share expertise and suggest strategic opportunities. Reference Group members include: the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Better Than Cash Alliance, the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), Flourish Ventures, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and The World Bank. Members of the Reference Group and many other in-country and global partners play an important role in converting advocacy into action. The UNSGSA also  works closely with the wider UN system, the UN secretariat, UN country teams, multilateral organizations, financial standard setting bodies private financial institutions, companies, donors, civil society organizations and the media.

The Office of the UNSGSA is housed within UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) in New York and works closely with Queen Máxima and her secretariat in The Hague to coordinate and advance her UN and G20 activities.

The internship will be conducted in person, with the intern based at the UNDP Headquarters in New York.
Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist the team in planning and implementing the high-level advocacy initiatives led by H.M. Queen Maxima in her role as the UNSGSA.

• Draft timely and high-quality background papers, briefing notes, talking points, and analysis for the Office of the UNSGSA on issues related to financial inclusion for positive development outcomes.
• Provide research and analytical support on topics relevant to financial inclusion and financial health.
• Support the Office in the organization of UNSGSA high-level meetings with Governments, UN entities, intergovernmental organizations and other key partners.
• Attend relevant UN and financial sector meetings to follow relevant global policy dialogue efforts.
• Support the coordination of meetings with key stakeholders, preparing meeting notes/takeaways, and correspondence. 2. Support Office management and daily operations.
• Provide general office logistical and administrative support to high-level meetings and advocacy activities organized by the UNSGSA’s office.
• Provide administrative support for accurate office documentation, communications and daily operational matters.
• Support the organization of high-level events. Assist in various aspects of event planning, logistics, coordination, and event execution.
• Help with stakeholder outreach, including Member States, UN agencies, development partners and others.
• Support other ad hoc activities as needed in the realm of office administration, operations, and technical activities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

(Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements):

• currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a Master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: ​​Economics, Finance, Political Science, International Development, Business Management, Behavioral Science, international relations ​​ or equivalent.

Experience:

• Knowledge in international relations and international development, financial health, financial inclusion, and multilateral organizations.
• Prior relevant work experience is desirable, particularly in financial inclusion, financial health and international development policy.
• Experience working with high-level stakeholders, such as government officials and representatives from international organizations, is desirable.

Language skills:

• ​​​Fluency in English is​​ required;
• Knowledge of other UN languages especially French and Spanish is an advantage.

Other competencies and attitude:

• Experience producing analytical work related to international development, financial sector development, enabling environment for business, and related topics.
• Demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative economic analysis.
• Excellent research and analytical skills including producing analytical summaries and presentations for senior colleagues.
• Strong drafting and written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong computer literacy in standard software applications (MS Office Suite) and data analysis (Excel and related data management software).
• Capacity to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines even in imperfect conditions and thrive as part of a small and fast-moving team.
• Success working independently and as a member of a team, and with partners in other time zones and from diverse and multi-cultural contexts.
• Displays the highest standards of confidentiality, discretion and integrity.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Interest working for an international institution and in the financial health sector.

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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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements