JOB DESCRIPTION

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) Unit of Information Technology and Management (ITM) in Copenhagen is responsible for supporting UNDP Country Offices around the world with ICT and Green Energy solutions. Our Unit offers a stimulating and versatile internship in an international environment with contact to various partners from more than 170 countries with the UN and UNDP’s presence. We are a team who work in a dynamic and informal atmosphere, and we expect our interns to become vital members of the team. As an intern, you will be given tasks and opportunities that have a direct global impact on the development efforts of the international community. The UNDP/ITM Green Energy Civil / Structural Engineering Internship programme enhances the academic life experience of passionate students as interns and empowers them to become socially responsible, innovative, and environmentally conscious leaders of tomorrow. We bridge the gap between academic learning and real-time industry experience by taking interns behind the scenes of the world’s leading clean energy and sustainability initiatives, while learning to take into consideration the local context. By being part of our dynamic unit, you will also have an opportunity to establish worldwide connections with other top-talented interns and UN staff from other agencies. Our office is located at the UN City in Copenhagen, giving you the opportunity to interact with people outside the UNDP ITM unit.

Duration: 3 months (2 February – 31 July 2026)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively participate in collection of data and information related to green energy solution in Country Offices.
• Support with the assessment of civil works and structures related to renewable energy installations.
• Participate in the drafting of business cases for renewable energy solutions which include mainly hybrid solar PV systems, energy efficiency, and e-mobility.
• Support in provision of guidance and remote technical assistance on energy efficiency solutions to Country Offices,
• Assist in installation of IoT (internet of things) energy sensors for assigned projects across the organization.
• Support the team in procuring green energy solution equipment, including market research, compilation of solicitation documents, and technical evaluation of proposals from bidders.
• Support in daily monitoring and operations (O&M) of installed solar PV and e-mobility systems across the organization.
• Play the role of rapporteur in both internal and external meetings as may be assigned by the supervisor.
• Contribute to the unit’s documentation to support continuous improvement of processes, procedures, and templates.
• Assist the project manager during remote management of installation of renewable energy solutions (solar hybrid systems and e-mobility) in various locations worldwide.

Competencies

• Technological Awareness: Has interest and understanding of renewable energy engineering and sustainable development-oriented areas of work
• Innovation: Interest in developing sustainable solutions for UNDP country offices around the world, focusing on green energy, energy efficiency, and e-mobility
• Problem Solving: Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation
• Teamwork: Blends well in a team with members from diverse backgrounds with focus on achieving team goals
• Communication: Communicates effectively at different levels and has a proactive and a goal-oriented mind-set
• Planning and Organization: Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities, ensuring follow through on all tasks
• Collaboration: Displays cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability and interest and motivation in working in an international organization
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude, responding positively to feedback and differing points of view from members of the team
• Delivery: UNDP ITM unit is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 20000:2011 and ISO 27001:2013 certified, thus all works shall be compliant with the international standards with focus on high quality, continuous improvements, and customer satisfaction

Required skills and Experience

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

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3. 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;
   Applicants who have completed their studies earlier than 2 February 2025 will not be considered.

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
  • A degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

  Applicants whose primary background is in other engineering disciplines (e.g. electrical, mechanical or chemical engineering) will not be considered suitable unless combined with a Civil/Structural Engineering degree.

  • Technical knowledge of structural analysis for foundation design and steel structures is a strong advantage
  • Technical knowledge of the main renewable energy technologies is a strong advantage
  • Knowledge of structural design software is an advantage (e.g. ETABS, Staad.Pro, Autodesk Robot)
  • Experience/Knowledge in sizing Hybrid PV systems (with diesel generator) is a strong advantage
  • Experience/Knowledge in energy efficiency and/or electric vehicles is a strong advantage
  • Knowledge of software tools for hybrid renewable energy systems is an advantage
  • Knowledge of HOMER and PV*Sol is an advantage
  • Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools is required
  • Knowledge or experience with specific Office 365 tools (or their consumer equivalents) such as Planner (Trello), Teams (Slack), Yammer (Workplace by Facebook), OneDrive (Dropbox, Google Drive), Power BI (Tableau), etc. is a strong advantage
  • SharePoint knowledge, preferably SharePoint Online is an advantage
  • Working with gathering, consolidating, and analysing either quantitative and qualitative data from databases and reports is an advantage
  • Demonstrated experience presenting work to both technical and non-technical is an advantage
  • Demonstrated professional or academic experience in any of the UNDP Member States is an advantage
  • Fluent in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of any other UN languages is an advantage

  Conditions

  • In accordance with the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with the rate that varies depending on the duty location.
  • Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or a third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
  • Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government or institutions
  • Interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity
  • 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
  • The purpose of the Internship Programme 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
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship
  • The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed, accommodation etc.
  • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship
  • The intern must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan
  • You are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for your education programme
  • Eligibility for residency and undertaking internship in Denmark for in-person internship option
  • Where an intern is engaged in-person and 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 an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, is paid by the receiving office (monthly “in-person” stipend rate is USD1,000). A remote reduced stipend (the rate is a subject to the duty station location) is intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, is paid by the receiving office.

  How to Apply

  Do not miss out on this opportunity to be a part of this international team and apply by the deadline
  31 October 2025, midnight (CET).

  The application should contain:

  • Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
  • Current and complete CV in English;

  Please group your CV and cover letter into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

  Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and called for interviews following the deadline.

  If you have any questions, please write to us via email address [email protected]

  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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