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 eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP”s Nature Pledge puts nature at the heart of development and is supporting over 140 countries reach the Global Biodiversity Framework targets by focusing on three pillars: Value shift, Economy and Finance shift and Policy and Practice shift.​

​BIOFIN

​BIOFIN (Biodiversity Finance Initiative) is a global program that has developed a methodology to measure biodiversity expenditures, assess financial needs, and design finance solutions to enhance biodiversity management in up to 132 countries. The first phase (2012-2018) focused on assessments and initial finance plan implementation. The second phase expands support for designing and implementing finance solutions, strengthening knowledge management platforms, and producing guidance on effective finance tools. BIOFIN follows a two-pronged approach: raising awareness and technical capacity on finance solutions while actively supporting feasibility studies, policy design, capacity building, and implementation. The fully updated Methodology released in 2024 integrates lessons learned from implementation, and highlights practical examples. For more information see BIOFIN website – www.biofin.org.​

​UNDP joined the multi-partner initiative PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet in 2018, as a co-coordinator for its Protected Areas or 30×30 Solutions thematic community. PANORAMA is an initiative to document, promote and learn from examples of inspiring, replicable solutions across a range of conservation and sustainable development topics. PANORAMA allows practitioners to share and reflect on their experiences, and to learn from peers how similar challenges have been addressed around the globe. The partnership is supported by a PANORAMA Management Unit jointly hosted by IUCN and GIZ.

​Finance has been identified as one of the most important learning needs among conservation practitioners, therefore, PANORAMA is collaborating with BIOFIN to share its implementation experiences as replicable Solutions.

​The incumbent is expected to help identify and document relevant BIOFIN implementation experiences to share with interested practitioners and policy makers through the PANORAMA platform and community. ​

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern would be integrated in the BIOFIN global team, reporting to BIOFIN Knowledge Management Specialist and PANORAMA Project Coordinator. The main responsibility of the intern is to support the global team in its knowledge management and communication activities, through the following tasks:

• Research, analyze and document BIOFIN implementation experiences, liaising with BIOFIN technical advisors and country coordinators, focusing on identifying finance solutions for the PANORAMA global platform;

• Assist in adding new entries and updating the BIOFIN Catalogue of Finance Solutions;

• Develop an inventory of global and regional publications and academic courses which reference BIOFIN;

• Contribute to developing knowledge products on cross country analysis and financing solutions for biodiversity conservation, including guidance materials for BIOFIN teams in different countries;

• Synthesize and summarize research outcomes and lessons learned into formats tailored to BIOFIN thematic activities;

• Support the organization of events, webinars, meetings, regional calls; assist in maintaining the documentation of meetings;

• Support BIOFIN and PANORAMA communications efforts as needed, including contribution to blogs, articles, social media presence etc.;

• Monitor, analyze, and synthesize the media coverage of BIOFIN, and maintain and update the relevant database;

• Collaborate with PANORAMA partner organizations through webinars, projects, and other activities;

• Support other relevant/ad hoc activities as needed

Competencies

• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and desire to learn about biodiversity finance for sustainable development;

• Demonstrates excellent research skills, verbal and written communication, organizational skills

• Be a well-organized individual with the ability to prioritize competing priorities;

• Be a team player with ability to work productively and effectively with others from a multi-cultural background, including in online and/or hybrid setting;

• Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

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.

Experience

• Previous related work experience would be an asset;
• Excellent writing skills are required, as demonstrated in a previous professional and/or academic experience;
• Experience or knowledge in biodiversity, conservation, finance and environment related areas is an asset;
• Experience in communication related activities; familiarity with social media platforms or digital media channels is an asset.

Language skills:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English is required;

• Fluency and/or knowledge in French and Spanish is highly desirable;

• Fluency in another UN language is an asset.

Learning: 

• The intern will gain an understanding of biodiversity finance experiences including the work of BIOFIN in supporting public and private finance solutions across countries; in addition to learning about knowledge management practices and tools that can help countries implement their National Biodiversity Action Strategies and Plans (NBSAPs) and achieve Global Biodiversity Framework targets;

• Gain work experience in a multilateral organization enhancing multiple skills such as communication, coordination, time management, analysis, and independent thinking;

• Exposure in a multi-cultural working environment with various stakeholders in biodiversity finance and knowledge management, as part of a remote team.

Additional Information:

Financial Issues:

Internships within the UN system is subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement.

Starting from January 2020 interns will receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations.

Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution, or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs.

Application procedure:

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post and your availability.

• Current and complete CV in English.

Please combine all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

Candidates who are selected must submit following documents:

• Official letter from the University confirming enrolment in a graduate-level degree programme;

• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.

Conditions:

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months;

UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness, or death during the internship;

Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;

Interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents and need to plan for these well in advance.

Subsequent Employment

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;

More information available at: https://www.undp.org/careers/types-of-opportunities/internships

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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