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Intern, Climate and Sustainability

Singapore

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Singapore
  • Grade: Internship - Internship
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
    • Environment
    • Meteorology, Geology and Geography
    • Climate Change
  • Closing Date: 2025-02-17

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 UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD) aims to identify, co-create, and share innovative and technological solutions for sustainable development. We aim to catalyse new insights, partnerships and action in the countries where UNDP works. Our areas of focus are: Sustainability and Climate Resilience, Smart Cities and Urbanisation, Digital Inclusion, Digital Sustainable Finance, Deep Tech and Innovations. The GC-TISD leverages Singapore’s deep expertise, solutions, knowledge, and ecosystem of Government and private sector partners, as well as knowledge from experts and partners around the globe, and across UNDPs Global Policy Network. More specifically, the GC-TISD connects policymakers, practitioners, think tanks, business, and other relevant stakeholders to each other from across the globe for learning and sharing of best practices on the themes of technology, innovation, and partnerships for sustainable development.

The GC-TISD is a joint initiative of the Singapore Government and UNDP, currently being led by a small team that is focused on programme and partnership development. Our Singapore Government partners are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, the Public Service Division, the Ministry of Communications and Information, the Infocomm Media Development Authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the National Research Foundation. The UNDP GC-TISD was setup in 2018 and is currently in the  last year of its 2022-2025 iteration. 

Learning Objectives

This internship at GC-TISD offers a unique opportunity for the intern to engage in a rich learning experience in various areas. Through this role, the intern will gain in-depth insights and hands-on experience in:

  • Sustainable Development and Technological Innovation: Understanding the intersection of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable development practices.
  • Policy Development and Strategic Partnerships: Acquiring skills in policy support, strategic partnership development, and engaging with a global network of stakeholders
  • Multilateralism and Global Collaboration: Learning about the workings of international cooperation and the role of multilateral organizations in addressing global challenges.
Duties and Responsibilities

One of the key areas of the Centre is focus on Sustainability and Climate Resilience.  Under this area, the the Centre looks at the complex intersection of increasing global food demand, record amounts of carbon emissions, and alarming levels of air pollution. The Center’s initiatives span a diverse range, including advancing knowledge in novel farming systems for sustainable development, bridging the gap between theoretical and practical aspects of carbon tax implementation through carbon tax experience sharing, and embarking on an innovation challenge to develop comprehensive, cost-effective solutions for monitoring and addressing air pollution.

The Intern will assist the UNDP GC-TISD’s across its Climate and Sustainability workstream with a dedicated focus on the following duties and responsibilities: 

Research and Thought Leadership

  • Assist in the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data related to novel farming systems, carbon pricing initiatives, and air pollution issues with a focus on developing countries.
  • Actively contribute and co-author written content such as policy briefs, blogs, and reports at the intersection of development, climate and sustainability
  • Collaborate with the UNDP Global Centre team to design a capacity-building program on carbon taxes. The program will bring together counterparts and governments from UNDP Country Offices to Singapore to exchange best practices on carbon pricing mechanisms.
  • Contribute to the development of publications that document the outcomes of the innovation challenge and research activities. These publications will serve as valuable resources for stakeholders involved in addressing air pollution.

Strategic Advocacy and Partnership Development

  • Assist identifying and engaging with strategic partners in the urban-digital or urban-tech sector, in order to understand their interests and explore mutually beneficial partnerships in Singapore, regionally and globally.

Event Management Support

  • Assist in conceptualizing, preparing, and organizing events such as webinars, workshops, and trainings, both in-person and online, aligned with the Centre's Climate and Sustainability focus.
  • Support in creating compelling visual materials, including presentations, charts, and infographics, to showcase the Centre's work on climate and sustainability.

Learning, Development and Networking

  • Engage in learning and personal development opportunities within UNDP and the broader Singapore ecosystem.
  • Participate in relevant networking events in Singapore linked to the Centre's work.
Competencies
  • Commitment to UNDP Values and Cultural Diversity
    • Exhibits a strong commitment to the values of UNDP, consistently upholding these principles in actions and decisions, in alignment with the UN Code of Conduct. Shows an appreciation for the multicultural nature of the organization and its diverse staff, along with an international outlook that values and learns from cultural diversity.
  • Effective Communication and Writing Ability
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in writing reports, blogs, and think pieces.
  • Research and Analytical Skills
    • Proven knowledge in conducting research and analysing trends and data.
  • Organizational and Event Management Capabilities
    • Competence in organizing events, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and adapting to changing environments.

IT skills:

  • Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams);
  • Knowledge of (data) visualization and analysis tools (e.g.,Canva, PowerBi, etc) is an advantage

Language skills:

  • Fluency in English (both spoken and written) is required.
  • Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage

Other competencies and attitude:

  •  Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
  •  Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
  • Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal oriented mind-set;
  •  Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
  •  Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities; 
  •  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
 
Required Skills and Experience
 
Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

  • Currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
  • Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
  • Have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Preferred fields of study: Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, International Relationships, Public Policy, or a related field   

Experience:  

  • Deep Commitment to Sustainability Issues: Demonstrates a profound interest in and commitment to addressing climate change and sustainability challenges, particularly in developing countries.
  • Understanding of Global Sustainability Challenges: Exhibits awareness of the pressing environmental issues facing the world today and shows a desire to contribute towards solving these challenges.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Proven experience in sharing knowledge and showcasing results, in writing high-quality communication products and/or organising interactive webinars.
  • Familiarity with International Development: Knowledge or experience in international development and public service delivery is an advantage.

Application: 

Internship candidates are expected to submit the following documents electronically through the UNDP job portal:

  • UNDP internship application form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sat1-EmXsj6Die7xCgP3-BrLFuLShrV1/view
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Original text of up to 350 words in English addressing the following question:
    • Can you describe a specific example of initiative that you believe has significantly contributed to addressing climate change or sustainability issues, particularly in the context of developing countries? Please elaborate on why you chose this example, its impact, and any insights you gained about this initiative.

Note: UNDP internship application form, CV and original text need to be combined in one PDF document for upload.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

  • UNDP will not pay interns for internship but will provide a stipend approximately  859.13 SGD monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy; all other expenses connected with it will be borne by me or my sponsoring Government or institution;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • Interns are 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 must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
  • Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
 
Disclaimer

 

 
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

 
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.