Strategic Research and Analytics Intern

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the 

marginalized.

• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and

and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

Project Background: 

The UNDP Resident Representative (RR) is the accredited senior UNDP official in the programme country who represents, leads, and is accountable for harnessing and directing the full potential of UNDP’s global capabilities, and those of its associated funds and programmes, in support of national development strategies and collaborative partnerships. One of the key responsibilities is to provide strategic leadership and representation by brokering country-level strategic partnership agreements, representation, or hosting arrangements with UN non-resident and specialized agencies. This includes positioning UNDP as a strategic partner for sustainable development, with the capabilities to partner at scale and deliver world-class knowledge and technical expertise. 

The UNDP Resident Representative office in New Delhi is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to support the Resident Representative in partnership management, research, and documentation. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development, strategic partnerships, and high-level administrative support. The Intern is expected to support the Resident Representative’s participation in workshops, conferences, meetings and missions. This includes carrying out research in support of the analytical activities of the Resident Representative’s office as well as participating in meetings and recording minutes for scheduled and other ad hoc meetings as needed. 

• Assist in identifying and researching potential areas of collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, private sector partners, and international organizations. 
• Support the communications and partnerships team in the development of partnership briefs and presentations to support the Resident Representative in strategic meetings and negotiations. 

2.Research and Analysis:

• Conduct research to support the analytical activities of the Resident Representative’s office, including gathering data on development trends, policy analysis, and best practices. 
• Use data analytics to prepare reports, summaries, and briefing notes on various topics relevant to UNDP’s work and the Resident Representative’s priorities.
• Monitor and analyze relevant news, publications, and reports to keep the Resident Representative informed of key developments. 

3.Documentation and Administration Support:

• Assist with the day-to-day running of the Resident Representative’s office, including scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and organizing events. 
• Participate in meetings and record minutes for scheduled and other ad hoc meetings as needed. 
• Support the Resident Representative’s participation in UNDP organized events and meetings by preparing necessary documentation and logistics. 

• 
  Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pay attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Learn Continuously: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
• Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from marginalized communities (e.g., gender minorities, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, indigenous or tribal backgrounds) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information and present it clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• IT skills related to administration will be an advantage. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).and effective use of internet and web-based systems. 
• Ability to work with quick turnaround time. 
• Good team player and ability to adapt to change in work environment 
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and adjust accordingly as new  priorities arise 

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

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher) in one of the following disciplines: Social Sciences, Communications, Journalism, Business & Administration or other relevant subjects.
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above field.
• 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. 

Mentorship: 

Each intern will be paired with a dedicated mentor from their respective team. The mentor will provide professional guidance, help the intern navigate the work environment, offer feedback, and support their overall learning and growth during the internship period.

Interns will be exposed to a variety of learning experiences related to UNDP’s work. These may include participating in team discussions, attending internal briefings or knowledge-sharing sessions, and accessing online resources. Topics may cover areas such as development programs, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and professional skills relevant to working in a multilateral development environment. 

Key learning opportunities would include: 

• Understanding of Development Programs and the SDGs :The intern will gain exposure to UNDP’s development priorities and how they align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through research, partnership briefs, and participation in meetings and events. 
• Professional and Strategic Communication in a Multilateral Environment :By supporting partnership management, preparing presentations and documentation for high-level meetings, and working closely with the Resident Representative’s Office, the intern will develop strong communication and documentation skills in a multilateral, high stakes setting. 
• Research and Analytical Skills for Policy and Strategic Decision-Making :The intern will strengthen their capacity to conduct policy and partnership-related research, analyze data, and prepare briefs and reports that inform leadership decisions, enhancing their ability to synthesize complex information in support of strategic planning.