Intern

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) is the UN's global development network, working in over 170 countries and territories to support countries in achieving sustainable development, reducing poverty and inequality, and building resilience to crisis. UNDP partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through integrated and locally driven solutions. In Sri Lanka, UNDP has been a trusted development partner for decades, supporting national priorities across areas such as democratic governance, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth.

• Strategic Engagement Digital Innovation Team (SEDIT): This team leads the Country Office’s work on strategic communications, partnerships, and the integration of digital and innovation practices to accelerate sustainable development. Anchored in UNDP’s commitment to systems transformation and future-oriented development, the team works across portfolios to position UNDP as a trusted thought leader and partner of choice.
• CITRA Social Innovation Lab: Citra is a joint initiative between the Government of Sri Lanka and UNDP, which was established in 2018. As Sri Lanka’s first Public Sector Innovation Lab, over the last several years Citra worked to strengthen institutions, build capacities of the public sector, and re-engineer public service delivery through specialized foresight and innovation tools, such as design-thinking, systemic design and human-centered design approaches, among others. The Innovation Lab works in alignment with national development priorities and works towards bringing in greater citizen engagement to the formulation of development solutions.

Post Context:

 

Interns will work closely with their respective team under the guidance of supervisors.

One of the positions, based primarily at the UNDP office in Colombo, will support the UNDP Resident Representative and the Strategic Engagement and Digital Innovation (SEDIT) team on central service functions. These functions cut across the UNDP Country Office, UN agencies, the Government and other stakeholders, facilitating a whole-of-society and whole-of-Government approach.

The position based at the Citra Lab will support the Lab’s ongoing initiatives on Digital Transformation, Public Sector Innovation, and Skills & Entrepreneurship. 

Internship may also offer field travel opportunities, depending on the nature of the assigned projects.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail: Able to carefully review work and ensure accuracy in documentation and project tasks.
• Adaptability: Capable of adjusting to changing project requirements and working under tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Problem-solving skills: Ability to identify challenges and propose practical solutions in a proactive manner.
• Effective communication: Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational skills: Excellent at managing time, prioritizing tasks, and balancing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Analytical mindset: Ability to think critically and analyse data to support project goals and decision- making processes.
• Cultural awareness: Understands and respects diverse cultural perspectives and shows sensitivity when working in a multicultural setting.

 

Qualifications and Experience 
 

(a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher).

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

(c) 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.

(d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

 

Family Relationship
A person who is the child or sibling of an UNDP staff member is not eligible to apply for an internship at UNDP. An applicant who bears any other family relationship with a UNDP staff member may be engaged as an intern, provided that they must neither be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor be placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member.

Medical Insurance
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.

Stipends, insurance and interns’ expenses
Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:
(a)    The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or (b) The intern.
 

Disclaimer