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.

 
Job Purpose and Organizational Context

UNDP works in approximately 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and advance sustainable human development. The UNDP Strategic Plan 2026 –2029 articulates an overarching goal of advancing human development on a healthy planet through four interconnected strategic objectives: Prosperity for All, Effective Governance, Crisis Resilience, and Healthy Planet, powered by three accelerators — digital and AI transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. The Strategic Plan emphasizes integrated, systems-based solutions aligned with national priorities and grounded in a commitment to human rights and leaving no one behind. It responds to the continent’s overlapping demographic, economic, climate and governance transitions and emphasizes:

  • Inclusive economic transformation and AfCFTA implementation
  • Regional integration as a driver of structural change
  • Governance renewal and social contract strengthening
  • Crisis prevention and resilience-building
  • Climate and nature-positive development pathways, including Blue Economy transitions

The Regional Programme adopts a systems and portfolio approach, leveraging regional institutions, cross- border mechanisms, and multi-level engagement to address transboundary challenges and unlock scalable transformation pathways.

The UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), based in Addis Ababa and serving 46 Country Offices in sub-Saharan Africa, plays a catalytic role in advancing this agenda. RSCA provides integrated policy advisory services, knowledge products, technical support, and regional programme implementation, and serves as UNDP’s principal interface with the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and continental institutions.

Within RSCA, the Inclusive Growth and Extractives Team (IGET) contributes primarily to the Prosperity for All objective while working across governance, resilience, and planet dimensions. The Team advances structural transformation and economic resilience through support to:


•    National development planning and SDG/Agenda 2063 integration
•    AfCFTA-aligned Regional Value Chains and SME participation with a particular focus on youth and women economic empowerment
•    Inclusive Blue Economy transitions with a focus on informality and local economic development.

The Team works in close collaboration with other thematic teams, including Governance, Gender, Youth, Natural Capital and Environment, Resilience and Private Sector Development to deliver integrated regional support aligned with the Strategic Plan accelerators.

Within this framework, the Inclusive Growth Associates will support IGET in advancing integrated, systems-based initiatives that contribute to inclusive economic transformation and resilience in Africa.

The Intern will provide analytical, programmatic and knowledge support to initiatives that promote inclusive regional value chains, Blue Economy transitions, and national development planning. These roles offer exposure to regional policy advisory work, multi-stakeholder coordination, and the design of integrated development solutions aligned with Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and Africa’s structural transformation priorities. More specifically:

1.    Blue Economy Transitions: Africa’s Blue Economy presents a strategic opportunity to advance sustainable growth, regional trade, ecosystem resilience and livelihoods, particularly for coastal countries and Small Island Developing States. The Intern will support the AUC–UNDP Inclusive Blue Economy initiative, including preparations for the Ministerial segment of Africa Blue Economy Week (ABEW) 2026, contributing to policy research, stakeholder coordination and the development of high-level knowledge and communication products. The position offers exposure to continental policy processes at the intersection of economic transformation, climate resilience, and regional integration.

2.    The Development Plans: will provide analytical, technical, and coordination support in strengthening Development Plans as integrated governance instruments across Africa. This includes operationalization of the Continental Development Plans Register, the Development Plan-Use Audit Framework, Executive orientation engagements, and Structured reporting. The role will focus on consolidating structured evidence, maintaining metadata integrity, drafting analytical products, supporting pilot applications, and contributing to institutional knowledge management that reinforces Development Plans as instruments of transformation.


3.    Inclusive Regional Value Chains: Africa’s structural transformation hinges on building competitive, integrated, and inclusive regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Intern will support the development of analytical tools and knowledge products, including a regional value chains toolkit aimed at strengthening SME participation, upgrading informal enterprises, and linking local production systems to regional markets. The role involves research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and support to regional economic integration processes, offering firsthand exposure to trade policy, industrial development, and systems approaches to inclusive economic transformation across Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the IGET leads, the Intern will undertake the following tasks to support one of the three thematic areas(The unit will decide on the allocation of interns after the selected candidates have been confirmed.)

1.    Blue Economy Transitions:
  • Conduct analytical research on Blue Economy value chains, informality dynamics, and trade–climate linkages in selected African contexts.
  • Support the preparation of high-level briefing notes, concept papers, and technical inputs for the Ministerial segment of Africa Blue Economy Week (ABEW) 2026.
  • Contribute to stakeholder mapping and coordination with AUC, RECs, Member States, and partners.
  • Draft knowledge and communication products that advance inclusive and climate-resilient Blue Economy pathways.
2.    Development Plans:
  • Contribute to the operationalization and maintenance of the Continental Development Plans Register, including structured metadata extraction on Agenda 2063 and SDG  integration, plan–budget alignment, and institutional oversight mechanisms.
  • Support the application of the Development Plan-Use Audit Framework through technical drafting, pilot coordination, consolidation of findings, and preparation of analytical summaries on planning–fiscal coherence and institutional utilization.
  • Prepare analytical briefs, executive orientation materials, comparative dashboards, and structured reporting inputs, while maintaining organized knowledge repositories that strengthen Development Plans as instruments of accountability and transformation.
3.    Inclusive Regional Value Chains:
  • Contribute to the development of a Regional Value Chains Toolkit aligned with AfCFTA implementation priorities.
  • Conduct analytical research on SME participation, informality upgrading and gender-responsive value chain integration.
  • Support stakeholder consultations with RECs, Member States, and private sector actors.
  • Draft technical notes and knowledge products on inclusive regional production systems and market integration.

Other tasks for all the Associates require attending team meetings and supporting administrative processes.
 

Competencies

  • Interest and motivation in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter 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 mindset.
  • Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently.
  • Good at organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment and beliefs/backgrounds.
  • Response positively to feedback and differing points of view.
     
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
  • Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) OR recently graduated with a first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies or related Social Science discipline is required and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
Experience:
  • Work experience is not required, but some relevant work experience would be an asset, especially experience in international development.
  • Computer skills: MS Office proficiency
  • Understanding of and previous research on issues related to international development such as the SDGs, integrated approaches and with knowledge of the UN system is an asset.
  • Excellent drafting and editing skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working collaboratively in small and large multi-cultural teams.
  • Good Graphic Design, Visual Arts and/or Communications skills

Language:

  • Proficiency in English is required. 
  • Knowledge of French is desirable. (For International recruits) 

Application Instruction:
Interested applicants must submit the following documentation to UNDP while applying online. 

  • Updated CV and cover letter (in English)
  • Education Testimony (Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma Certificate)
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. 

 
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