UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction ofinequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutionalcapabilities and build resilience to sustain development results.
- Sustainable development
- Democratic governance and peacebuilding
- Climate and disaster resilience
In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.
INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:
The Economist role in UNDP Philippines supports evidence-based policy advice, economic analysis, and strategic engagement with government counterparts, development partners, and the private sector. This includes work on macroeconomic trends, poverty and inequality, development finance, and climate–economy linkages that shape inclusive and sustainable development.
Under the general supervision of the Economist, the Economist Intern will support analytical work and coordination by assistingin data gathering and research, preparing materials for engagements, and supporting internal and external coordination, includingthe organization and documentation of public policy dialogues and consultations.
Under the guidance of the Economist, the intern will work closely with relevant teams and partners across UNDP Country Office, Bangkok Regional Bureau and Global clusters and with government counterparts in the Philippines.
1. Economic Research and Data Support:
- Assist in gathering, cleaning, and consolidating macroeconomic, poverty, labour, fiscal, and development finance data from official sources and databases
- Support literature reviews and background research for economic briefs, presentations, and policy notes.
- Prepare basic analytical inputs (tables, charts, and short summaries) to inform knowledge products and management briefings.
2. Internal and External Coordination Support:
- Support internal coordination within UNDP and the UN system by consolidating inputs, preparing briefing materials, and tracking follow-ups.
- Support coordination with government counterparts and external partners by assisting in meeting preparation, agenda drafting, and documentation.
3. Support to Public Policy Dialogues and Knowledge Products:
- Assist in organizing public dialogues, policy roundtables, and consultations, including logistical support and documentation (notes and summaries).
- Support preparation of drafts, presentations, talking points, and post-engagement summaries for policy engagements.
4. Others:
- Support other/ad hoc activities related to economic analysis and policy engagement as requested by the supervisor.
- Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
- Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical application;
- Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
- Good in coordinating, organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities between teams and stakeholders;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view; and
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude showing willingness to learn.
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 Master’s degree or equivalent studies
Field of study: Economics, Development Economics, Public Policy, Commerce, Business Studies, Statistics, Finance, Climate Change or other closely related fields.
Note: Candidates must submit a technical writing or analytical sample.
- Proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint; and
- Knowledge of collaborative online tools, or willingness to learn their use.
Language skills:
- Fluency in English required; Filipino is an advantage; and
- 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 application;
- Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
- Good in coordinating, organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities between teams and stakeholders;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view; and
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude showing willingness to learn.
INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS:
- UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
- When necessary, interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the dutystation where the internship will be performed;
- When necessary, interns may be required to join official field missions outside of the duty station, at the expense of the appropriate unit/project;
- 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 a 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 educational programmes;
- Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make their own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.;
- Interns are expected to have his/her own equipment (laptop), and internet connectivity; and
- Mobility arrangements (onsite or remote) for interns will be agreed upon by the supervisor with selectedcandidates, following the policy of the UNDP Philippines Country Office.