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.

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

The UNDP Representation Office in Brussels focuses on creating awareness about UNDP’s mandate, work and results and on nurturing and promoting the partnership with the EU, one of our partners in over 70 countries worldwide. The office also maintains a strategic partnership with Belgium and Luxembourg, both key contributors to UNDP’s core budget.

This internship is specifically anchored in UNDP’s engagement in Africa and supports the partnership between the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA), UNDP Country Offices across the African continent, and key European partners. Working closely with colleagues in Brussels, the Regional Bureau for Africa, and Country Offices, the intern will contribute to strengthening partnerships with the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg in support of sustainable development, governance, resilience, and crisis response initiatives across Africa. The role provides a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how strategic partnerships are developed and managed to mobilize resources, influence policy, and support programme delivery in one of UNDP’s largest regional portfolios.

The internship provides valuable practical experience in an international professional environment. As an intern in our team, you will get first-hand exposure to support this mission, learn more about the work of UNDP and about the UN System, partnerships and communications. This internship contributes to that effort by supporting pipeline follow-up, project verification processes, and mission support related to RBA’s engagement with the EU, in a coordination and knowledge-management capacity.


Duties and Responsibilities

Under the joint supervision and guidance of the designated supervisor within the UNDP Brussels Representation Office, and the Partnership Advisor in RBA, the intern will provide support to the Partnerships team across the following areas. 

1. Pipeline follow-up

  • Support the day-to-day follow-up of the EU-funded partnership pipeline, tracking the status of opportunities and helping to keep entries complete and up to date in the relevant internal systems.
  • Assist in maintaining pipeline trackers, consolidating updates received from country offices and regional teams, and flagging gaps, missing information, and upcoming deadlines to the supervisor for action.
  • Prepare draft status overviews and summary tables of pipeline projects, including alignment with the Global Gateway strategy and other EU instruments.
  • Support follow-up with country office and regional colleagues on outstanding inputs and reminders.

2. Support to verifications, in coordination with the Contract Management Unit

  • Provide documentation and administrative support to project verification and audit exercises, working in close coordination with UNDP BRO Contract Management Unit(s) (CMU).
  • Maintain organized trackers of verification requests, submissions, and follow-up actions, flagging deadlines to the supervisor and CMU focal points.
  • Support the preparation of background notes and response packages for verification exercises, in coordination with CMU.

3. Mission support for Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) in Brussels

  • Support the logistical and substantive preparation of RBA missions and visits to Brussels, including scheduling support, meeting kits, and background files.
  • Assist in preparing pre-read materials, briefing packs, and agendas for visiting RBA stakeholders and senior leadership, under the supervisor’s direction.
  • Provide notetaking and follow-up documentation during missions, workshops, and partner meetings.
  • Help coordinate practical arrangements with internal and external counterparts to ensure timely preparation ahead of missions.

4. Knowledge management and coordination support

  • Support the updating and formatting of briefing materials and slide decks, ensuring consistency with UNDP branding and messaging standards.
  • Identify opportunities to communicate results from the partnerships with EU, Belgium and Luxembourg and collaborate with relevant communications colleagues to seize the
  • Monitor key institutional websites and platforms for relevant Africa-related updates, flagging developments to the supervisor.
     
Competencies
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational and research skills.
  • Excellent analytical, communication and writing skills.
  • Creativity and ability to consolidate and simplify complex inputs into clear, structured formats.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative, service-oriented mindset.
  • Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modelling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards.
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
  • Displays a commitment to UNDP’s values.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:

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

  • be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as Bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
  • be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a Master’s programme or higher) preferably in the field of International Relations, Development Studies, Economics or other relevant discipline;  
  • have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above, and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation;
  • be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of the programme.
Experience:
  • Computer proficiency in standard software applications (MS Office, Excel, Word, Powerpoint). 
Languages:
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and French.
  • Knowledge of another UN official language an asset.

Application Procedure:

The application should contain (i) brief Cover Letter (in English) stating why you would like to be considered for the internship; and (ii) current CV (in English) with contact details (email and telephone number).

Please combine the above into one single PDF document as the system only allows uploading of a single document.

The successful applicant will be requested to provide electronic versions of the following documents upon selection:

  • Copy of most recent curriculum vitae;
  • Letter from university confirming current enrolment and graduation date, or;
  • Copy of recent graduation certificate;
  • Letter of recommendation from a professor;
  • Copy of school transcript;
  • Copy of passport. If not an EU citizen, copy of a valid Belgian residency card for the duration of the internship programme is additionally required;
  • Medical Certificate of Good Health;
  • Proof of medical insurance cover valid for the duration of the internship programme in Belgium. For interns who are neither nationals nor residents of Belgium, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:
  • requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;
  • results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

General conditions:

  • Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme (hereafter “sponsor”), such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office.
  • Where an intern is financially supported by a sponsor, UNDP will, subject to the applicable rules, pay the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided by the sponsor and the applicable UNDP stipend.
  • No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with the internship agreement.
  • Interns will accrue combined sick and annual leave at the applicable monthly rate, prorated for part-time arrangements where relevant.
  • Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed.
Disclaimer
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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