PDEP Intern, Data Science, Solomon Islands

Background

To Enhance Financial Inclusion, PDEP has initiated several projects in partnerships with local organizations to strengthen the digital and financial services that are available to Solomon Islanders. The intern will be supporting the partner organizations with this project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Data Analysis and Insights Generation
 Support the team in analyzing financial and digital literacy program data to identify trends and insights.
 Assist in cleaning, processing, and visualizing datasets related to Digital Financial Services

Algorithm Support and Model Evaluation
 Assist in refining alternative credit scoring models by evaluating data sources and model performance.
 Conduct basic assessments on algorithm effectiveness and fairness.

Data Visualization and Reporting
 Support the team in preparing dashboards, charts, and reports to communicate findings effectively.
 Assist in compiling insights into presentations and knowledge-sharing materials for internal and external stakeholders.

Research on Data-Driven Best Practices
 Conduct research on innovative data science applications in financial inclusion and digital literacy.
 Assist in documenting findings and best practices relevant to the Pacific region.

Competencies

UNCDF/UNDP Core competencies:
 Communication
 Delivery
 Innovation
 Leadership
 People Management

Functional & Technical Competencies:

 Demonstrates strong writing skills, particularly the ability to present persuasive, coherent, and well-founded arguments.
 Demonstrates drive to achieve results quickly without compromising quality and seeks and finds solutions to problems encountered.
 Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
 Ability to convert complex and abstract ideas into simple visual concepts.
 Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and deep desire to learn.
 Demonstrates a consistent commitment to pro-actively helping fellow members of the team.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

 Candidate must be enrolled in a degree programme in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Information Technology, Econometrics, Operations Research, Engineering, Business Analytics, Computational Social Science, Quantitative Economics, or related fields.
 Applicants to the UNCDF/UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
o Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or higher)
o Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent);
o Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience:

• Experience in development projects and donor agencies will be of advantage, however not mandatory.
• Demonstrate strong background knowledge of data science, ideally on topics related to finance or digital, in the Pacific.
• Ability to operate Microsoft packages including PowerBI, and a passion to work with a regional team.
• Self-starter; organized; able to multitask, balance multiple responsibilities, team player and work to deadlines.
• Strong data visualization skills in areas of data science on development issues is a distinct advantage.
• A brief understanding of multimedia, operations and overall project support will be of advantage.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.