Intern

Colombo

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Colombo
Grade:
Occupational Groups:
Closing Date: 2025-04-30

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) supports countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by working across various development areas and strengthening institutional capacities. In Sri Lanka, UNDP’s work is guided by its Country Programme Document and is aligned with national priorities and global commitments. As part of this mandate, the Integrated Services Team (IST) plays a key enabling role, delivering essential internal operational services across Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, IT and Administration to ensure the efficient implementation of programmes and projects.

Within the IST, the Human Resources Unit provides a wide range of HR services, including recruitment, learning and development, policy advisory, staff engagement, performance management and other HR operations support. The team supports UNDP’s workforce to operate effectively in a dynamic and evolving development environment.

Post Context:

The Human Resources Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Human Resources Analyst and support the daily operations of the HR Unit. The intern will gain valuable exposure to UNDP’s HR practices and contribute to core functions such as recruitment processes, onboarding, HR data management and learning coordination.

The role will offer an opportunity to learn from a professional HR team while developing practical experience in administrative tasks, internal client services and the use of HR tools and systems. This internship is ideal for a student or recent graduate interested in building a career in Human Resources within the international development sector.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist with recruitment processes, including drafting Terms of References, preparing vacancy announcements, coordinating recruitment steps, and compiling selection documentation in line with UNDP guidelines.
Assist in onboarding and separation processes, including preparing induction materials, coordinating orientation sessions and facilitating clearance procedures.
Support HR data management and reporting, including maintaining HR records, updating trackers and databases and assisting in the preparation of monthly or ad-hoc HR reports and presentations.
Provide logistical and administrative support for HR events and staff engagement initiatives.
Assist in organizing learning and development initiatives by coordinating logistics for internal training sessions, maintaining participation records and supporting follow-up activities and evaluations.
Support the documentation and digitalization of HR processes, including organizing personnel files and ensuring compliance with internal record-keeping policies.
Perform other related tasks as assigned by the HR team, contributing to the overall efficiency and smooth functioning of HR operations.

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 analyze 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience

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

(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

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

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.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Apply