Intern

Maldives

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Maldives
Grade: Internship - Internship
Occupational Groups:
Closing Date: 2025-06-02

Background

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

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.

UNDP is a long-term development partner of the Maldives for over 45 years. In the Upper Middle-Income Country context, UNDP country office in Maldives provides technical assistance, policy and technical advisory services to the Government of Maldives in their efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); in partnership with development partners, financial institutions, private sector and civil society. In Maldives, UNDP’s programme priorities and partnerships are defined and operationalized through the Country Programme between Government of Maldives and UNDP to support and contribute to the development priorities and results envisioned in the 5-year Strategic Action Plan. Maldives is currently in the process of formulating its Strategic Action Plan with UNDP support following the change of government in 2023.

In the current Country Programme cycle 2022 – 2026 UNDP has significantly shifted its programme offer to Maldives around 3 pillars supported by a diverse funding base from government finance, bilateral and multilateral donors, blended and innovative finance, etc.: (i) Integrated Governance Programme focusing on justice sector reform, decentralization and local governance with youth, gender and people with disabilities’ participation; (ii) resilience and climate actions, (iii) SDG finance and fiscal spacing, to enable Maldives to achieve sustainable development by eradicating inequality and poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shock.

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.

UNDP Maldives’ Integrated Governance Programme aims to create an enabling environment for citizens’ engagement in a decentralized manner, by harnessing the power of citizen-led open democracy, digital transformation, and anticipatory governance, while enhancing independence, transparency, and accountability of the governance and justice system, will lead to democratic, sustainable, and meaningful human development for the people of Maldives. The program aims to achieve this through the three result areas:

Open, decentralised, and gender-responsive governance systems
Equitable access to justice and human rights
Empowered, cohesive and resilient communities

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Programme Specialist, Governance Unit, the intern will support the Governance Unit in the following key project/programme areas:

Rule of Law and Protection of Human Rights Project:

The intern will primarily support the designated programme office in the implementation of this project, which is aimed at enhancing the capacities of the Maldives Human Rights Commission and strengthening advocacy and civil society engagement and empowerment in this area.

40%

Overall administrative support to Governance unit:

The intern also provides overall assistance to projects implemented by the Governance Unit, including assistance in coordination of day-to-day operations, M&E and communications.

50%

Other:

Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.

10%

Competencies

Interest and motivation in working 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 mind-set;
Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Education:

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 a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: Public administration, International Relations, Political Science, Governance or equivalent.

Required Skills

IT skills:

Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;

Language skills:

English required.
Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

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.

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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.

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