Communication and Research Intern

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.  

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life, as envisaged by 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNDP is on the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

In Asia and the Pacific, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH) is responsible for the implementation of regional projects, knowledge management activities and the provision of advisory services to the 24 UNDP Country Offices in Asia and the Pacific.  

Corruption poses significant governance and development challenges across South Asia. It impacts access to services, particularly for marginalized populations, and hinders economic and human development. In the post-pandemic era, addressing corruption is vital for fostering sustainable economic recovery. A comprehensive approach involving collective action to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity is necessary to tackle this issue effectively.

UNDP, drawing on its extensive experience in anti-corruption and rule-of-law efforts at regional and global level, and existing country-level initiatives aimed at promoting good governance, strengthening justice systems, and improving service delivery, will collaborate with a broad array of institutions and stakeholders. The project strategy aims to promote progress in the following focus areas:
1.    Output 1: Media and civil society’s capacity to promote transparency and social accountability enhanced. 
2.    Output 2: National and local capacities enhanced to effectively implement legal frameworks in alignment with UNCAC provisions.
3.    Output 3: Gender-responsive, transparent, and accountable justice and judiciary sector supported.

Through these primary areas, the project seeks to strengthen national integrity systems, enhance development effectiveness, promote judicial integrity, cultivate public trust, and contribute to the development of inclusive, accountable, and resilient societies in South Asia, with a specific focus on Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The National Coordinator will oversee project implementation in a target country, ensuring timely delivery of results, compliance with UNDP rules, and high-quality outputs. Working under the supervision of the Project Manager and the UNDP Country Office, the Coordinator will collaborate closely with the project team to ensure smooth execution and consistency across all activities.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

Working with UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH) Governance and Rule of Law team, UNDP Country Offices in target countries and under the direct supervision of the UNDP ACROL Project Manager, the Intern will execute communications and research-related activities to showcase the activities of the project in the media and among stakeholders, partners and donors.

 

•     Assist in the preparation of promotional/advocacy materials for outreach, assisting in preparation of presentations, reporting, etc.
•     Develop communication material for newsletters, blogs, talking points and/or social media posts.
•     Produce graphic visuals using Microsoft Powerpoint, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator or any other data visualization tools. 
•     Assist in the management of the project’s website and social media platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube).
•     Explore innovative tools and technologies that can enhance research and communications efforts, such as AI-driven analytics or digital storytelling.
•     Contribute creative ideas for engaging project stakeholders through storytelling, multimedia, or other interactive formats.

•     Conduct desk research on thematic areas relevant to the project, including governance, anti-corruption, judicial integrity, or access to justice;
•     Assist in gathering and synthesising information from policy documents, project reports, and international best practices;
•     Support data collection and analysis for project monitoring and evaluation purposes;
•     Contribute to drafting research briefs, background papers, or case studies as required;
•     Assist in the design and implementation of surveys or stakeholder consultations, ensuring inclusivity and gender sensitivity.

Project Coordination Support (20%):

•     Provide administrative and logistical support for organizing workshops, conferences, and training sessions;
•     Assist in maintaining and updating the project’s knowledge management repository;
•     Collaborate with team members to ensure alignment of research and communications outputs with project goals.

Other (10%):
•     Participate in team meetings and brainstorming sessions to provide input on strategy and content creation;
•     Undertake other duties as assigned to support the successful implementation of the project.
  COMPETENCIES 
 •    Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
•     Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mindset;
•     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.
 
  REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:
•     Currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) or;
•     Currently enrolled in a final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent) or;
•     Graduated with a university degree - and if selected, must start the internship within one year after graduation.

Field of study: Communication, Journalism, International Development, Law, Political Science, Sociology, or other related fields in Social Sciences or Humanities.
 

•     Knowledge and proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
•     Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Powerpoint, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Sway, Airtable or any other data visualization tools.
•     Basic knowledge of video editing is a plus.
 

Language skills:

•     Excellent writing and drafting skills in English as well as good communication skills required;
•     Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

•    “UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as reference, the stipend for 2024 is set at THB 8,302.50 per month; the stipend amount for 2025 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with it will be borne by the intern or the sponsoring Government or institution.”
•    UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
•    Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
•    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 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 education programmes;
•    Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
 

Disclaimer

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.
Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates