Background
ย Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:ย 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 โleave no one behindโ 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.
ย 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.
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UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ย With presence in 170 countries and territories, UNDP endeavours to help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions so they can sustain their progress. UNDP personnel are united by a common purpose: to help countries and communities across the world pursue peaceful, prosperous lives, lived in harmony with the planet.
Enabling UNDP to meet client and partner needs, the Office of Human Resources in the Bureau of Management Services (BMS/OHR) is the hub for the global HR function at UNDP, providing strategy, policy setting, guidance, and oversight. In addition, OHR provides a broad range of HR advisory and talent management services enabling UNDP to deliver fully integrated development solutions at corporate level. Within the Office of Human Resources, the People Performance Unit (PPU) exists to provide substantive leadership to the development and implementation of the UNDP-wide approaches and strategies aimed at creating a positive employee experience and maintaining a safe, respectful and enabling working environment that enables personnel engagement, productivity and performance. ย More specifically, the unit leads and provides advice on matters related to employee experience and engagement, equal opportunities in the workplace, duty of care with a focus on occupational safety, health and wellbeing (OSHW), dealing with sexual misconduct in the workplace, and individual performance management and its linkages with the broader organizational performance. ย ย
In this context UNDP is seeking a Respectful Workplace Intern to support efforts to ensure that employee facing resources are accessible and user friendly. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in reviewing and improving content on building a respectful workplace and ensuring it is inclusive while applying digital accessibility principles.
The intern will be expected to work directly under the supervision of the HR Analyst, Respectful Workplace and under the overall guidance of the HR Specialist, Equal Opportunities in BMS/OHR and will play a key role in supporting the Speak Up culture programme by reviewing existing content, coordinating translations, and applying digital accessibility principles to improve user experience across platforms. In addition, they will provide broader support for ensuring related materials on inclusion and equal opportunities are fully accessible and user-friendly.
Full-time for 3 months, the internship requires strong coordination skills, attention to detail, eagerness to research and learn from best practices. The ideal candidate is curious, resourceful, and proactive โ someone who takes the initiative to research solutions, explore tools, etc.
Duties and Responsibilities Content Review and Accessibility Editing:โข ย ย ย ย Review Speak Up Culture experience session materials, videos and other ancillary materials to ensure they meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).ย
โข ย ย ย ย Conduct a thorough review of all equal opportunity materials, especially those on the disability inclusion micro-site to ensure they meet accessibility standards and are user-oriented.
โข ย ย ย ย Provide similar support on new resources and ad-hoc presentations, webinars etc.ย
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Translation and Language Coordination:
โข ย ย ย ย Support the translation of Speak Up Culture experience guides, handouts, and video scripts, etc., re-design translated materials using Canva and videos using Synthesia, and ensure content is formatted consistently.
โข ย ย ย ย Track translation and content review timelines and deliverables.
โข ย ย ย ย Help organize and maintain the shared site which includes all translated documents.
โข ย ย ย ย Create infographics, visual assets, and other communication materials to support internal messaging and content accessibility.
โข ย ย ย ย Draft and publish posts on inclusion, equal opportunities and Speak Up Culture on Viva Engage and Teams channels to promote updates, initiatives, events and resources.
โข ย ย ย ย Edit and update SharePoint pages to ensure that content is up to date, well organized and accessible in different formats.
โข ย ย ย ย Assist with communications tasks as they arise and provide flexible support for time-sensitive or high-priority initiatives.
ย Competencies Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline. Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements. Learn Continuously: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback. Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty; is flexible. Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident. Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships. Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
ย Required Skills and Experience
ย Education:
Applicants to UNDP internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:
(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in Communications, Linguistics, Media Studies Education, or related field.
(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelorโs level or equivalent) in Communications, Linguistics, Media Studies Education, or related field.
(c) 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.
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Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of other UN languages would be an asset. ย Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to coordinate and manage translation workflows and reviews.ย Organizational and project coordination skills. Basic understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and willingness to learn and research. Attention to detail and cultural sensitivity. Design and media skills, including use of tools such as Canva or Adobe InDesign, as well as basic video editing. ย Disclaimerย Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)ย
ย 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.ย
ย 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.
ย Applicant information about UNDP rosters
ย Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
ย Non-discrimination
ย 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.ย ย
ย 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.ย
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