Job Description

The United Nations Development Programme (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). UNDP's policy work carried out at HQ, Regional Hubs and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan 2026-2029.

UNDP focuses on the development dimensions of health and leverages its strengths in health, sustainable development, financing, climate, governance, and digital/AI strategies. UNDP works with governments, civil society, UN agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), international organizations, academia, local research institutions, and the private sector to advance progress on health and development. UNDP is a founding co-sponsor of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), a long-standing partner of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and a co-sponsor of several other international health partnerships. In line with the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029, UNDP delivers support to countries in three areas of HIV and health: reducing the inequalities that drive disease, promoting effective and inclusive governance for health, and building resilient and sustainable systems for health.

Project background:

Climate change, air pollution, and environmental degradation are among the strongest determinants of health outcomes, shaping everything from respiratory illness and heat-related mortality to food insecurity, mental health, and displacement. There is a pressing need to align health programming with climate ambitions, strengthen early warning systems, address air pollution including super pollutants such as black carbon, and implement related commitments in the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and national adaptation plans. The emergence of diseases with pandemic potential has increased along with the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, pointing to the heightened risk of diseases spilling over from animals to humans.

UNDP’s work on health, climate, and environment is implemented in collaboration with several UNDP teams as well as with external partners such as WHO, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Wellcome Trust, the Clean Air Fund, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, the Global Climate and Health Alliance, and the Planetary Health Alliance, alongside wider engagement with governments, academia, and regional and international organizations.

Objective of the assignment Provide support to the work conducted by UNDP’s HIV and Health Pillar, specifically in the following areas:

• Support UNDP’s work on air quality and super pollutants that affect both climate and health, by (i) leading data analysis and drafting policy briefs and presentations to support the Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy and NDC 3.0 implementation in South Africa, and (ii) contributing to research and drafting for an investment case on ambient air pollution in South Africa.
• Support UNDP’s ongoing work on climate change, air pollution and health, including preparations towards the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP31) and 17th UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17), including coordination with partners.
• Support UNDP’s preparations and engagement towards the second UN High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR HLM) taking place in New York in September 2026, including support research, consultation and drafting of a UNDP position paper towards PPPR.

Under the supervision of the Policy Specialist on Health and Environment and Policy Specialist on Air Pollution and Health, the intern/s will undertake the following:

• Lead data analysis of air pollution and black carbon emissions in South Africa to identify country hotspots and sectoral opportunities to reduce emissions, protect human health and contribute to low-carbon targets.
• Lead the drafting of a policy brief summarising the analytical findings from the black carbon analysis, working closely with the UNDP South Africa country office and supervisors in the global Health Team.
• Support the dissemination of the policy brief through virtual and/or in-person meetings, in close coordination with the UNDP South Africa country office and the global Health Team.
• Support research and drafting of the ambient air pollution investment case in South Africa.
• Support the broader climate, air pollution and health portfolio e.g. by undertaking country-specific desk research, drafting and copy-editing knowledge products, supporting outreach to project countries, and supporting conference preparations.
• Support monitoring, reporting, and communications regarding the upcoming second UN HLM on PPPR (September 2026) and development of a UNDP position paper on the topic.

Interns will be asked to prepare an end of internship presentation to the Health Team colleagues.

• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Able to communicate clearly verbally and through email;
• Computer literate with a working knowledge of data analysis and info-graphic tools and a willingness to learn new applications.
• Strong research and writing skills;
• Editing skills are helpful; and
• Knowledge in health and development issues.

Qualified candidates must be:

1. Currently enrolled in a graduate school programme as a full-time student in International Studies, Science, Public Health, Public Policy or Development Studies or another relevant and other related topics) (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
2. Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
3. 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;
4. Applicants must state their availability. Some flexibility will be allowed in the starting date and days worked per week.

Experience:

• Experience working in health and/or development with extensive academic training in related areas;
• Experience in the development and conduct of research and writing assignments;
• Experience in data analysis and presentation;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.

Internship conditions:

a) Status: Although not considered a staff member of UNDP, interns shall be subject to the authority of the Administrator and the authority delegated by Administrator to the Heads of Bureaux and Offices. Interns are not entitled to the privileges and immunities accorded by member states to UNDP, its officials and staff members.

b) Financial Support: UNDP will not pay interns but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy; all other expenses connected with it will be borne by the intern or by the sponsoring Government or institution;

c) Medical Health and Life Coverage: UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs or fatality arising from illness or accidents incurred during the internship; therefore, the intern must carry adequate and regular medical and life insurance. The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan.

d) Passports and Visas: Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary passport and visas when required. UNDP will issue only a letter stating acceptance of an individual as an intern and the conditions governing the internship.

e) Confidentiality and Publication of Information: As an intern, I will respect the confidentiality of information that I collect or am exposed to at UNDP. No reports or papers may be published based on information obtained from UNDP without the explicit written authorization of the Head of Bureaux or Office.

f) Employment Prospects: The UNDP Internship Programme is not connected with employment and there is no expectancy of such. Interns cannot apply for posts advertised internally to UNDP staff during the period of internship.

Application procedure:

Interested candidates must submit the following as part of their application:

• CV
• Motivation Letter
• Clear information on academic status, either:
  • If currently enrolled specify the name of the university, field of study, current year of studies, and academic year (e.g., 3rd year of Bachelor studies, academic year 2025/2026)
  • If graduated indicate the exact graduation date and name of the university

Applications that do not clearly indicate the required academic information will not be considered.

For more information on internship eligibility and conditions, please refer to the UNDP Internship Policy

Only shortlisted applicants will be required to submit the following documentation:

• Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date or copy of diploma if already graduated.
• Copy of his/her school transcript.
• Endorsement letter or letter of reference in English language from a faculty member with University heading, signed

The successful candidate will be asked to provide, prior to commencing work, the following documentation:

• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
• Medical Certificate of Good Health.
• Proof of medical insurance