Job Description

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN’s global development network, operates in over 170 countries to address challenges such as poverty, climate change, governance, crisis response, and gender equality. The Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS), headquartered in Amman, oversees the Regional Programme and supports 18 country offices across the Arab region. Leveraging its regional presence and expertise, UNDP is uniquely positioned to drive initiatives that bridge policy gaps and accelerate digital adoption across the Arab region. In 2026, UNDP is launching its new Strategic Plan (2026-2029), focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and future-smart development, coupled with efforts to strengthen resilience, digital and green transitions, and social cohesion. The Regional Programme for the Arab States (2026–2029) translates UNDP’s global ambitions into a regional framework grounded in national and regional priorities.

Project 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.

Anchored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in line with the priorities outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan, the Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) supports the Arab States region to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development, and building resilience to crises and shocks.

In addition to its presence in New York, RBAS has its main office in the Regional Hub based in Amman, Jordan. The Amman Regional Hub hosts regional initiatives under the Regional Programme for Arab States 2026-2029 which touches upon the following areas of work: governance and anti-corruption, regional cooperation for the reduction of poverty and inequality, knowledge economy, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, climate security, youth engagement and empowerment, gender equality, resilience building, among others. Through its regional projects, the Regional Programme generates and avails development knowledge, experience and expertise to countries across the region; supports the creation and development of inter-country initiatives and networks among governmental and non-governmental partners to address shared challenges at a sub-regional and regional levels; facilitates inter-country collaboration on cross-border issues, such as trade, environment, and migration; advances regional dialogues, and experience exchange on development issues that may be sensitive where regional level advocacy may enable country level engagement and action, such as with efforts to fight corruption and exclusionary practices targeting certain groups; and promotes experimentation and innovation to help overcome institutional, financial and knowledge barriers that may be too high for an individual country to surmount.

UNDP is now seeking an intern to support the effective delivery of the Regional Programme for Arab States (2026–2029), with a focus on programme management support, knowledge management and research, and partnership building and communication.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will be based in Amman, Regional Hub office. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

1. Knowledge Management & Research

• Assist in collecting lessons learned and best practices across regional projects ;
• Conduct desk-based research on relevant thematic issues (e.g. inclusive growth, governance, digital innovation, green economy);
• Support the preparation of reports, briefs and other knowledge products;
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products for internal and external audiences.

1. Partnership Building & Communication

• Assist in prepare partnerships briefs, presentations, and communication materials (e,g talking points, backgrounders) for partnership engagement.
• Support the identification of and engagement with prospective partners;
• Support preparation of partnership proposals and outreach events.

1. Programme Management Support

• Support the Regional Programme Team in coordinating and monitoring of projects and initiatives under the Regional Programme.
• Assist in organizing programme activities and events.
• Provide support to the Results-Based Management specialist in maintaining programme monitoring and reporting.

1. Implementation Support

• Support the day-to-day administrative and implementation activities of the Regional Programme.
• Assist in organizing meetings, workshops and events, including logistical arrangements.
• Support the preparation and follow-up of routine documentation and requests.
• Assist in maintaining records, updating trackers and organizing programme files.
• Support information gathering, knowledge sharing and coordination across teams.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Proven record of interest and work in the development field;
• Excellent analytical and research skills;
• Research experience;
• Interest in the Arab States region and possibly some background in researching the region;

Professionalism:

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems;
• Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Shows pride in work and in achievement;
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating the perspective of youth and ensuring the equal participation of young people as in all areas of work.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required;
• Allocates an appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
• Uses time efficiently.

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments;
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
• Supports subordinates, provides oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments;
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Creativity:

• Actively seeks to improve programmes or services;
• Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet project needs;
• Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas;
• Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas;
• Thinks “outside the box”;
• Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things;
• Not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Technological Awareness:

• Keeps abreast of available technology;
• Understands the applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office;
• Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks;
• Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

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) in media studies, journalism, communications, information systems, or a related field;
• (b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in media studies, journalism, communications, information systems, or a related field;
• (c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) in media studies, journalism, communications, information systems, or a related field and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
• (d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program in media studies, journalism, communications, information systems, or a related field and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Experience

• Relevant previous experience is a plus;
• Relevant experience with communication and social media is a plus;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools;
• Experience in supporting web and digital initiatives, including assisting with content management, portal updates, and coordination of knowledge or project related activities;
• Ability to assist in organizing and presenting digital content on the portal and social media, helping ensure users can access and understand the materials.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (including speaking, writing, and reading) is required. Arabic is an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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