Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
The UNDP Country Office in South Africa supports the Government of South Africa in advancing national development priorities as articulated in the National Development Plan 2030, the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024–2029, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. UNDP’s work is guided by the South Africa Country Programme Document 2026–2030, which is organized around a coherent, portfolio-based approach to accelerate transformative development results.
The country programme responds to South Africa’s interlinked challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, alongside climate risks, governance constraints, fiscal pressures and the need for inclusive digital and green transitions. Within this framework, UNDP South Africa’s Inclusive Economic Transformation work contributes to the Inclusive Economy and Governance portfolio, which promotes shared prosperity, economic transformation, productive and inclusive markets, strengthened institutional capability, digital innovation and employment creation. The portfolio places particular emphasis on supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, township and rural enterprise ecosystems, green and digital industrialization, youth and women’s economic participation, skills development and improved access to opportunities for marginalized groups, in line with the principles of human rights, gender equality and leaving no one behind.
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, Inclusive Economy and Governance, the Intern will support the planning, implementation, administration, monitoring and knowledge management of Inclusive Economy and Governance initiatives that contribute to the CPD 2026–2030 results. This includes support to research and analysis on socio-economic trends, policy and programme development, partner engagement, resource mobilization, SDG monitoring, communications and visibility, and evidence generation to inform adaptive programming and strengthen UNDP South Africa’s contribution to inclusive, sustainable and resilient development.
Duties and Responsibilities
The office seeks a full-time, office-based intern who can contribute to the work of the Inclusive Economy and Governance portfolio in line with the South Africa Country Programme Document 2026–2030. As the portfolio isdiverse, the Intern must be comfortable taking on a variety of assignments and new challenges. Under the directsupervision of the Programme Manager, Inclusive Economy and Governance, the Intern will undertake the following tasks:
The key results of the post are to expose and strengthen the intern’s awareness and capacity in the following:
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
Functional Competencies:
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
A minimum of a first degree in economics, development studies, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines. An advanced degree is preferred
Experience:
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
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
The United Nations Development Programme works in nearly 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.
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