Job Description
Background
UNDP works in about 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.
UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change.
We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global
development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out
inequality is at the core of everything we do.
UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:
•Sustainable development
•Democratic governance and peacebuilding
Climate and disaster resilience
In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities
and the poorest and most vulnerable.
INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:
The UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji serves 10 Pacific Island Countries and Territories, working in partnership with
governments, communities, civil society organizations, and development partners to advance sustainable
development across the region. Through integrated programmes and policy support, the Pacific Office
promotes inclusive governance, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, gender
equality, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth in support of national priorities and the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the North Pacific, UNDP supports the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall
Islands (RMI), Palau, Nauru and Kiribati through its North Pacific Sub-Office in Pohnpei, Federated States of
Micronesia, under the overall management of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. UNDP works closely with
governments, civil society organizations, development partners and communities to advance inclusive
governance, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, gender equality, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development.
In Palau, UNDP supports national development priorities through a range of initiatives focused on biodiversity
conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, environmental governance, sustainable livelihoods,
disaster preparedness, inclusive governance, and community resilience. UNDP collaborates with government
institutions, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, youth groups and local communities to promote
sustainable and inclusive development outcomes.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a flagship UNDP-implemented
programme that provides financial and technical support directly to civil society organizations and community
based organizations to address global environmental challenges while improving local livelihoods and
strengthening community resilience. Since its establishment, SGP has supported innovative community-led
initiatives in biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, sustainable land and marine resource
management, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental awareness.
The SGP Palau Country Programme supports local communities and organizations in developing and
implementing projects that contribute to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community
empowerment. Current priorities include biodiversity conservation, ecosystem-based approaches to climate
adaptation, sustainable natural resource management, youth engagement, knowledge sharing, and
strengthening community participation in environmental stewardship.
The internship will provide practical learning opportunities and hands-on experience in programme and
project management, environmental and climate initiatives, stakeholder engagement, communications,
knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, and community-based development. The intern will work
closely with the SGP National Coordinator and partner organizations to support the implementation and
visibility of SGP activities in Palau while gaining exposure to the operations of UNDP and the United Nations
development system.
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.
Duties
Knowledge and data analysis support
•Assist with data collection and management, actively support the SGP
country office in the efforts on knowledge management, knowledge
networking and visibility of SGP
•Assist in drafting articles and publications with proper recognition of SGP
•Assist in maintaining, update or provide valid SGP information for SGP Global database
Communications support
•Assist in communications and publicity
•Assist and support at events for SGP information dissemination purposes
•Assist in design research and implementation
Project and programme support
•Assist in event management and logistics
• Assist in providing day-to-day support to programme/project implementation
and ensuring conformity to expected results, outputs, objectives and work
plans;
• Assist the National Coordinator (NC) in prescreening project concepts and
project proposals, and evaluate the financial part of the project proposals
•Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed
•Assist the NC in project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, including
participation in field visits
Technical support
•In collaboration with the NC, assist in maintaining financial integrity of the
programme, implement and monitor accounting system and databases of SGP
country operational budget
•Assist in preparing and maintaining the grant disbursement table and
calendar; as well as track the Country Operating Budget to ensure compliance
with the approved yearly budget
• Assist with administrative duties as and when required
Competencies
•Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
•Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
•Outgoing and proactive, initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set;
•Good writing skills
•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.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
•currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
•currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
•have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies;
or
•enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of
this programme.
Experience:
Desired experience and skillset:
•Has at least 6 months professional experience, including administrative support
•Experience in research, communications, community or volunteer work
•Experience in stakeholder engagement or team collaboration
Disclaimer
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.
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.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
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.
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