BACKGROUNDย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
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.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
ย
CORPORATE 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 resilienceIn all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.
ย
INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND
UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP), with 24 Country Offices covering work in 36 countries and decades of experience in the region, is a trusted adviser and a โdevelopment partnerโ of choice for governments across the region in supporting the localization and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We help our partners in identifying relevant solutions to todayโs complex, trans-boundary development challenges. We support them to design and implement large scale development initiatives that deliver lasting social, economic and environmental improvements in countries across the region.ย
ย
Our support to governments, civil society, the private sector and communities is at every level of their organization: we provide legislative and regulatory advice that transforms governance systems; we provide capacity building and trainings that build nations; and we organize employment schemes that bring jobs to the most vulnerable groups. Guided by UNDPโs 2022-25 Strategic Plan, advisory and implementation work focuses on the following areas: Structural Transformation, Leaving No-one Behind and Building Resilience. In addition to these areas of focus which reflect regional developmental priorities, we emphasize gender, climate change, social protection and inclusive growth, in all aspects of our work. ย ย
ย
The Context of Civic Engagement (Open and Inclusive Public Sphere)
Asia and the Pacific is a diverse and rapidly changing region where economic transformation, climate vulnerability, demographic shifts, and digitalization are reshaping the relationship between citizens and institutions. Many countries are simultaneously facing governance challenges such as declining public trust, shrinking civic space, information integrity risks, persistent corruption, and uneven institutional capacity. These dynamics highlight the growing need for governance systems that are more open, inclusive, accountable, and capable of responding to complex and overlapping crises.
An open and inclusive public sphere is a critical foundation for people-centred governance and for achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It refers to the spacesโboth online and offlineโwhere people can access information, express views, engage in public dialogue, and participate meaningfully in decision-making processes. When these spaces are inclusive, safe, and trusted, they strengthen social cohesion, improve policy effectiveness, and ensure that the voices of women, young people, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized groups are reflected in public decisions.
UNDP works across Asia and the Pacific to support open, inclusive, and accountable governance through policy advice, capacity-building, innovation, and partnerships with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders. Advancing an open and inclusive public sphere is a core element of UNDPโs Governance for People and Planet approach and is essential to strengthening trust, resilience, and sustainable development outcomes in the region.
ย DUTIES
The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:
Research and Analysis (OIPS) (40%):
ย Communications and Outreach (OIPS) (25%): Support the development of outreach, advocacy, and knowledge products, including presentations, briefs, reports, and visual materials; Draft and edit communication content for newsletters, blogs, talking points, and social media on governance and inclusive civic space.
ย
Coordination and Knowledge Support (25%):
Provide logistical and administrative support for meetings, workshops, dialogues, and capacityโbuilding activities; Maintain and update knowledgeโmanagement systems, including repositories of research, tools, and communication materials.ย
Other (10%):
Participate in team meetings and planning discussions, contributing ideas to strategy, research, and content development; Perform other tasks as needed to support effective implementation of open and inclusive public sphere initiatives.ย COMPETENCIESย Interest and motivation in working in an international organization, particularly in programmes that support youth, entrepreneurship, climate action, and inclusive development; Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mindset; Communicates effectively when working both independently and as part of a team, with the ability to engage respectfully, transparently, and constructively with colleagues, partners, and programme participants; Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;ย Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and adaptability, showing humility and openness when engaging with people from diverse cultural, socio-economic, gender, religious, and geographic backgrounds; ย Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view, demonstrating self-awareness, intellectual humility, and a growth mindset; Consistently approaches work with energy, integrity, and a positive, constructive attitude, and is able to instill confidence, optimism, and belief in the people they support, especially those working on complex social and climate challenges.
ย REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONSย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
ย Education: ย Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements: Currently in the final year of a Bachelorโs degree; or Currently enrolled in a Masterโs degree; or Have graduated no longer than 1 year from a bachelorโs or masterโs degree or equivalent studies;
Field of study: International Development, Political Science, Sociology, Law, Communication, Journalism, or other related fields in Social Sciences or Humanities. IT Skills:
Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools; Ability to use basic design tools (e.g. Canva) to support programme communications, presentations, and visual materials;ย Familiarity with simple data management and tracking tools (e.g. spreadsheets, Airtable or similar platforms) is an asset;Language skills:
Excellent command of English, both written and oral required; Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.ย
INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS
UNDP will not pay interns for internship but will provide a stipend in the amount of THB 8,302.50 monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy; all other expenses connected with it will be borne by me or my sponsoring Government or institution; UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship; Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed; Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship; Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan; Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity; Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes; Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.ย
Disclaimer
Non-discriminationย
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
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.
Scam warningย
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates