Note: This position is based within UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific, the UN Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab, administered by UNOPS. East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO) The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. In 2024, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services. The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself. UN Global Pulse (UNGP) UN Global Pulse is an initiative of the Executive Office of Secretary-General (EOSG) founded in 2009. We work in support of the Secretary-General’s priorities, in advancement of the UN Charter. UN Global Pulse serves as a cross-pillar lead and hub for experimentation and digital innovation. We have a globally distributed team in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The teams work with digital innovation, strategic foresight, real-time data and artificial intelligence to further sustainable development, humanitarian and peace outcomes. Our vision is ‘A world in which responsible and inclusive digital innovation serves to empower people and protect the planet’. Our mission is to work at the intersection of digital innovation and science to inform, inspire and support the entire UN and those it serves, to anticipate and respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow. The goals of the UN Global Pulse Network are: i) to generate knowledge, capabilities and approaches that support the transformation of the United Nations into a more agile and resilient ‘next-generation’ institution; ii) to create and accelerate the development of globally accessible approaches that help communities and partners anticipate and address emerging global challenges; and iii) to advocate for the global transformation of policies, practices and culture required to maximize the impact of digital innovation, minimize its risk of harm, and ensure pathways to scale and sustainability. The UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific, administered by the UNOPS system, is a regional hub that works at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to strengthen the ability of the United Nations and its stakeholders to respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow. As the UN Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab, the hub utilises a set of capabilities on data, innovation, digital expertise, strategic foresight, and behavioural science. Serving the wider Asia Pacific region, the hub is a frontrunner in practising and advocating for inclusive innovation. Drawing on a decade of successes harnessing system design, as well as big data and artificial intelligence for platform development and data analytics, Global Pulse Asia Pacific facilitates co-creation of forward-thinking solutions that inform policy and decision-making. From enhancing humanitarian crisis response, strengthening climate resilience, and improving the decision-making process in digital transformation, the hub will continue to apply innovation to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development agenda for a better future. To achieve its goals, UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific is looking for Interns (multiple positions) to support Data Innovation and Policy Analysis, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning & Knowledge Management, Social Systems Research, and Partnership, advocacy and communications in the Jakarta Office. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to work in one of the designated areas of specialization, with the possibility of rotation across different areas based on organizational needs and supervisory guidance. |
Social Systems Researcher
Data Innovation and Policy Analysis
Strategic Partnerships and Communications
1.Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning & Knowledge Management In 2023, UN Global Pulse adopted Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Knowledge Management (KM) practices as a set of best practices for its portfolio of projects. These practices focus on aligning projects with the organization’s overarching Theory of Change and ensuring systematic processes for monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing. By integrating MEL and KM approaches, the organization seeks to optimize its impact and enhance decision-making processes. The MEL/KM’s objectives include:
Under the supervision of the MEL Senior Analyst, the MEL/KM intern will collaborate with project teams to support the implementation of the organizational MEL framework and plans. The MEL/KM intern will undertake the following duties:
*Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above. |
2.Social Systems Research The Social System work stream of UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific (UNGP-AP) hosts ethnographers, human-centred designers, and urban planners. This work stream is aimed at providing a deeper context to data through an understanding of the behaviour and needs of humans behind those data. The Social Systems researcher will be supporting the Social Systems team in crafting research plans, conducting field work and immersion, synthesising insights, and communicating our projects in a fresh, relevant, and compelling way. It is essential for candidates to excel in writing and storytelling. In this context, the social systems researcher intern has the following objectives:
Under the supervision of the Social Systems Lead or designated staff, the intern will be supporting the Social Systems team in crafting research plans, conducting field work and immersion, synthesising insights, and communicating our projects in a fresh, relevant, and compelling way. It is essential for candidates to excel in writing and storytelling. The intern will contribute through the following tasks:
*Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above. |
3. Data Innovation and Policy Analysis The Data Innovation and Policy team at UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific applies advanced data analytics, digital innovation, and strategic foresight to support evidence-based policy and resilient development pathways. Current flagship initiatives include work on sea level rise (SLR), which poses critical risks to coastal communities, ecosystems, and economic stability, and the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (PMBG), which leverages data-driven decision support systems to strengthen food security and social protection. For sea level rise, the team addresses development challenges in Indonesia and the broader Indo-Pacific region by balancing high-level national strategies with locally relevant insights. Priority areas include:
By scaling successful pilots, integrating multiple data sources, and applying cutting-edge methods, UN Global Pulse AP aims to support Indonesia and Pacific Island nations in building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change. At the same time, the team demonstrates how data innovation can inform national priorities, strengthen policy coherence, and provide transferable lessons for other development sectors. Under the direct supervision of the Data Innovation and Policy Lead, the intern will support the Data Innovation & Policy team with the following tasks aligned to the project management needs of the team:
*Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above. |
4. Strategic Partnerships and Communications Partnerships and communications play a crucial role in enhancing an organization’s visibility and fostering trust with its partners. A strong team in this area contributes significantly to the overall success and impact of the organization. Reporting directly to the Partnership and Advocacy Lead, this internship offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives by supporting effective and timely reporting and communication efforts for the UN Global Pulse office. We’re looking for a passionate and proactive individual eager to learn and grow in a dynamic environment, while making a real difference in global advocacy and partnerships. Under the guidance and supervisor of the Partnership and Advocacy Lead, the intern will:
*Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above. Impact of Results In coordination with the UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific staff, interns will report on progress and assure the timely deliverables of the agreed outputs. Interns are expected to exercise flexibility in the internship regarding the potential of dynamically adapting working arrangements so that the outputs can be delivered.
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Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion. |
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. |
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). |
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. |
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. |
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. |
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. |
Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree or be pursuing an advanced university degree, such as a Masters or a Ph.D., or be a recent graduate from such studies (within the last 3 years).
To be eligible for this particular internship, the candidate should have studied or be studying towards a university degree preferably in: innovation management, administrative studies, international relations, global development studies, social sciences, computer science, information System, information technology or another related discipline.
Experience with monitoring, evaluation and learning processes and knowledge management is an asset.
Experience with futures and foresight related planning, design, experimentation, training, or tools is an asset.
Strong interest in innovation scaling and the role of innovation within a development and/ or humanitarian context is an asset.
Experience in data analysis, visualization, and conducting comprehensive desk reviews is an asset.
Experience in collating and synthesizing evidence-based knowledge is an asset.
Experience in communications content production is an asset.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are desirable.
Strong organizational and project management skills are desirable.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team is desirable.
Fluency in both written and oral English is required.
Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.