Background

The UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD) is part of UNDP’s Digital, AI and Innovation (DAI) Hub, which leverages digital, data, and systems innovation to support governments in addressing complex development challenges through more adaptive, inclusive, and forward-looking approaches. The DAI Hub is situated within UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and is led by the UNDP Chief Digital Officer.

Based in Singapore, the Global Centre draws on the country’s strengths in sustainability policy, technology, and innovation, engaging a broad ecosystem of government agencies, private sector actors, academia, and thought leaders. Through this collaboration, the Centre connects policymakers, practitioners, and experts globally to exchange insights and co-create practical solutions that advance sustainable development.

Established in 2019 as a joint initiative of the Government of Singapore and UNDP, the Centre is now entering its 2025–2028 phase, led by a dedicated team that works closely with UNDP Country Offices and partners worldwide. Its core functions include identifying, co-creating, and scaling innovative and technological solutions that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Centre seeks to recruit Interns to deliver the communications and digital engagement strategy of the Centre. The Interns will be given the opportunity to work on assignments that complement their academic studies and connect with the thematic focus of the Centre. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Learning Objectives

This internship at GC-TISD offers a unique opportunity for the intern to engage in a rich learning experience in various areas. Through this role, the intern will gain in-depth insights and hands-on experience in:

• Communications and Engagement: Acquiring skills in developing and delivering communications activity in line with wider organizational objectives, and engaging with a global network of stakeholders.
• Sustainable Development and Technological Innovation: Understanding the intersection of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable development practices.

• Multilateralism and Global Collaboration: Learning about the workings of international cooperation and the role of multilateral organizations in addressing global challenges.

  1	Communications Plan and Strategy Delivery Support: Contribute to the communications strategy and workplan of the Centre; Maintain the calendar of events and social media calendar for LinkedIn, X, Viva Engage, and others; Review and report the metrics for all digital platforms, including the Centre’s website and social media channels; Work with the Centre’s team to plan the communications and outreach activities focused both internally and externally including all online and offline initiatives; Identify, create and manage comms-related systems and processes to ensure consistent delivery of professional and quality communications output; Help establish and maintain the overall brand positioning of the Centre.	30 %
  2	Content Creation and Management Support programme teams to conceptualise and ideate all forms of content, including but not limited to blogs, videos, infographics, newsletters, white papers, reports, thought leadership articles; Develop graphic and visual content on an ongoing basis that follows the UNDP brand guidelines and supports/enhances all communications. Website management and editing	30%
  3	Event Management Support Assist in the planning and delivery of internal and external events the Centre is hosting or participating in (in-person and online); Support in creating and disseminating pre- and post- event related communications materials including invitations, flyers, and posters.	30%
  4	Ad-hoc support to the Centre staff	10%

Competencies

• Commitment to UNDP Values and Cultural Diversity
  • Exhibits a strong commitment to the values of UNDP, consistently upholding these principles in actions and decisions, in alignment with the UN Code of Conduct. Shows an appreciation for the multicultural nature of the organization and its diverse staff, along with an international outlook that values and learns from cultural diversity.
• Effective Communication and Writing Ability
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in writing reports, blogs, and think pieces.
• Research and Analytical Skills
  • Proven knowledge in conducting research and analysing trends and data.
• Organizational and Event Management Capabilities
  • Competence in organizing events, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and adapting to changing environments.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• 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.

Preferred fields of study: Communications, Media, Marketing, International Development, Sustainable Development, Political Science or a related field

Experience:

• Familiarity with producing various communications materials (social media graphics and videos, blogs, human-interest stories, presentations, brochures, etc.);
• In tune with social media trends and developments;
• Knowledge of the international media ecosystem as well as the challenges facing the international development and public sector;
• Comfortable with coordinating events and gatherings with multiple actors including government, civil society, public and private sector.

IT skills:

• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams);
• Knowledge of (data) visualization and analysis tools (e.g.,Canva, PowerBi, etc) is an advantage

Language skills:

• Fluency in English (both spoken and written) is required.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage

Other:

Application: 

Internship candidates are expected to submit the following documents electronically through the UNDP job portal:

• UNDP internship application form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sat1-EmXsj6Die7xCgP3-BrLFuLShrV1/view
• CV (including a short portfolio of graphic design and video productions, if available)
• Two sample posts (one for LinkedIn and one for X) to disseminate a recent report or article from the Centre. The posts should be suitable for the Centre’s social media accounts, and relevant for a global audience of international development, government, and innovation professionals. Below are a number of reports/articles you may want to use for this exercise, but please do feel free to use any other knowledge products produced by the Centre:
  • Leveraging Agrifood Technologies to Reduce Food Loss and Waste: Opportunities and Challenges for LMICs
  • Guide on Innovation for Food Systems Transformation
  • Alternative Proteins in the Development Context: A Grounded Perspective on Emerging Opportunities and Challenges
  • Innovation in Action: A Handbook for Building People-Centric Testbeds
  • Anti-Scam Handbook

Note: UNDP internship application form, CV and original text need to be combined in one PDF document for upload.

V. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for internship but will provide a stipend approximately  859.13 SGD 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.
• Interns must be nationals of the duty station or must have valid residency permit issued by government authorities at the time of their application. 
• UNDP is not in position to support visa application and work permit for the applicants 

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.

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.