Background
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.
Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP's Strategic Plan. BPPS works closely with UNDP's Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP's development programmes.
HIV and Health Approach
UNDP is a founding cosponsor of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), a partner of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, a signatory of the WHO led SDG3 Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-Being for All, and a co-sponsor of several other international health partnerships. UNDP’s work on HIV, health and development leverages UNDP’s core strengths and mandates in sustainable development, governance, poverty reduction and climate. UNDP delivers support to countries in three areas of HIV and health: reducing the inequalities that drive disease, promoting effective and inclusive governance for health and building resilient and sustainable systems for health. UNDP helps countries to mainstream attention to HIV and health into action on gender, poverty, governance, financing, and the broader effort to achieve and sustain the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP works with partners to address the interactions between governance, human rights, and health responses, especially for those left behind. UNDP also supports countries in effective implementation of complex, multilateral and multisectoral health projects, while simultaneously investing in capacity development so that national and local partners can assume these responsibilities over time. The UNDP/Global Fund partnership is an important part of this work, facilitating access to resources for action on SDG 3 by countries that face constraints in directly receiving and managing such funding. UNDP partners with countries, WHO and other partners in responding to health emergencies and HIV and health dimensions of crisis/post-crisis situations.
As a long-standing partner of the Global Fund, UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services drawing on policy and technical support from other UNDP business units (e.g. data, digital, environment, climate). Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance to Global Fund grants in 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments.
“The Comprehensive Multisectoral Action Framework – Malaria and Sustainable Development” was launched in 2022. With the ethos of ‘try, learn, share’, the Pathfinder Endeavour paves the way for sustainable development with malaria as tracer. Pathfinder is implemented in partnership with RBM Partnership to End Malaria, UNHabitat, and WHO. Pathfinder embraces UNDP’s portfolio approach in collaboration with the UNDP/SIU Team as well as scaling smart health systems in collaboration with the UNDP/SHS Team.
Pathfinder focuses currently on three countries: Cameroon, Madagascar, and Uganda and within each of these, three districts that are left the furthest behind in both SDG achievement and malaria-burden.
80 promising tools have already been identified and drafted, each addressing one of the malaria-critical SDG indicators. Further, a gamification “Halt the Vicious Cycle” has been prepared and used in the tree countries for strategic prioritization. Finally, a guidance note is currently being piloted in three communes (districts) in Cameroon. During the pilot each commune focuses on three quick-wins, one from each of the Pathways: (A) Indivisible SDGs, (B) Five steps to become malaria-smart, and (C) 360o Accountability. It is envisaged that the final Pathfinder Toolbox will contain 80 tools for Pathway A, 80 tools for B, and 50 tools for C as well as a guide for comprehensive systems-based implementation. The Toolbox is planned to be ready for use in Q2-2027.
Objective
Provide support to the Pathfinder Secretariat on a systems-based multisectoral toolbox: search, develop and prepare for use in districts and communities that are left the furthest behind.
Duties and Responsibilities
The intern will undertake the assignments outlined below:
Expected Outputs:
Support to the UNDP-Health Funds and Health Systems / Pathfinder Secretariat:
- Contribute to the Secretariat’s support to UNDP country office in Cameroon during the piloting in the three communes.
- Contribute to the evaluation of the piloting in Cameroon.
- Search, develop, and prepare draft 80 tools for Pathways B and 50 for C.
- Contribute to the Pathfinder guide for comprehensive systems-based implementation.
- Undertake related tasks as assigned by the team
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional:
- Strong track record of research and writing skills;
- Knowledge of international public health, gender and/or human rights;
- Experience with data visualization;
- Editing skills in both English and French are helpful; and
- Expertise in health and development issues.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Degree programme in public health, international relations/development studies or other relevant fields.
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
- Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
Experience:
- Familiarity with the UN system, and/or other international organisations;
- Background in international development, global health, or other relevant field;
- Experience in public Health is an advantage;
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
- Experience with web-based applications, data visualization software, Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook) is required.
Languages:
- Fluency in English and French (written and spoken) is required;
- Knowledge of additional UN official language is an asset.
Reporting:
The intern will report to the Advisor Pathfinder Endeavour for Multisectoral Action on Malaria • HQ/BERA/RO/Geneva.
Only applicants available for six months be considered. Applicants must state their availability.
Conditions of the Internship:
- As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies, if is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme,
- Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
- The intern is 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 are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
- The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship;
- The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract and due recognition of work will be issued in writing.
In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of the following documents:
- Copy of the applicant’s most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
- Letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
- Letter of recommendation from a professor;
- Copy of his/her school transcript;
- Copy of passport;
- Completed UNDP internship application form (to be provided upon selection);
- Signed UNDP Internship Agreement (to be provided upon selection);
- Medical Certificate of Good Health (to be provided upon selection);
- Proof of medical insurance (to be provided upon selection).
Application process:
- In your application, please (i) state in one paragraph why you would like to be considered for the internship, and (ii) indicate your preferred start and end date, as well as your availability timeframe in 2026/27 (6 months).
- Please submit your CV/Resume
Please Note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
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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