Background

UNDP operates in more than 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and foster resilience to ensure sustained progress. As the UN's lead development agency, UNDP plays a vital role in supporting countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by helping them design and implement effective policies, build leadership skills, and strengthen institutional and partnership capabilities. To advance its Strategic Plan aligned with the 2030 Agenda, UNDP employs six cross-cutting Signature Solutions, which offer a comprehensive approach to achieving the SDGs. These solutions leverage UNDP's distinct skill sets to address diverse global challenges. In addition, the Stakeholder Response Mechanism provides an important platform for project-affected stakeholders, governments and partners to collaboratively resolve concerns and disputes when project-level engagement does not successfully address issues. Through this mechanism, UNDP aims to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable development outcomes.

Interns may be placed in one of the following teams, depending on the availability of openings:

Climate and Environment Team (CET): Focused on tackling environmental & climate challenges through Natural Resource Management & Innovative Financing, Sustainable Energy, Transport & Waste Management and Climate Change Adaptation & Disaster Risk Reduction. The team partners with government agencies to ensure adherence to international environmental & climate commitments and promote green development.

Inclusive Governance Team (IGT): This team works under the SDG 16 Portfolio, addressing governance reforms, access to justice, social cohesion and inclusive policymaking. IGT engages marginalized communities to ensure their participation in governance and decision-making.

Results and Resources Management Team (RRMT): Responsible for strategic partnerships and effective resource allocation, RRMT ensures that UNDP programs operate in a results-driven and resource-efficient manner.

Strategic Engagement Digital Innovation Team (SEDIT): This team drives digital transformation initiatives at UNDP, fostering innovation through design thinking and collaboration with stakeholders. The Citra Social Innovation Lab is a key platform for implementing innovative approaches to development.

Sustainable Growth Team (SGT): Focused on economic recovery, poverty reduction, and sustainable development, SGT works on research, proposal development and engaging with donors to address Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges, especially post-COVID and economic crisis.

Integrated Services Team (IST): Comprising HR, Finance, Procurement, Administration/Registry and IT services, IST provides the operational and administrative support necessary for the smooth functioning of UNDP. This team ensures that all programs are implemented efficiently by managing essential internal services and resources.

Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Supporting and enhancing the country office’s crosscutting thematic priorities on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities

Post Context:

Interns will work closely with their respective teams under the guidance of supervisors such as Project Managers, Technical Specialists, or Analysts. They will gain practical experience in areas including climate action, governance, digital innovation, economic development, and internal operations. Based primarily at the UNDP office in Colombo, internships may also offer field travel opportunities depending on the nature of the assigned projects.Interns will work closely with their respective teams under the guidance of supervisors such as Project Managers, Technical Specialists, or Analysts. They will gain practical experience in areas including climate action and environmental resilience, governance, digital innovation, economic development, and internal operations. Based primarily at the UNDP office in Colombo, internships may also offer field travel opportunities depending on the nature of the assigned projects.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support in gathering, analyzing and maintaining data for ongoing and upcoming projects. Assist in preparing research documents and reports.
• Assist with daily administrative tasks, including organizing meetings, maintaining project records and supporting the team with documentation processes.
• Contribute to the development and updating of project work plans, timelines and other project-related documentation to ensure smooth implementation.
• Assist in the coordination of workshops, meetings and events, including logistical arrangements, communication with participants and maintaining records of key discussions and outcomes.
• Develop knowledge products including  reports, presentations and briefing materials for internal and external use. Assist in drafting proposals and other project-related documents.
• Engage with team members and external stakeholders, such as government agencies or partners, to ensure effective communication and collaboration on various projects.
• Assist to develop pipeline projects, concept notes and project proposals.
• Monitor and track the progress of assigned projects, collecting feedback and providing updates to the team for evaluation and reporting purposes.
• Support the communication team in preparing content for newsletters, social media platforms and other outreach materials to showcase UNDP’s work and impact.

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail: Able to carefully review work and ensure accuracy in documentation and project tasks.
• Adaptability: Capable of adjusting to changing project requirements and working under tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Problem-solving skills: Ability to identify challenges and propose practical solutions in a proactive manner.
• Effective communication: Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational skills: Excellent at managing time, prioritizing tasks, and balancing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Analytical mindset: Ability to think critically and analyze data to support project goals and decision-making processes.
• Cultural awareness: Understands and respects diverse cultural perspectives and shows sensitivity when working in a multicultural setting.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher).

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

(c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

 (d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.