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Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

UNDP’s work in Serbia is guided by its Country Programme Document (2021-2025), and the UN-Serbia Development Partnership Framework for 2016-2020, which is in line with the priorities of the Government of Serbia. UNDP assists Serbia to meet its international obligations and requirements for the European Union accession.

UNDP works in partnership with the Government of Serbia, development partners, UN agencies, civil society and local communities to help identify local solutions to meet national and global development challenges. With our expertise we contribute to the development of Serbia by providing support in four key focus areas:
 

·      Inclusive and sustainable growth;

·      Building and strengthening of accountable and representative governance institutions serving people;

·      Low-carbon and climate-resilient development; and

·      Gender Equality and lives free of violence

The purpose of the Internship programme is to provide students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds exposure to development issues and a first-hand experience with the day-to-day working environment of UNDP, either in person or remotely. In that regard, UNDP Serbia is creating a perennial vacancy announcement for Internship positions, with the purpose of soliciting applications from eligible candidates, in order to create a roster of interns.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Project/Portfolio Managers, the interns will be expected to perform the following tasks:

• Provide support in research, analyses and studies conducted within the project/portfolio;  
• Identify national sources of data and as necessary translate data into English;
• Identify regional and international sources of data to compare info on Serbia with countries of the region, EU, and the world;
• Provide operational support to the activities under the project/portfolio, including logistic and administrative support to on-line trainings, workshops, conferences and other events;  
• Provide support to communication activities;
• Attend conferences and events, help with their preparation, ensure invitations sending, logistical organisation, etc.
• Perform any other duties within the scope of the project/portfolio, as required;
• When required facilitate effective communications and information management support and provide executive support to the senior management;
• Provide support to external relations activities. 

Competencies

• Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of project work; 
• Evidence of ability to express ideas clearly;
• Shares knowledge and experience; 
• Focuses on results and responds positively to feedback; 
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; 
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards;
• Full computer literacy;
• Analytical, writing, editing and verbal skills for communicating with broad and diverse stakeholders in Serbian and English;
• Excellent organizational skills. 

Required Skills and Experience

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

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
• 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;
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Language requirement:

Excellent knowledge of written and oral English language is required. Knowledge of Serbian language would be considered an asset. 

Internship Conditions

Status

Interns are not considered as having the status of a staff member. During the internship with UNDP, interns are subject to the Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission (ST/SGB/2002/9). 

Interns must not represent UNDP in any official capacity or commit resources on its behalf. 

Duration

The normal duration of internship is no less than six weeks and no more than six months. Internship assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns.

Medical Insurance

Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.

Expenses

Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office.

Subsequent Employment

There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.

Termination 

The internship can be terminated by either UNDP or the intern for any reason upon giving two weeks’ notice. 

Responsibilities and obligations of the office and the supervisor:

The receiving office and supervisors must create a working environment conducive to interns’ substantive learning and professional development. 

Offices must:

(a) Ensure that an intern’s assignment is at the appropriate level of complexity and variety;

(b) Ensure proper supervision of the intern;

(c) Ensure that the intern is informed of UN’s policy on Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Abuse of Authority and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

(d) Prepare terms of reference describing the tasks of interns in the office; and

(e) Provide constructive feedback to the intern regarding their performance.

The shortlisted applicants will be required to submit the following documentation: 

• Copy of his/her most recent resume or curriculum vitae.
• Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date or copy of diploma if already graduated.
• Copy of his/her school transcript.
• Endorsement letter or letter of reference in English language from a faculty member with University heading, signed and stamped.

The successful candidate will be asked to provide, prior to commencing work, the following documentation:

• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
• Medical Certificate of Good Health.
• Proof of medical insurance valid for Serbia throughout the duration of the Internship.

Applications not in accordance with the mandatory requirements will NOT be considered.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.