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.             
 

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

  • Sustainable development
  • Democratic governance and peacebuilding
  • Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.
 

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

Rapid and continued economic dynamism has translated into growth and reduced poverty levels in several countries in Asia and the Pacific. Greater foreign direct investments and capital movements, accentuated by higher regional mobility, are reasons for further optimism for future regional growth. This progress has often come at the expense of the human rights of minorities, marginalized and disadvantaged and at-risk groups in the interest of investments and financial gains

UNDP’s Rule of Law and Human Rights Team, as part of the Asia Pacific Governance and Peacebuilding Unit of the Bangkok Regional Hub, is currently engaged in promoting the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The UNGPs clarify the duty of states and the responsibility of businesses to uphold international norms and treaties on human rights. These Guiding Principles rest on three pillars: 1) the State’s duty to protect human rights; 2) the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and; 3) the joint-responsibility of both the State and businesses sector to provide access to remedy for victims of business-related abuses. UNDP’s Business and Human Rights Asia Portfolio (2025–2030) provides a regional framework for strengthening responsible business conduct and embedding human rights across fast-changing Asian economies. Building on a decade of experience and established multi-stakeholder platforms, the portfolio supports governments, businesses, civil society, youth, and the media to navigate growing global due-diligence expectations, environmental and digital risks, and evolving trade and investment dynamics. Its work spans policy and regulatory reform, sector-specific human rights due diligence, access to remedy, responsible supply chains, and capacity building for companies, rights holders, and state institutions.

The portfolio delivers this mandate through four interlinked pillars: amplifying state and corporate accountability; expanding inclusive and gender-responsive participation; strengthening rights-holder agency and civic space; and enhancing rights-aligned business systems. These efforts are grounded in practical tools, country-level implementation, and strong regional partnerships across 15 countries.  By 2030, the portfolio aims to help institutionalize responsible business practices across sectors, resulting in stronger governance, safer and more ethical supply chains, empowered communities, and transparent markets that support resilient, sustainable, and equitable economic development across Asia.

The internship will be an excellent opportunity to become familiar with UNDP and the wider UN system, learning more about the different thematic areas of work in the business and human rights field and of the UNDP Business and Human Rights Asia Portfolio, engage with key stakeholders, engage in awareness raising and capacity building events, and support research activities.

The Business and Human Rights in Asia Portfolio intends to hire an intern to support project implementation, which can be found on the UNDP Jobs Portal.
 

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Communications, Outreach and Content Development (50%):

  • Support the development of communication materials that capture programme outputs, results and learning across regional and country-level initiatives, including short briefs, web content, newsletters and digital assets;
  • Assist in tracking and analysing engagement across communication platforms (web, social media, newsletters) and contribute to basic performance reporting to inform outreach strategies;
  • Support coordination of communications across countries and partners, ensuring consistency of messaging and compliance with UNDP and donor branding and editorial standards;
  • Contribute to communication planning and visibility efforts that strengthen external engagement and showcase programme relevance and impact in a timely and strategic manner.
Knowledge Management and Coordination Support (40%):
  • Assist in organizing, maintaining and updating the programme’s knowledge management repository, including tools, guidance materials, event outputs and learning products;
  • Support light data collection and organization related to knowledge use, outreach and dissemination for internal learning and reporting purposes;
  • Provide coordination and logistical support for meetings, workshops and regional activities, including agenda preparation, background materials and stakeholder coordination, as required;
  • Support selected regional communities of practice and internal coordination mechanisms linked to business and human rights, and overall governance, rule of law and human rights programming. 

Other (10%):

  • Participate in team meetings and brainstorming sessions to provide input on strategy and content creation;
  • Support any other relevant tasks as identified by the supervisor and the Business and Human Rights Asia team.
     
COMPETENCIES 
  • Demonstrated interest in international development and business and human rights, with motivation to contribute to programme implementation and learning;
  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines;
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural team environment, as well as independently with appropriate guidance;
  • Sound judgement, professionalism and reliability in handling information and supporting programme activities;
  • Sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, national and age diversity, in line with UN values;
  • Openness to feedback, learning and continuous improvement, with a constructive and proactive approach to work.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS             
 
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 from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: Communication, Journalism, International Development, International Relations, Sociology, or other related fields in Social Sciences or Humanities.  

Technical and Digital Skills:
  • Demonstrated experience or strong aptitude in social media content creation and digital communications, including drafting posts, captions and short-form content for professional or institutional audiences;
  •  Familiarity with managing or contributing to social media platforms, including an understanding of audience engagement and platform norms;
  • Experience or working knowledge of basic social media analytics and digital performance tracking, such as engagement metrics, reach, impressions and audience growth;
  • Ability to work with content management systems, shared digital repositories or websites to upload, organise and update content;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); experience with collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Teams, Google Workspace) is an asset;
  • Familiarity with visual or digital design tools is an asset. 

Language skills:

  • English is required;
  • Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Additional Application Requirements

  •  Applicants are requested to share links to relevant digital or social media work, such as a professional social media profile, blog, online portfolio, campaign page, or samples of content they have produced (e.g. posts, visuals, short videos, newsletters or web content). These may include academic, professional or personal projects;
  • As part of the application, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short written or practical exercise designed to assess creativity, storytelling skills and digital communication judgement.
    The exercise may involve proposing or drafting sample social media or digital content linked to UNDP programme themes, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to communicate complex issues clearly, responsibly and engagingly for diverse audiences
     

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

  • UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as reference, the stipend for 2025 is set at THB 8,302.50 per month; the stipend amount for 2026 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with it will be borne by the intern or the 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.
     

Disclaimer

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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