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.
 

• Provide coordination and technical support to the implementation of the Business and Human Rights Asia portfolio, including support for programme activities such as multi-stakeholder meetings, workshops and regional events;
• Assist with desk research and background analysis on business and human rights–related issues, policies and developments in Asia, as required to support programme delivery and knowledge products;
• Support coordination with internal teams and external partners to facilitate timely delivery of portfolio activities. 

• Support data collection, consolidation and basic analysis for programme monitoring, reporting and learning purposes;
• Assist in organising, maintaining and updating programme documentation and knowledge management systems, including event outputs, research materials and internal records.
   

Other (25%):

• Provide ad hoc programme support as required, in line with evolving portfolio needs;
• Engage in selected Business and Human Rights Asia portfolio activities, to be identified jointly with the supervisor, taking into account the intern’s learning objectives and areas of interest. 
   

• 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.

• 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.