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.


The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead development agency, operating in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and advance sustainable development. UNDP has been present in Georgia since 1993, supporting the country in building an inclusive, equal, climate-resilient, and peaceful society. As of 2023, Georgia ranks 57th out of 193 countries on the Human Development Index with an HDI value of 0.844, placing it in the very high human development category — though persistent inequalities remain a key challenge.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Georgia works towards sustainable development, focusing on poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, gender equality and environmental sustainability, among others. UNDP Georgia collaborates with the Government of Georgia, civil society, and other partners to address key development challenges, including promoting inclusive growth, the green transition, rural and regional economic development, extension system development, SME growth, and other areas.

UNDP Georgia works across five core programme areas:

  1. Democratic Governance and Institutional Development UNDP's Democratic Governance Programme supports Georgia in building resilient democratic institutions. It promotes decentralisation, gender-responsive policies, social inclusion, the rule of law, and meaningful citizen engagement.
  2. Environment, Energy and Climate Resilience UNDP's Environment & Energy Programme works to integrate environmental and climate priorities into national development, addressing challenges through targeted initiatives in biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, sustainable urban development, waste management, disaster risk reduction, and the circular economy. Through its climate resilience programmes, UNDP is supporting disaster risk reduction across 11 river basins, 46 municipalities, and 100 communities. By combining science, innovation, and inclusive participation, UNDP reaches tens of thousands of people directly and lays the foundations for long-term climate action aligned with Georgia’s national priorities and the Paris Agreement.
  3. Gender Equality Despite progress over recent decades, deep-rooted inequalities persist in Georgia. As of 2025, women hold only 16.8% of parliamentary seats, while nearly 60% of women remain outside the formal labour market. The gender pay gap stands at 20.9% on average as of 2023. UNDP works with development partners to mainstream gender-responsive approaches across all sectors and address structural barriers to women's political and economic participation.
  4. Economic Development UNDP Georgia's Economic Development portfolio works to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth, reducing poverty and creating economic opportunities for all. Key areas of work include rural and regional development, SME support, innovation, digitalisation, and green economic transition, contributing to Georgia's national Sustainable Development Goals and European integration aspirations.
  5. Crisis Prevention and Recovery UNDP's Crisis Prevention & Recovery Programme promotes peaceful conflict transformation while addressing the socio-economic needs of conflict-affected communities. Decades of conflict have left over 295,000 internally displaced persons in Georgia, with more than half of them women. UNDP serves as a trusted impartial partner, providing inclusive recovery support and promoting confidence-building and long-term peacebuilding across communities.

Having interns support UNDP Georgia's work aligns with the organisation's objectives of promoting sustainable development, capacity building, and youth empowerment. It creates a win-win situation in which interns gain valuable experience and skills while contributing to UNDP's mission to advance inclusive and sustainable development in Georgia.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will assist the UNDP Georgia’s projects in continuously implementing ongoing initiatives and interventions.

Specifically, the intern will:
•    Provide background research on relevant issues falling under UNDP Georgia’s projects thematic areas on demand.
•    Support in developing various briefs, slides and reports related to the recent developments in programme implementation across UNDP Georgia's core portfolio areas, including democratic governance, environment and climate resilience, gender equality, economic development, and crisis prevention and recovery.
•    Collect and sort existing studies and official data on regular basis.
•    Support in analytical work (collecting existing analytical documents and developing new ones) related to specific tasks.
•    Provide support in compiling experiences and stories on key thematic areas.
•    Provide support in identifying and developing liaisons with other agencies and organizations aiding and providing services relevant to UNDP Georgia's key thematic areas.
•    Reaching out to government institutions and other relevant organizations in search of information to give support to the project team.
•    Provide technical support in organizing training, events, conferences, and any other project- related activities/initiatives.
•    Draft, edit, and format news, press releases, and blogs.
•    Support the team's knowledge management efforts, including the external website and the intranet.
•    Provide support to UNDP Georgia’s Projects in the monitoring and evaluation process and reporting.
•    Provide support to UNDP Georgia’s Projects in updating stakeholder mailing lists/contact databases 
•    Flag relevant new research and publications.
•    Provide oral and written translations from English into Georgia and vice versa.
•    Other tasks as required by the project.
 

Competencies

Core Competencies:  
•    Demonstrate commitment to UNDP mission, vision, and values.  
•    Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:
•    Ability to think and work logically and work precisely with attention to detail.
•    Ability to write clearly and concisely.
•    The initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.
•    Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
•    An interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP, and to the ideals of the UN Charter.
•    Demonstrated interest in the field of development.
•    Excellent computer knowledge (Microsoft Office applications).
•    Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
 

Qualifications & Requirements

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. At the time of application, UNDP internship applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements:

(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);

(c) 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.

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

As an applicant, you should be able to demonstrate an interest in the field of development and respect the principles of the United Nations Charter and UNDP's mission. The desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with diverse national and cultural backgrounds is an essential part of working in the UN system. You should also be interested in global mobility, as well as adaptability to varied physical and other environments.

Typically, the language requirements are: Applicants should have written and spoken proficiency in English. Fluency in Georgian might also be required in certain cases. 
 

Conditions:

•    Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the following:
o The nominating institution, related institution, or government which may provide the required financial assistance to its students.
o Or the intern.
•    UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
•    Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health before 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 intern's responsibility.
•    Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the internship period; 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.
•    Interns will accrue 1.5 leave days per month.

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 enrolment and graduation date. 
•    Letter of recommendation from a professor (if requested).
•    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).
•    Certificate of Good Health (to be provided upon selection). 
•    Proof of medical insurance (to be provided upon selection).


For applicants who are neither nationals nor residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration, which: 
•    Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment. 
•    This results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country or country of residence.
 

Financial Issues

UNDP is practicing paid internships. If an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme (university, government, foundation or scholarship programme), a stipend will be paid to cover basic expenses, such as meals and transportation.

Further Career Opportunities

The purpose of internships is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but, as mentioned, to complement an intern's studies.

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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