Background

The Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) is responsible for UNDP’s external relations and advocacy functions. BERA leads and supports the organization in building and nurturing strategic relationships and alliances essential for successfully achieving the mission of UNDP. These relationships include a range of constituencies and development partners, related to resource mobilization and donor relations, intergovernmental affairs with member states, multilateral institutions, IFIs, the European Commission, private sector, foundations, UN system entities and UN inter-governmental bodies.

BERA is positioned around three service lines, moving towards an audience orientation, namely, Public Partners Partnerships, Marketing and Communications, and Private and Finance partners, each guided by the Directorate and supported by the Management Support and Strategy and Analytics Teams. BERA has a network of Regional External Relations Teams in five hubs co-led with Regional Bureaux and Representation Offices in Europe, Japan, Qatar, the US, namely, Bonn, Brussels, Copenhagen, Doha, Geneva, Tokyo and Washington D.C., which manage and strengthen relationships with Public and Private Partners in country and help build a strong brand for UNDP within the local ecosystem including UN partnerships.

The Partnerships Group (PG) leads UNDP’s corporate approach to external relations, advocating its brand and value as a global authority on sustainable development and a trusted partner for delivering the SDGs. PG facilitates engagement with partners in line with the UNDP Strategic Plan, coordinates strategic and multi-stakeholder partnerships, and advises on strategies, intelligence gathering, and donor engagement. It provides guidance on UN system-wide coherence, represents UNDP in intergovernmental fora, and cultivates relationships with member states for positioning and fundraising, while monitoring funding performance and supporting engagement with international financial institutions and civil society organizations. The Group consists of six teams: UN System Affairs, Partnerships Portfolio Management, Performance and Analysis Portfolio, Partnerships with Philanthropy, New Strategic Partnerships and Japan Unit.

Japan Unit is committed to strengthening partnerships with Japan (the public and private sectors and civil society organizations in Japan) by playing a coordination and facilitation role within UNDP and between UNDP and Japan. Japan Unit, with close collaboration with the UNDP Representative Office in Tokyo, undertakes a wide range of activities including strategic management of Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB) and Grant Assistance-funded programmes, coordination with the Government of Japan, and facilitation of partnerships with Japanese private sector actors, including in areas such as sustainable supply chains, responsible business conduct, and innovation. Japan Unit also strengthens multi-bi cooperation with Japanese development partners (mainly the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)).
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Japan Unit staff, the intern’s main output would be to assist in compilation process of proposal submission from UNDP regional hubs and country offices for the Japan-funded projects. The intern will also assist analytical work and visualization of Japan’s funding trend, as well as meeting logistics and other activities to be undertaken by the Unit. The intern will support other BERA partnership group activities, if required, in addition to other tasks with prior consultation with and approval by the supervisor.

1. Operational and analytical support

（A） Support for Japan-funded projects.

• Assist in screening, consolidation, and quality control of project proposals submitted by UNDP Regional Bureaux and Country Offices for Japan-funded projects.
• Support preparation, review, and tracking of official submissions to the Government of Japan, including:
  • Project proposals and revisions
  • Financial Agreements, refund documentation, and confirmation of receipts
  • Progress, final, and financial reports
• Assist in internal coordination with BERA, BPPS, BMS, and Regional Bureaux on Japan-funded projects.

（B） Policy analysis and formulation support

• Conduct policy and funding analysis on Japan’s ODA instruments, with particular attention to:
  • Japan-funded projects
  • Alignment with Japan’s foreign, economic security, and sustainability priorities
• Prepare briefing notes, analytical memos, and background papers for internal use and senior-level engagement with Japanese counterparts.

（C） Partnership with Japanese private sector

• Support research and stakeholder mapping of Japanese private sector actors relevant to UNDP programmes, including:
  • Sustainable supply chains
  • Climate, GX, and responsible business practices
  • Innovation and technology partnerships
• Assist in preparing materials related to procurement engagement, public–private partnerships, and corporate outreach, including presentations and briefing notes.
• Any other tasks assigned by the supervisor

2. Data compilation and communication

• Maintain and update databases on Japan-funded projects (JSB / Grant Assistance).
• Support preparation of data-driven visual materials (PowerPoint / Excel / Power BI) for donor reporting and internal decision-making.
• Assist in drafting and translating (EN/JP) official correspondence, briefs, and communication materials related to Japan partnerships.

The intern is also expected to learn about Japan’s ODA funding schemes to the various partnerships between UNDP and Japan.

Outputs/Deliverables/Reporting Requirements

• Analytical notes and briefing materials on Japan Supplementary Budget, Grant Assistance, and private sector engagement prepared.
• High-quality policy-oriented background notes supporting senior-level engagement with the Government of Japan.
• Consolidated and well-documented submissions to the Government of Japan completed in a timely manner.
• Data visualization and donor-facing materials on Japan-funded portfolios produced.

Competencies

1. Interest in Japan’s ODA, work of the UN (of UNDP in particular) and a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter
2. Demonstrated understanding of Japan’s foreign economic policy, ODA architecture, and public–private partnership approaches.
3. Strong policy research, drafting, and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for senior audiences.
4. Prior exposure to government institutions, economic diplomacy, or international negotiations is a strong asset.
5. Energetic self-starter with multi-tasking abilities and discipline with deadlines
6. Ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views
7. Ability to work with MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, and Zoom
8. Experience with online analytical tools, including Microsoft Power BI is desirable
9. Fluency in Japanese and English necessary (both languages are must)

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

1. Education: Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following 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. Candidate is also preferred to have been enrolled in a Master’s level program in international affairs, development, public policy, economics, business administration or related fields. Background or knowledge of SDG implementation and ESG frameworks is highly desirable.

Experience:

1. Prior experience in government, think tanks, international organizations, or policy research institutions is a strong asset.
2. Experience related to trade, economic security, sustainability policy, or private sector engagement is highly desirable.

Language:

1. Fluency in English and Japanese (both written and oral). Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

UNDP may accept interns provided the following conditions are met:

• Interns may be given a modest monthly stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme.
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or a third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend. 
• All other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government, or institution.
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
• The intern is 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 are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• Expected to be available part-time at least for 1.5 months. Office space is available as needed.
• The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract and due recognition of work will be issued in writing.

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of the following documents upon selection:

• 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.
• Copy of her/his school transcript.
• Copy of passport.
• Completed UNDP internship application form.
• Signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
• Medical Certificate of Good Health.
• Proof of medical insurance.
• A copy of US Visa if the intern is not a US Citizen (only if candidate is currently based in the US and office-based

Subsequent Employment:

• 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.

For more information on UNDP Internship, please visit: https://popp.undp.org/policy-page/internship

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.