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 knowledge-frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN development system and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, regional and country levels offers a spectrum from deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in its Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in UNDP’s Strategic Plan.
Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is responsible for developing policies and guidance to support delivery of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BPPS staff provide technical advice to Country Offices; advocate UNDP corporate messages; represent UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora (public-private, government and civil society dialogues); and engage in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas.

The Nature Hub promotes and scales up integrated whole-of-government approaches towards nature-positive development that reduces poverty and inequalities, strengthens livelihoods and inclusive growth, mitigates conflict, forced migration and displacement, and promotes more resilient governance systems that advance linked peace and security agendas. We work with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to integrate natural capital, environment, and climate action into national and sector planning and policies; support country obligations under Multilateral Environmental Agreements; and implement an extensive portfolio of in-country programming on nature, which includes a priority focus on ocean governance and finance.

With this platform, the Nature Hub delivers Blue Resilience to support coordinated responses to fisheries-related organized crime.

The UNDP global Blue Resilience project is sponsored by the Norwegian government through the Blue Justice Initiative (BJI) in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. The BJI responds to the need to cooperate and build capacity to address transnational organized crime in the global fishing industry specifically by supporting developing countries to implement measures to this end in operationalizing the Copenhagen Declaration on Transnational Organized Crime in the Global Fishing Industry. 

The Blue Resilience project provides knowledge-driven capacity and technical support to national partners to strengthen inter-agency cooperation towards effective governance responses to address organized crime in the fisheries sector. It is a three-phase project and is currently in the final 5-year third phase.

The Blue Justice Community User Gathering (User Gathering) is an annual event facilitated by UNDP Blue Resilience. It brings together global government operational experts who are registered users on the secure digital platform (Blue Justice Community) that offers vessel tracking tools and analysis and is administered by UNDP Blue Resilience. The User Gathering facilitates knowledge-exchange and hands-on training via a case-based scenario Table-Top Exercise (TTX) to strengthen international collaboration in addressing fisheries crime and securing a fair and sustainable blue economy.

The 2026 User Gathering will take place in November (date TBC) in UN City, Copenhagen.

UNDP is looking for an intern to support the Blue Resilience project in organizing and coordinating the 2026 User Gathering. The assignment will require travel to support on-site event activities. Due to budgetary limitations for travel, preference may be given to candidates based in countries with minimal travel costs to the event location.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support in organizing the User Gathering (50%)

  • Participate in planning meetings internally and draft and distribute meeting minutes;
  • Organize regular planning meetings with donors, including scheduling, agenda drafting, and drafting and distributing meeting minutes;
  • Support engagement and coordination with donors on planning User Gathering;
  • Participate in development of User Gathering concept note, invitations, funding letters and logistics note.
  • Participate and support with the development of the User Gathering Programme and agenda. 
  • Distribute relevant material to all participants and stakeholders;
  • Manage and maintain registration list of participants and stakeholders;
  • Distribute logistics note to all participants and stakeholders;
  • Manage and maintain relevant documents in a shared repository;
  • Respond to participant and stakeholder queries and support regular interactions with participants and stakeholders.
  • Support with travel arrangements for participants
  • Manage contact with stakeholders in UN City, such as canteen, technical team etc.

Support logistics and administration during the User Gathering (10%)

  • Support User Gathering participants including registration, guiding them through security (UN city) and be on stand-by for any support needed throughout the gathering. 
  • Support on communications and social media in coordination with the Nature Hub Communications lead in lead-up and during User Gathering
  • Note taking during User Gathering 
  • Liaise with stakeholders in UN City (canteen, technical team, common services 

Support post User Gathering (20%)

  • Participant in drafting User Gathering report 
  • Participate in drafting thank you note and distributing to participants and stakeholders

General Project Support (20%)

  • Provide support in relation to the Blue Justice Community.
  • Support drafting of communications material (So-Me)
  • Ensure project activity tracker is up to date (update weekly basis). 
  • Ad-hoc project support 
Competencies
  • Achieve Results - LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
  • Think Innovatively - LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
  • Learn Continuously - LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
  • Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
  • Act with Determination     - LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in the face of adversity, confident
  • Engage and Partner - LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 
Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in fields such as environmental management, environmental policy, sustainability management, sustainable development, environmental economics, international relations, communications or related fields;
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as environmental management, environmental policy, sustainability management, sustainable development, environmental economics, international relations, communications or related fields.
  • Have graduated with a university degree (as defined 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.
Experience:
  • Excellent organizing skills, coupled with experience working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve goals is required, along with analytical skills, including report writing experience. 
  • Strong interest in, and knowledge of, maritime issues, international relations and the work of international organization is an advantage. 
  • Experience developing social media materials is an advantage;
  • Experience in programme management support and coordination among multiple stakeholders is an advantage; 
  • Knowledge in the preparation of webinar and (virtual) workshops with experience in using Zoom, MS Teams and other tools is an asset.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English is required.
Internship Conditions

Applicants should become familiar with the internship conditions prior to signing an internship agreement. For information visit www.undp.org/internships/

Institutional Arrangements
The intern will report to the Blue Resilience Project Manager.

Financial aspects, expenses and medical benefits
•    UNDP will not pay for the internship but may provide a stipend in monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy;
•    UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance for the intern or for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness during the internship period. Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self certification 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.
•    UNDP is not responsible for any claims by an intern or third party in the case of loss or damage to property or death or personal injury as a result of actions or omissions on the part of the intern during the internship period.

Working conditions:
•    When completing an in-person internship in a UNDP Office, interns must be provided with the workspace and equipment necessary to accomplish the activities related to the internship.
•    When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and workspace.

Subsequent Employment
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.  Interns cannot apply for, or be appointed to, any position during the period of their internship.

Important note:
•    Interns are considered as gratis personnel. They are not staff members.
•    Interns may not be sought or accepted as substitutes for staff to be recruited against authorized posts.
•    Interns may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

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. 

 
Scam warning

 
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.