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 UNDP Economic Lab is UNDP’s analytical and modelling unit supporting the Government of Mauritius and Seychelles in areas such as macroeconomic policy, SDG-aligned planning, fiscal analysis, competitiveness, investment, and national development strategies (including Vision 2050 and NDP10). The Lab produces economic diagnostics, modelling, foresight analysis, and evidence-based policy recommendations to support national decision making.

 
Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UNDP National Economist, the intern will support analytical and technical work in one or more of the following areas:
A. Economic Research and Policy Analysis
• Conduct literature reviews, data extraction, and evidence mapping for economic policy papers;
• Support analysis on topics including: 

  • SDG financing and alignment, fiscal policy, expenditure efficiency, performance-based budgeting, and medium-term frameworks;
  • Competitiveness, productivity, private-sector and SME dynamics, labour market trends, value-chain and sector diagnostics;
  • Public investment assessment, capital expenditure efficiency, infrastructure appraisal, and cost–benefit/effectiveness analysis;
  • Digital economy readiness, innovation ecosystems, data governance, AI and emerging technologies;
  • Trade performance, market access, AfCFTA opportunities, SIDS export vulnerabilities, and diversification strategies;
  • Climate economics, green transition financing, economic resilience, and inputs to national development planning.

B. Data Analytics and Modelling

  • Clean, organise, and analyse datasets using Stata/R/Python;
  • Assist in building dashboards, simulation models, and forecasting tools;
  • Support development of micro–macro linkages for policy simulations.

C. National Development Planning Support

  • Assist in drafting analytical inputs for:

    - Vision 2050 development;

    - 10-Year National Development Plan (NDP10);

    - Government Programme monitoring;

    - Sectoral transformation strategies.


D. Reporting and Knowledge Management 
  • Prepare policy notes, slide decks, briefs, and technical annexes;
  • Summarise consultation meetings and stakeholder inputs;
  • Support coordination and documentation of workshops, foresight sessions, and modelling trainings.

E. Innovation and Foresight

  • Contribute to scanning of emerging trends (AI, climate tech, future of work);
  • Support scenario-building and horizon-scanning exercises;
  • Assist in developing new analytical tools for the Economic Lab.
Competencies

Core Competencies
  • Strong analytical mindset;
  • Ability to interpret data and evidence;
  • Intellectual curiosity and attention to detail;
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines;
  • Strong writing skills.
Technical Competencies
  • Understanding of economic theory, development economics, or public policy;
  • Experience with Stata, R, or Python (advantage);
  • Familiarity with SDGs, climate economics, or SIDS development issues (asset);
  • Ability to prepare clear graphs, charts, and documents.   
     
RESULTS/EXPECTED OUTPUT
  • Research notes and datasets cleaned for use in modelling;
  • Draft sections of economic reports, SDG briefs, or policy papers;
  • Dashboards, charts, or analytical visualisations;
  • Summaries of stakeholder engagements or workshops;
  • A final internship report outlining contributions. 
Required Skills and Experience
Education

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
a) enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in Economics, Social sciences/ Humanities, International development, Project management or Public, Business administration or a related subject;

b) enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Social sciences/ Humanities, International development, Project management or Public, Business administration or a related subject;

c) enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program in Economics, Social sciences/ Humanities, International development, Project management or Public, Business administration or a related subject and undertake the internship as part of this program;

d) have recently graduated with a university degree (a master’s or bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Social sciences/ Humanities, International development, Project management or Public, Business administration or a related subject and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience
  • Demonstrated experience in academic research;
  • Demonstrated experience in data analysis;
  • Relevance of academic background;
  • Analytical writing and reporting skills;
  • Motivation and interest in development work

Language
The working languages of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mauritius are English and French. High level written and oral English language skills are a pre-requisite; fluency in spoken and written French is highly desirable, as well as fluency in spoken Mauritian Creole is desirable.
 

SUPERVISION
UNDP Mauritius is seeking to engage one intern to support the Economic Lab.
The intern will be under the direct supervision and guidance of the UNDP National Economist.
 

WHAT THE INTERNSHIP OFFERS

  • Opportunity to work directly on national policy, economic transformation agendas, and high-level government processes;
  • Exposure to UNDP methodologies, SDG alignment tools, foresight approaches, and international development practices;
  • Mentorship from UNDP’s National Economist and cross-team learning with different portfolios;
  • Real contributions to flagship projects: Economic Lab modelling, Vision 2050, NDP10, and SDG budgeting.

UNDP TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR INTERNSHIP

  • UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend, with the rate that varies depending on the duty location. The stipend will be paid monthly.
  • Except for the stipend, all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern.
  • The intern must provide proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of the internship;
  • Interns are not staff and therefore, are not covered by UN Staff Regulations and Rules;
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
  • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
  • Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The application should be submitted via this website and should contain:
a) Cover Letter that describes the candidate’s motivation for applying for the position;
b) Curriculum Vitae (CV)
 

Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload a maximum of one document.
 

The Selected Candidate will be required to provide the Following Additional Documents:

  • Medical Certificate of good health from a recognized physician;
  • Proof of health insurance coverage valid for the duration of the internship;
  • Official letter from the University confirming enrollment in a degree program, specifying the subject and level of the program and expected graduation date, or Diploma if the intern has graduated within the last year;
  • Copy of current school Transcript if enrolled in school, or transcript from most recently completed year.
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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