Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so that countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s global development network, UNDP supports countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through integrated policy advice, capacity development, and partnerships.
The UNDP Resilience Hub for Africa, based in Nairobi, serves as a regional platform providing strategic advisory support, programme design expertise, and knowledge services to UNDP Country Offices and regional partners across Africa. The Hub works across fragile and frontier regions to address complex and multidimensional risks including conflict, climate change, governance deficits, displacement, and economic vulnerability.
Within this framework, governance and peacebuilding are central pillars of UNDP’s work to strengthen inclusive institutions, social cohesion, and conflict prevention mechanisms, particularly in regions affected by fragility and instability.
The Horn of Africa continues to face overlapping governance, security, and development challenges, including political transitions, cross-border mobility, climate stress, resource competition, and conflict risks. Addressing these dynamics requires integrated approaches that strengthen governance systems, promote inclusive political processes, and support peacebuilding and stabilization efforts.
The Governance and Peacebuilding Intern will support the work of the Resilience Hub in advancing analytical work, programme design, and knowledge development related to governance and peacebuilding initiatives in the Horn of Africa.
The objective of this internship is to support the Governance and Peacebuilding portfolio of the Resilience Hub for Africa in strengthening policy analysis, programme development, and knowledge management related to governance, conflict prevention, and social cohesion in the Horn of Africa.
The internship provides an opportunity to contribute to UNDP’s efforts to advance inclusive governance, conflict prevention, and resilience programming while gaining practical experience in development policy and programme implementation.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Director, Resilience Hub for Africa, the intern will support the Governance and Peacebuilding portfolio through the following activities.
1. Research and Policy Analysis
- Conduct desk research and analytical reviews on governance, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
- Support analysis on thematic areas including:
- Inclusive governance and institutional reform
- conflict prevention and mediation
- Social cohesion and reconciliation
- Cross-border governance and regional cooperation
- community resilience and stabilization.
- Contribute to background papers, analytical briefs, and policy notes supporting UNDP programming and regional dialogue.
2. Programme Development and Technical Support
- Support the preparation of concept notes, programme documents, and analytical inputs for governance and peacebuilding initiatives.
- Assist in identifying programmatic entry points for strengthening governance systems and peacebuilding mechanisms in the Horn of Africa.
- Contribute to drafting briefing notes, presentations, and programme summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
3. Knowledge Management and Documentation
- Assist in documenting programme experiences, lessons learned, and good practices related to governance and peacebuilding programming.
- Contribute to the preparation of knowledge products including policy briefs, case studies, and analytical reports.
- Support the maintenance of internal knowledge resources and documentation related to governance and peacebuilding initiatives.
4. Monitoring, Data and Analytical Support
- Assist in compiling and analysing governance-related data and indicators, including indicators related to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
- Support the preparation of monitoring inputs and analytical summaries related to programme implementation.
- Contribute to documenting programme results and progress.
5. Stakeholder Engagement Support
- Assist in mapping governance and peacebuilding stakeholders in the Horn of Africa.
- Support preparation of materials for meetings, consultations, and workshops.
- Participate in internal coordination meetings and assist in preparing meeting summaries and follow-up actions.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
- Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Positive and results-oriented attitude.
Technical Competencies
- Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation.
- Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mindset.
- Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently.
- Good at organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities.
- Excellent computer skill (Microsoft Office and software applications).
Other competencies and attitudes
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment and beliefs/backgrounds.
- Respond positively to feedback and differing points of view.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Applicants at the time of application, must meet one of the following:
Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) OR be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent); OR recently graduated with a first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent), in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Governance and Public Policy, Law or related disciplines is required and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
Experience:
- Demonstrated interest in governance, peacebuilding, or development policy.
- Experience in research, policy analysis, or academic writing is desirable.
- Familiarity with governance and conflict dynamics in Africa is an advantage
Language Requirements:
- Written and spoken proficiency in English
- Any Other UN Language would be an asset.
Work Arrangement:
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Status:
Interns are considered gratis personnel and are not staff members.
They must not be used to replace staff or represent UNDP in any official capacity. -
Third-party Claims:
UNDP is not responsible for any claims arising from the intern's actions during the internship.
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Other:
UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Individuals from marginalized or underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
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.