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) operates in over 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion. It supports countries in developing policies, strengthening leadership and institutional capacities, fostering partnerships, and building resilience to sustain long-term development results.

UNDP has been present in Sri Lanka for over 55 years, supporting the country’s progress towards sustainable human development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, guided by the Country Programme (2023–2027). The organization collaborates closely with the Government, civil society, private sector, and communities to identify development priorities and implement effective, inclusive solutions to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interns recruited under this programme will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of thematic and operational areas within UNDP Sri Lanka. Depending on organizational priorities and the availability of openings at the time of recruitment, interns may be assigned to different teams where they can contribute to ongoing projects, support programme delivery, and build practical skills in a professional development setting. These placements are designed to provide exposure to UNDP’s multidisciplinary approach while allowing interns to meaningfully engage with development initiatives. The teams include:

Climate and Environment Team (CET): Focused on tackling environmental & climate challenges through Natural Resource Management & Innovative Financing, Sustainable Energy, Transport & Waste Management and Climate Change Adaptation & Disaster Risk Reduction. The team partners with government agencies to ensure adherence to international environmental & climate commitments and promote green development.

Inclusive Governance Team (IGT): This teams works under UNDP Sri Lanka’s Portfolio on SDG16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, bringing together inclusive governance and peacebuilding work under one umbrella. The Portfolio aims to advance governance reforms and address challenges related to access to justice, enabling strong and efficient institutions, social cohesion, and inclusive policymaking. 

Strategic Engagement Digital Innovation Team (SEDIT): This team supports the Country Office’s work on strategic communications, partnerships, and the integration of digital and innovation practices to accelerate sustainable development. Anchored in UNDP’s commitment to systems transformation and future-oriented development, the team works across portfolios to position UNDP as a trusted thought leader and partner of choice.

Sustainable Growth Team (SGT): Focused on economic recovery, poverty reduction, and sustainable development, the Sustainable Growth Team works on research, proposal development, and donor engagement to address Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges. The team supports recovery and resilience-building in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis, and post-Ditwah context, while promoting economic justice for women. Integrated Services Team (IST): Comprising HR, Finance, Procurement, Administration/Registry and IT services, IST provides the operational and administrative support necessary for the smooth functioning of UNDP. This team ensures that all programs are implemented efficiently by managing essential internal services and resources.

Results and Resources Management Team (RRMT): Responsible for strategic partnerships and effective resource allocation, RRMT ensures that UNDP programs operate in a results-driven and resource-efficient manner.

Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDSI): UNDP Sri Lanka has been awarded the Corporate Gold Seal in recognition of its strong commitment to inclusion. This cross-cutting team supports the Country Office’s thematic priorities on Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion by mainstreaming and integrating GEDSI-focused approaches across all UNDP teams and programme areas. 

Post Context: 

Interns will work closely with their respective teams under the guidance of supervisors such as Project Managers, Technical Specialists, or Analysts. They will gain practical experience in areas including climate action and environmental resilience, governance, digital innovation, communications, economic development, gender and inclusion, as well as internal operations. Based primarily at the UNDP office in Colombo, internships may also offer field travel opportunities depending on the nature of the assigned projects.


 
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Support in gathering, analyzing and maintaining data for ongoing and upcoming projects. Assist in preparing research documents and reports.
  • Assist with daily administrative tasks, including organizing meetings, maintaining project records and supporting the team with documentation processes.
  • Contribute to the development and updating of project work plans, timelines and other project-related documentation to ensure smooth implementation.
  • Assist in the coordination of workshops, meetings and events, including logistical arrangements, communication with participants and maintaining records of key discussions and outcomes.
  • Develop knowledge products including  reports, presentations and briefing materials for internal and external use. Assist in drafting proposals and other project-related documents.
  • Engage with team members and external stakeholders, such as government agencies or partners, to ensure effective communication and collaboration on various projects.
  • Assist to develop pipeline projects, concept notes and project proposals.
  • Monitor and track the progress of assigned projects, collecting feedback and providing updates to the team for evaluation and reporting purposes.
  • Support the communication team in preparing content for newsletters, social media platforms and other outreach materials to showcase UNDP’s work and impact.

 
Competencies
  • Strong attention to detail: Able to carefully review work and ensure accuracy in documentation and project tasks.
  • Adaptability: Capable of adjusting to changing project requirements and working under tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
  • Problem-solving skills: Ability to identify challenges and propose practical solutions in a proactive manner.
  • Effective communication: Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
  • Organizational skills: Excellent at managing time, prioritizing tasks, and balancing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
  • Analytical mindset: Ability to think critically and analyze data to support project goals and decision-making processes.
  • Cultural awareness: Understands and respects diverse cultural perspectives and shows sensitivity when working in a multicultural setting.
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
  • Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
  • Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) 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.

Family Relationship

  • A person who is the child or sibling of an UNDP staff member is not eligible to apply for an internship at UNDP. An applicant who bears any other family relationship with a UNDP staff member may be engaged as an intern, provided that they must neither be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor be placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member. 

Medical Insurance

  • Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate 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.

Stipends, insurance and interns’ expenses 

  • Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of: (a) The nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or (b) The intern.
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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