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.


UNDP Armenia supports the Government of Armenia in advancing integrated solutions for sustainable development, including through strengthening environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable finance. In this context, UNDP is supporting the implementation of the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), a GEF-8 global umbrella programme that helps countries assess biodiversity finance needs, review existing expenditures and policies, and develop practical financing solutions to support national biodiversity priorities.

As part of this effort, UNDP is also supporting the development of Biodiversity Budget Tagging (BBT) in Armenia, aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to identify, track, and better align public expenditures contributing to biodiversity-related objectives within the national public financial management system.

This work takes on particular strategic relevance as Armenia prepares to host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), a major global platform expected to bring together governments, international organizations, experts, financial institutions, private sector representatives, and civil society to accelerate implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and strengthen biodiversity action worldwide. In this context, UNDP Armenia is actively supporting strategic engagement, knowledge development, stakeholder coordination, and communication efforts related to biodiversity finance and broader biodiversity policy discussions.

To support this growing body of work, UNDP is looking for a motivated, and enthusiastic intern who could contribute to research, analysis, organizational coordination, communications, and programme support functions across the BIOFIN and BBT portfolios, with particular attention to upcoming COP17-related priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will support the BIOFIN and Biodiversity Budget Tagging (BBT) teams across the following key areas:

  • Research and analytical support for strategic documents, policy materials, and knowledge products; 
  • Support with COP17-related organizational coordination, and event preparation; 
  • Communications and visibility support related to biodiversity finance and project activities; 

1. Research and analytical support for strategic documents and materials

The intern will support research and analytical activities related to biodiversity finance, public finance, biodiversity policy, and sustainable development, including:

  • Conduct background analysis on topics related to biodiversity finance, biodiversity policy, sustainable finance, public expenditure tracking, and related thematic areas; 
  • Support the preparation of briefing notes, concept notes, presentations, talking points, other materials; 
  • Support research on international good practices, innovative financing mechanisms, private sector engagement approaches, and biodiversity-related public finance tools; 

2. Support with BIOFIN-related coordination and stakeholder engagement

The intern will support organizational efforts related to BIOFIN-related event preparations, including:

  • Support preparation of meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities; 
  • Assist with preparation of background materials, meeting notes, and event documentation; 
  • Assist in tracking action points, timelines, and preparatory tasks related to biodiversity finance engagement processes; 
  • Provide logistical support for relevant events, consultations, and engagement activities. 
3. Communications and visibility support

The intern will support communication and visibility efforts related to project implementation and biodiversity finance engagement, including:

  • Support drafting of communication content, event summaries, speaking points, key messages, short articles, presentations, and visibility materials; 
  • Support internal and external communication efforts related to project milestones, stakeholder engagement, and biodiversity finance initiatives; 
  • Contribute to development of communication products that support knowledge sharing and awareness raising. 
 Institutional Arrangements

The intern will report to the UNDP BIOFIN Project Coordinator.


Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

a)  Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in fields such as Environmental Studies, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecology, Economics, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sustainable Finance, International Development, International Relations, Communications, Political Science, or other related disciplines; 

b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above disciplines; 

c) 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; 

d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme. 

Experience:
  • Volunteer, academic, or internship experience in research, policy analysis, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, event organization, or international development-related activities is desirable;
  • Demonstrated interest in and familiarity with biodiversity, sustainable development, public finance, environmental governance, climate policy, or related thematic areas is an advantage
  • Experience working with or engaging diverse stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, civil society, academia, financial actors, or private sector entities, is an advantage;
  • Knowledge of, and/or prior experience within, the UN system or other international development organizations is considered an advantage.

Language requirements

  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English language is required; 

Competencies

Corporate:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
  • Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Technical:

  • Background in research and analysis with a focus on sustainable energy for development. 

Functional Competencies:

  • Ability to think and work logically and work precisely with attention to detail.
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely.
  • The initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.
  • An interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP, and to the ideals of the UN Charter.
  • Demonstrated interest in the field of development.
  • Excellent computer knowledge (Microsoft Office applications).
  • Excellent interactive and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; 
  • Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team and process.

Conditions

Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a University, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office. 

Where an intern is engaged remotely and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a remote stipend intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, will be paid by the receiving office.

The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.

Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.  No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement, except for any reimbursements made to an intern under paragraph 33 of  UNDP Internship Policy.

Interns will accrue combined sick and annual leave at the rate of 1 ½ days per month, which will be prorated to the nearest half day for part-time internships. Any accrued leave days not used by the end of the internship will be forfeited. Any unjustified absences during the internship period exceeding a total of nine days or as prorated for part-time internships, will be deducted from the monthly stipend.

Interns’ expenses and insurance

1. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:

a) The sponsoring institution, related institution or Government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or

b) The intern.

2. 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. 

3. Selected candidates for in-person internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For interns that are neither nationals nor residents of the duty station of the internship, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

a) Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;

b) Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

4. UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. 

Third-party claims

UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.

Subsequent Employment 

•    Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the internship period; Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
•    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.
•    The intern will be evaluated at the end of the contract, and due recognition of work will be issued in writing.
•    Interns will accrue 1.5 leave days per month.

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of the following documents: 
•    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 (if requested).
•    Copy of his/her school transcript; Copy of passport.
•    Completed UNDP internship application form (to be provided upon selection). 
•    Signed UNDP Internship Agreement (to be provided upon selection).
•    Certificate of Good Health (to be provided upon selection). 
•    Proof of medical insurance (to be provided upon selection).

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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