Internship – UNDP Global Center for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development

The UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development (GCTISD) is a joint initiative by the Government of Singapore and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to identify and co-create technological and innovative solutions to help countries achieve their Sustainable Development Goals. We draw on the expertise of innovative talent in Singapore and around the world, and curate partnerships that will allow us to take this know-how to the places where it is needed most.

Our areas of focus are Smart Cities and Digitalisation, Sustainable and Digital Agriculture, and Sustainable Finance. For each of our programmes we are bringing together policymakers, practitioners, leading private sector actors, entrepreneurs, civil society, and other stakeholders to build practical solutions that will create lasting impact through deep collaboration.

Smart Cities and Digitalisation

By 2050, nearly 70% of the world's population - an additional 2.5 billion people - will live in urban areas. This rapid urbanisation will bring new economic opportunities - but is also likely to sharpen income disparities, worsen environmental impact, and could increase the potential for social conflict. It is a global priority to build inclusive, liveable and sustainable urban areas: smart cities.

Similarly, COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation around the world. Digital products and services have considerable potential to improve lives and livelihoods. However, this potential can only be realised if these tools are applied inclusively and sustainably. This is a priority for UNDP, both in the context of the organisation’s Digital Strategy as well as through our commitment to ‘Build Forward Better’.

Building on Singapore’s pioneering efforts, GC-TISD is working to leverage the potential of digital, technology, and innovation to improve cities and communities around the world. This work includes technical expertise to identify digital solutions for development, knowledge transfer, and building insights and collaborations to drive sustainable and inclusive smart city initiatives.

GC-TISD seeks to an Intern to support the programme development, partnership development and communications activities of the Centre. Our Interns will be given the opportunity to work on assignments that complement their academic studies and connect with the thematic focus of the Centre.

The interns will be responsible for the following:

• Thematic desk research and writing assignments on various topics under Smart Cities and Digitalisation, with a particular focus on identifying, exploring, and collating digital solutions for international development;
• Supporting the core team in shaping the GC-TISD approach to digital solutions for development – including drawing on the intern’s technical skills to explore pilots, prototypes, or other digital initiatives;
• Developing concept notes on initiatives aligned with the workstream;
• Editing articles, briefs, documents, and other relevant written work;
• Research and outreach for partnership development with actors in the digitalisation and smart cities space, including for existing and potential partners;
• Developing simple multimedia content and collaterals for the Centre’s website, social media platforms, and other outreach platforms;
• Assisting in the reviewing of strategies, programme design, and workplans for initiatives under the workstream;
• Event management support for the Centre’s activities (in person and/ or online);
• Ad-hoc support to the GCTISD Director and staff.

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. Applicants to UNDP internships must at the time of application meet one of the following academic requirements:

• (a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
• (b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
• (c) Have 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 program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Education

Please refer to the above academic requirements.

• Preferred fields of study: technology (e.g. computer science, electrical engineering, electronics, systems, or similar); urban studies, architecture, or similar (with a strong focus on data, digital, and/or technology), politics, international relations, or development studies (with strong technology skills and understanding).

Experience

• Experience working with digital technologies (AI, blockchain, IoT, Big Data, etc.)  is desirable;
• Experience working in smart cities, digital technology (or broader innovation), tech-focused venture capital, or startups is desirable;
• Computer literacy in standard office software applications is essential;
• Experience with social media and graphic design software is an added advantage;
• Familiarity with international development and public service delivery is an added advantage.

Languages

• Excellent English language skills.
• Knowledge of a second language is desirable.

Application Process

• Internship candidates are expected to submit electronically through the UNDP job portal:
  • UNDP internship application form: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/Careers/UNDP-Internship-Application.doc
  • A Curriculum Vitae (CV). 
  • Original text of up to 350 words addressing ANY ONE of the following questions:
  • Which technologies (mention one or two, whether software or hardware) will be the most impactful for improving lives and livelihoods of individuals living in lower-income countries?
  • What considerations should be prioritised when exploring or implementing digital solutions in international development?
  • Which emerging technology has potential to transform the lives and livelihoods of individuals living in a particular lower-income context?

Note: UNDP internship application form, CV and original text need to be combined in one PDF document for upload.

Conditions of internship

Internships within the UN system are subject to following conditions, which the candidates should familiarize themselves with prior to applying:

• UNDP GC-TISD will provide a stipend in the amount of SGD 859.13 monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship Policy.;
• Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. The Intern must provide proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan;
• UNDP does not provide assistance with travel and/or housing and the Intern will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. Interns must not apply for or be appointed to a position that should be encumbered by a staff member during the period of their internship;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months

Selected candidates must submit following documents prior to joining:

• Letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date;
• Copy of passport and Singapore visa (or visa status);
• A copy of his/her school transcript;
• Proof of medical insurance including provision for medical evacuation and removal of mortal remains or life insurance and a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship.
• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.

Kindly note the above documentation is required within one week after selection.