Background

CORPORATE BACKGROUND  

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results.  

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.  

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:  

•       Sustainable development  

•       Democratic governance and peacebuilding  

•       Climate and disaster resilience  

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.  

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

UNDP is committed to help achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and remains dedicated to its goal to help improve the lives of the poorest women and men, the marginalized and the disadvantaged in Philippines.  

The  coronavirus  disease  (COVID19)  was  officially  declared  as  a  global  pandemic  by  the  World  Health  Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020 as it affected more than 110 countries and territories. Its rapid spread is causing negative impacts on health systems and economies around the world. As of 5 July 2020, there have been more than 31,000 active cases of COVID19 individuals in the Philippines. 

COVID19  has  already  shown  its  socio-economic  impacts  as  the  weeks  under  ECQ  progressed,  with  the  lockdown restricting  movement,  productivity, and  trade.  The  vulnerable  and  marginalized  sectors  have  suffered  the  most, as without a daily income for subsistence, must now rely on the social amelioration package prepared by government. While the government has taken a hard-lined stance to instill law and order, its policy decisions and response strategies will need to be supported with evidence. There is already a need to prepare for the recovery phase, which must balance the need to restart economic activity with the need to contain the rate of infection. The issue, however, is the fact that critical  sources  of  data  are  still  fragmented  across  technical solutions,  databases,  public  and  private  organizations. There is no central platform that is able to capture the critical sources of data to give a holistic picture of the situation - taking into account not just health but also socioeconomic considerations - for the IATF and local governments. 

With  this,  the  UNDP  Philippines  aims  to  establish  a  Command  Centre  platform  for  the  COVID  response,  through convening of a COVID-19 Pintig Lab, that will provide real time data driven policy recommendations to national and local  governments.  Specifically,  the  Pintig  Lab  will  provide  a  data  warehouse  that  will  combine  data  sources  from multiple systems, process available data, and conduct advanced qualitative and quantitative analysis to provide real time information and a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to decision-makers. 

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager of Pintig Lab and technical guidance of the Chief Technical Adviser of Pintig Lab, the Intern will mainly provide assistance and support on the data analytics initiatives and evidence-based policy research efforts of Pintig Lab.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:  

1 Data Analysis 75 % of the time

Interpret and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques focusing on achievement of the following results:     

  • Clean and manipulate raw data and prepare them for analysis;       
  • Conduct exploratory data analysis (identify variance within data, look at novel ways to examine the data to tell different stories, explore multiple datasets for trends or outliers);       
  • Highlight data trends and analytic opportunities that can drive program innovations;       
  • Communicate findings from data analysis to range of audiences;    
  • Establish appropriate systems and processes with the team for managing, analyzing and presenting data; and   
  • Develop and implement databases, data collection system, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.            

2 Other 25 % of the time

Assist in drafting of policy research briefs and presentations. 

Support in communications and community building efforts of Pintig Lab.  

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS  

•       UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;  

•       When necessary, interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;  

•       Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;  

•       Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;  

•       Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;  

•       Interns are expected to work full time, but flexibility is allowed for educational programmes;  

•       Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.  

Competencies

Competencies and attitude:  

•       Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;  

•       Shows initiative and thinks out-of-the box with a goal-oriented mindset;  

•       Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;  

•       Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;  

•       Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;  

•       Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;  

•       Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view; and  

•       Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude showing willingness to learn.  

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:  

•       Currently enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme

Field of study: Data Science, Computer Science, Math, Engineering, Economics, Statistics or any STEM fields

IT skills:  

•       Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools;  

•       Knowledge of data analytics and visualization tools—Python, Tableau, and similar tools

Language skills:  

•       Fluency in Filipino and English required;  

•       Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.  

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.