Green Recovery and Transition Intern

Job Description

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares the development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. As one of UNDP’s global policy centres, USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the Republic of Korea and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between the Republic of Korea and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final year undergraduate, and graduate students, the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

USPC work on environmental issues started in 2017. Since then, it has evolved to encompass different processes, workstreams and partnerships. USPC has worked on projects related to waste management, wastewater management and sustainable energy. Currently, the Green Recovery and Transition team is implementing sustainable forestry projects (including both community-based forestry and forest fire prevention) with SDG Partnership programme in Albania, Ecuador, El Salvador, Namibia, and Zambia. The green transition and recovery portfolio is also expanding to new thematic areas such as circular economy (solid waste management, plastics, wastewater), carbon markets and energy. 2 pilot projects are currently being implemented: one with Mongolia and the Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco) on Carbon Market and Emissions Trading System (ETS), and the other on circular economy and plastic waste management with Costa Rica.

You are invited to join a small, but vibrant team. Whereas the focus of your assignment will be on the tasks outlined in this Terms of Reference, you need to expect considerable amount of multi-tasking and supporting other members of the team.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

1.) Assist and Support to Green Recovery and Transition Activities (90%):

• Conducting research and producing publications on various issues related to international development cooperation, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Republic of Korea’s development experiences (e.g., sustainable forestry, environment & green economy topics such as circular economy, energy, climate, carbon pricing (Paris Agreement Article 6 and ETS), plastic waste management).
• Providing support in organization meetings and events, including international conferences, workshops, webinars and study visits. This includes drafting concept notes, coordinating with co-organizers in the Republic of Korea and abroad, supporting logistical & travel arrangements, assisting with substantive preparations, note-taking, photo documentation, and providing technical support for webinars;
• Designing and implementing pilot projects and partnership activities to share the Republic of Korea’s specific experiences with developing countries;
• Documenting, translating and packaging the Republic of Korea’s development experiences and lessons learned from an international perspective as a basis of knowledge exchange and triangular cooperation;
• Translating publications, papers, web content, and other materials from English to Korean and vice-versa;
• Supporting administrative and communication tasks as necessary for the day-to-day operation of the office;
• Liaising with partners – at the UNDP HQ, Regional hubs, and UNDP Country Offices as well as various governments, non-governmental organizations and academia on various aspects of programme implementation;
• Providing holistic support across all aspects of office operations and staff support including key tasks such as the high-level visits from UNDP headquarters and partner countries;
• Supporting communications and advocacy infrastructure (website, social media channels, media presence, public outreach) to ensure effective advocacy on USPC’s key focus areas related to Green Recovery and Transition.

2.) Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed (10%).

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational 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 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.

Field of study: environmental policy/env. science/env. engineering, natural resource economics, economics, climate science, energy, international studies or related area.

Experience:

• Prior experience on environmental and climate projects and /or policy research is desirable;
• Familiarity with basic aspects of project management is desirable;
• Familiarity with issues related to green transition, development and digitalization is desirable;
• Experience writing analytical pieces on relevant issues is desirable;
• Prior experience in Korean-English translations would be an asset;
• Proficiency or prior experience in using Zoom and other digital tools would be preferable.

IT skills:

• Knowledge of/proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Proficient in hosting Zoom and other web-based meetings and seminars.

Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required;
• Fluency in oral and written Korean is required;
• Knowledge of another UN language is also an asset.

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 17, 2025