Intern, Public Finance for SDGs

Job Description

Job Description

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy and programme work, carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office (CO) levels, form a contiguous spectrum of deep, local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. Within this context, UNDP invests in a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

As part of BPPS, the Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) was established in April 2019, aggregating UNDP’s existing work and expertise on financing the SDGs. The Hub is an integral part of both the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA), as well as part of the GPN. The Hub serves as a connector, broker and global coordinator among internal and external actors; curates and manages UNDP’s catalogue of service offers on SDG financing to governments, investors and companies, via the COs, to significantly enhance the scale and impact of UNDP’s work. The SFH offers a comprehensive package of methods and tools in support of the organization’s SDG Integration offer to enable governments, the private sector and international financial institutions to accelerate financing for the SDGs. From supporting national strategies that deepens public-private collaboration to developing global Standards for Private Equity funds, SDG Bonds and Enterprises, and investor maps for SDG-enabling investment at global, regional and national levels, the SFH brings the best of UNDP to accelerate progress of the SDGs.

The Public Finance for the SDGs Initiative supports governments in transforming their public finance systems to accelerate SDG implementation. It targets key barriers such as inefficient public expenditures, limited domestic resource mobilization, and misaligned fiscal policy frameworks. Public Finance for the SDGs is structured around four interlinked pillars: (1) strengthening domestic resource mobilization; (2) enhancing public expenditure efficiency; (3) ensuring fiscal policy coherence; and (4) advancing digitalization and data-driven solutions for public finance. Building on UNDP Country Office portfolios and already existing engagements with Ministries, the Public Finance for SDGs initiative is scaling up the focus and role of public finance – from the revenue, expenditure and debt perspectives - in achieving Agenda 2030. It adopts a national-to-subnational governance approach and embeds transparency, accountability, and participation throughout its work. The Initiative also promotes alignment with climate, equity, gender, health, and nature goals, enabling countries to de-risk investment environments and unlock both public and private finance for the SDGs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP Public Finance for the SDGs Initiative offers multiple internships tosupporti the design and implementation of innovative approaches to strengthen domestic resource mobilization, enhance public expenditure efficiency, ensure fiscal policy coherence, and advance digitalization in public finance management. Interns will have the opportunity to work on global coordination, involving also regional and country offices, thematic experts, communications, and support on technical work.

• Support the daily project activities such as planning implementation, monitoring and reporting at the global level
• Support coordination across UNDP bureaus and Country Offices
• Contribute to partnerships and resource mobilization efforts
• Assist in conducting analytical work and research in areas related to public financial management, budgeting for SDGs, fiscal space analysis, expenditure tracking, and policy coherence
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, technical notes, and guidance documents on integrating SDG principles into public finance systems
• Assist in preparation of qualitative and quantitative evaluations to measure outputs and outcomes
• Support the effective usage of digital tools and processes to manage project data
• Gather and analyze best practices and lessons learned to inform project implementation
• Support the drafting of blogs, briefs, and other knowledge products
• Assist in developing communication materials including newsletters, articles, reports, and social media content
• Support the organization of events, conferences, and workshops to promote public finance for SDGs

Competencies

Technical / Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and Financing for Development
• Good understanding of public finance, budgeting, development finance or related field
• Good data analysis skills
• Fluency of English Required; Knowledge of French or Spanish will be an asset

Personal Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals;

• Positive and results-oriented attitude

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) as a full-time student in taxation, economics, public finance, law, political science, public policy and other related fields
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) as a full-time student in taxation, economics, public finance, law, political science, public policy and other related fields
• Have recently graduated with a university degree as defined above and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Although applicants are not required to have work experience, relevant knowledge/experience will be a strong asset.

• A strong interest in the area of public finance/ fiscal policies/ taxation/ budgeting / is required, which could be demonstrated by past work experience, education, or training
• Proficiency in the use of software like Word, Excel, Canva and PowerPoint as well as digital collaboration and knowledge management tools
• Fluency in both written and spoken English Language is required
• Knowledge of French or Spanish being an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

• As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme;
• Interns who are not financially supported by an institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme, will receive a stipend in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. A stipend is intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, must be paid by the receiving office.
• 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.
• UNDP full-time interns accrue a combined sick and annual leave at a rate of 1.5 days per month;
• During the internship period, interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with the UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health before starting the internship. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern;
• 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.

Selected candidates must submit the following documents prior to being offered a Letter of Acceptance for Internship:

• A duly completed UNDP Internship Application Form;
• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement;
• Copy of updated CV/resume;
• Official letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date or graduation certificate;
• Copy of passport/national ID card;
• A copy of his/her university transcript;
• Letter of endorsement/recommendation from a Professor;
• Proof of both Medical and Life Insurance which is valid for the duty station and covers duration of the internship programme
• Medical Certificate of Good Health’

Deadline: 7 Aug 2025