Intern: Social Behavior Change and Behavioral Insights

Job Description

The UNDP Economic Lab is UNDP’s analytical and modelling unit supporting the Government of Mauritius and Seychelles in areas such as macroeconomic policy, SDG-aligned planning, fiscal analysis, competitiveness, investment, and national development strategies (including Vision 2050 and NDP10). The Lab produces economic diagnostics, modelling, foresight analysis, and evidence-based policy recommendations to support national decision making.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UNDP National Economist, the intern will support analytical and technical work in one or more of the following areas:
A. Economic Research and Policy Analysis
• Conduct literature reviews, data extraction, and evidence mapping for economic policy papers;
• Support analysis on topics including:

• SDG financing and alignment, fiscal policy, expenditure efficiency, performance-based budgeting, and medium-term frameworks;
• Competitiveness, productivity, private-sector and SME dynamics, labour market trends, value-chain and sector diagnostics;
• Public investment assessment, capital expenditure efficiency, infrastructure appraisal, and cost–benefit/effectiveness analysis;
• Digital economy readiness, innovation ecosystems, data governance, AI and emerging technologies;
• Trade performance, market access, AfCFTA opportunities, SIDS export vulnerabilities, and diversification strategies;
• Climate economics, green transition financing, economic resilience, and inputs to national development planning.

B. Data Analytics and Modelling

• Clean, organise, and analyse datasets using Stata/R/Python;
• Assist in building dashboards, simulation models, and forecasting tools;
• Support development of micro–macro linkages for policy simulations.

C. National Development Planning Support

• Assist in drafting analytical inputs for:

- Vision 2050 development;

- 10-Year National Development Plan (NDP10);

- Government Programme monitoring;

- Sectoral transformation strategies.

D. Reporting and Knowledge Management

• Prepare policy notes, slide decks, briefs, and technical annexes;
• Summarise consultation meetings and stakeholder inputs;
• Support coordination and documentation of workshops, foresight sessions, and modelling trainings.

E. Innovation and Foresight

• Contribute to scanning of emerging trends (AI, climate tech, future of work);
• Support scenario-building and horizon-scanning exercises;
• Assist in developing new analytical tools for the Economic Lab.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical mindset;
• Ability to interpret data and evidence;
• Intellectual curiosity and attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines;
• Strong writing skills.

Technical Competencies

• Understanding of economic theory, development economics, or public policy;
• Experience with Stata, R, or Python (advantage);
• Familiarity with SDGs, climate economics, or SIDS development issues (asset);
• Ability to prepare clear graphs, charts, and documents.
  

RESULTS/EXPECTED OUTPUT

• Research notes and datasets cleaned for use in modelling;
• Draft sections of economic reports, SDG briefs, or policy papers;
• Dashboards, charts, or analytical visualisations;
• Summaries of stakeholder engagements or workshops;
• A final internship report outlining contributions.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
a) enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in Economics, Social sciences/ Humanities, International development, Project management or Public, Business administration or a related subject;

b) enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Social sciences/ Humanities, International development, Project management or Public, Business administration or a related subject;

c) enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program in Economics, Social sciences/ Humanities, International development, Project management or Public, Business administration or a related subject and undertake the internship as part of this program;

d) have recently graduated with a university degree (a master’s or bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Social sciences/ Humanities, International development, Project management or Public, Business administration or a related subject and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in academic research;
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis;
• Relevance of academic background;
• Analytical writing and reporting skills;
• Motivation and interest in development work

Language
The working languages of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mauritius are English and French. High level written and oral English language skills are a pre-requisite; fluency in spoken and written French is highly desirable, as well as fluency in spoken Mauritian Creole is desirable.

Duration: 6 months

DEADLINE: 16 Mar 2026 Romance Standard Time

About the Organization

UNICEF is out to change the world for children vaccination by vaccination, blanket by blanket, biscuit by biscuit, book by book. In most of America, these things are considered completely ordinary. But in many parts of the developing world, they can save a child's life. UNICEF is unique among world organizations and unique among those working with young people. As a global movement, we use our authority to influence decision makers and diverse partners to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. In 155 countries and territories, UNICEF's field staff uses hard-won expertise to meet the challenges facing children and those who care for them. Our history has given us a profound understanding of development and the importance of child health, education, equality and protection in advancing humanity. All that we do helps children realize their full potential. In support of UNICEF's work, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF focuses on five major priorities: education, emergencies, HIV/AIDS, immunization and malnutrition.