Dutystation: Jakarta, Indonesia
Functional responsibilities
Social Systems Researcher
Data Innovation and Policy Analysis
Strategic Partnerships and Communications
In 2023, UN Global Pulse adopted Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Knowledge Management (KM) practices as a set of best practices for its portfolio of projects. These practices focus on aligning projects with the organization’s overarching Theory of Change and ensuring systematic processes for monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge sharing. By integrating MEL and KM approaches, the organization seeks to optimize its impact and enhance decision-making processes.
The MEL/KM’s objectives include:
Systematic Monitoring and Knowledge Management: Align projects with corresponding Theories of Change, establish clear data collection mechanisms, and develop results frameworks at the project and organizational levels.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Implement evaluation plans that address organizational needs beyond project-specific requirements, considering existing capacity and resources.
Learning Processes: Encourage teams to analyze collected data and integrate insights into decision-making processes to enhance project delivery and impact.
Under the supervision of the MEL Senior Analyst, the MEL/KM intern will collaborate with project teams to support the implementation of the organizational MEL framework and plans. The MEL/KM intern will undertake the following duties:
Conduct desk reviews and background research to identify innovative MEL approaches and opportunities within the UN System and beyond, focusing on applying the Quintet of Change methods.
Aid in the development of MEL and KM tools and guides, collaborating with the MEL Senior Analyst and team members, and contribute to the creation of data collection instruments such as online surveys and interview guides, as well as collecting responses.
Assist in using and developing further the portfolio information system in collaboration with MEL, KM and Communications teams.
Support project teams in gathering, analyzing and visualizing both qualitative and quantitative data.
Contribute to the planning and implementation of internal capacity-building for colleagues to inform and guide the teams in using new MEL and KM practices.
Participating in meetings and drafting meeting minutes or summaries.
*Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
The Social System work stream of UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific (UNGP-AP) hosts ethnographers, human-centred designers, and urban planners. This work stream is aimed at providing a deeper context to data through an understanding of the behaviour and needs of humans behind those data. The Social Systems researcher will be supporting the Social Systems team in crafting research plans, conducting field work and immersion, synthesising insights, and communicating our projects in a fresh, relevant, and compelling way. It is essential for candidates to excel in writing and storytelling.
In this context, the social systems researcher intern has the following objectives:
Support the social systems team in ensuring the effective provision of high-quality, policy-relevant research.
Support the development and dissemination of research products and other social systems dissemination activities.
Contribute to knowledge building and sharing for the UNGP AP hub
Under the supervision of the Social Systems Lead or designated staff, the intern will be supporting the Social Systems team in crafting research plans, conducting field work and immersion, synthesising insights, and communicating our projects in a fresh, relevant, and compelling way. It is essential for candidates to excel in writing and storytelling.
The intern will contribute through the following tasks:
Actively conduct policy-relevant research.
Support the development and dissemination of research products and other social systems dissemination activities.
Contribute to knowledge building and sharing for the UNGP AP hub
Support the research activities as needed, including crafting the research plan, synthesising insights and logistical arrangement
Drafting a research report or storytelling
*Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
3. Data Innovation and Policy Analysis
The Data Innovation and Policy team at UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific applies advanced data analytics, digital innovation, and strategic foresight to support evidence-based policy and resilient development pathways. Current flagship initiatives include work on sea level rise (SLR), which poses critical risks to coastal communities, ecosystems, and economic stability, and the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (PMBG), which leverages data-driven decision support systems to strengthen food security and social protection.
For sea level rise, the team addresses development challenges in Indonesia and the broader Indo-Pacific region by balancing high-level national strategies with locally relevant insights. Priority areas include:
Adaptation planning
Protection of settlements and infrastructure
Conservation of natural resources
Mapping of social and economic risks
Disaster mitigation and response
Community awareness
Sustainable development
By scaling successful pilots, integrating multiple data sources, and applying cutting-edge methods, UN Global Pulse AP aims to support Indonesia and Pacific Island nations in building resilience and adapting to the impacts of climate change. At the same time, the team demonstrates how data innovation can inform national priorities, strengthen policy coherence, and provide transferable lessons for other development sectors.
Under the direct supervision of the Data Innovation and Policy Lead, the intern will support the Data Innovation & Policy team with the following tasks aligned to the project management needs of the team:
Coordination and delivery of activities:
Support the preparation, coordination and execution of virtual, hybrid and/or in-person events and activities.
Track progress and continuous improvement:
Assist the development of monitoring, evaluation and learning approaches in close consultation with other in-house technical analysts to track key milestones.
Assist the analysis and visualization of monitoring, evaluation and learning outcomes to contribute to continuous improvement of the team’s activities and reporting requirements.
Ensure a needs-driven and evidence-based service offer:
Support desk reviews of related topics to synthesize up-to-date information of innovation best practices or opportunities from within the UN System and beyond, with an emphasis on innovation scaling, to ensure the team’s priority areas remain evidence-based and needs driven.
Documentation and strategic communication:
Support the development of materials that contribute to the effective communication and strategic visibility of the team’s work internally and externally to the UN System. This can include assisting with content development and delivery of materials such as newsletters, blogs, social media, slide decks and other channels in collaboration with the in-house communications team.
*Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
4. Strategic Partnerships and Communications
Partnerships and communications play a crucial role in enhancing an organization’s visibility and fostering trust with its partners. A strong team in this area contributes significantly to the overall success and impact of the organization.
Reporting directly to the Partnership and Advocacy Lead, this internship offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives by supporting effective and timely reporting and communication efforts for the UN Global Pulse office.
We’re looking for a passionate and proactive individual eager to learn and grow in a dynamic environment, while making a real difference in global advocacy and partnerships.
Under the guidance and supervisor of the Partnership and Advocacy Lead, the intern will:
Support in preparing briefing materials and slide decks and key documentation for meetings and events including minutes of meetings.
Identify, collect and compile data and information to prepare key documents, guidelines, talking points, position papers, and other materials, as required.
Provide logistic and administrative support in the organization of meetings and events with governments, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, as required.
Assist in development of communication materials for various events, projects, and research outcomes, ensuring clarity of language and accessibility for non-technical audiences.
Support in maintaining relationships with partners, including tracking engagement efforts, preparing partnership briefs, and drafting follow-up communications.
Assist in developing social media content, newsletters, and outreach materials to enhance the visibility of UN Global Pulse AP’s initiatives, ensuring effective storytelling and engagement.
Contribute to monitoring and reporting on the impact of partnerships, advocacy efforts, and events, supporting the documentation of best practices and lessons learned for internal and external knowledge-sharing.
*Perform any other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.
In coordination with the UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific staff, interns will report on progress and assure the timely deliverables of the agreed outputs. Interns are expected to exercise flexibility in the internship regarding the potential of dynamically adapting working arrangements so that the outputs can be delivered.
Interns will work on the assignment full time (candidates who can only work part time might also be considered) for an estimated 6 months.
The positions are based in Jakarta, Indonesia
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Applicants must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree or be pursuing an advanced university degree, such as a Masters or a Ph.D., or be a recent graduate from such studies (within the last 3 years).
To be eligible for this particular internship, the candidate should have studied or be studying towards a university degree preferably in: innovation management, administrative studies, international relations, global development studies, social sciences, computer science, information System, information technology or another related discipline.
Experience with monitoring, evaluation and learning processes and knowledge management is an asset.
Experience with futures and foresight related planning, design, experimentation, training, or tools is an asset.
Strong interest in innovation scaling and the role of innovation within a development and/ or humanitarian context is an asset.
Experience in data analysis, visualization, and conducting comprehensive desk reviews is an asset.
Experience in collating and synthesizing evidence-based knowledge is an asset.
Experience in communications content production is an asset.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are desirable.
Strong organizational and project management skills are desirable.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team is desirable.
Fluency in both written and oral English is required.
Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.
TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE
UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.