UNSGSA Intern

Job Description

Job Description

I. Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP. We value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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 in order 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
  

II. Office of the UNSGSA

Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA) since 2024. This role builds on her 15 years as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. As UNSGSA, Queen Máxima champions global efforts to improve financial health—helping people manage daily expenses, handle financial shocks, plan for the future, and feel secure in their financial lives.

As UNSGSA and Honorary Patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), Queen Máxima raises awareness and advocates specific policies, investments and actions with governments, regulators, private companies, international institutions and diverse stakeholders, all with view of how inclusive financial systems can help to reduce poverty, equalize opportunity and accelerate progress toward numerous development goals. She advances this advocacy through country visits, high-level meetings, speeches, and by engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including Governments, policymakers, multilateral organizations, and private sector leaders. This requires careful, comprehensive and rigorous analysis of local conditions, policies, available services and public priorities, as well as the needs of households, enterprises, and communities.

The UNSGSA’s work is done in partnership with many international partners working on advancing financial health. UNSGSA Reference Group members include: the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Better Than Cash Alliance, the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), Flourish Ventures, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the World Bank. Members of the Reference Group and many other in-country and global partners play an important role in converting advocacy into action. The UNSGSA also consults and cooperates with the wider UN system, the UN secretariat, UN country teams, multilateral organizations, private financial institutions, companies, donors, civil society organizations and the media. In addition, the UNSGSA also engages with financial standard setting bodies (SSBs) so that their work takes into account the advancement of financial health around the world.

The Office of the UNSGSA is housed within UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) in the UNDP headquarters in New York and works closely with Queen Máxima and her secretariat in The Hague to coordinate and advance her UN and G20 activities.

The internship will be conducted in person at UNDP HQ in New York. The Office follows a hybrid model with three in-office days per week. The intern will report to the Director of the Office of the UNSGSA.

III. DUTIES:

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Assist the team in planning and implementing the high-level advocacy initiatives led by Her Majesty Queen Maxima in her role as the UNSGSA.

• Draft timely and high-quality background papers, briefing notes, talking points, research and analysis for the Office of the UNSGSA on issues related to financial health and financial inclusion for positive development outcomes.

• Provide research and analytical support on topics relevant to financial health and financial inclusion.

• Support the Office in the organization of UNSGSA high-level meetings with Governments, UN entities, intergovernmental organizations and other key partners.

• Attend UN meetings to follow relevant global policy dialogues related to inclusive and sustainable finance.

• Support the coordination of meetings with key stakeholders, preparing meeting notes/takeaways, and correspondence.

2. Support Office management and daily operations.

• Provide general office logistical and administrative support to high-level meetings and advocacy activities organized by the UNSGSA’s office.

• Help with stakeholder outreach, including Member States, UN agencies, development partners and others.

• Provide administrative support for accurate office documentation, communications and daily operational matters.

• Support other ad hoc activities as needed.

IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Eligibility (Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements):

• currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a Master’s degree or equivalent studies.
  
  Field of study: ​​International Relations, Economics, Finance, Political Science, International Development, Business Management,​​ or equivalent.
  

Experience:

• Knowledge in international relations and international development, financial health and inclusion, and multilateral organizations.
• Prior relevant work experience is desirable, particularly in financial health, financial inclusion and international development policy.
• Experience working in the private sector with a financial service provider (bank, fintech, credit union, or microfinance institution) is an asset.
• Experience working with high-level stakeholders, such as government officials and representatives from international organizations, is an asset.

Language skills:

• ​​​Fluency in English is​​ required
• Knowledge of other UN languages especially French and Spanish is an advantage.
  

Other competencies and attitude:

• Experience producing analytical work related to international development, financial sector development, enabling environment for business, and related topics.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative economic analysis.
• Strong drafting and written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Capacity to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines even in imperfect conditions and thrive as part of a small and fast-moving team.
• Success working independently and as a member of a team, and with partners in other time zones and from diverse and multi-cultural contexts.
• Strong computer literacy in standard software applications (MS Office Suite) and data analysis (Excel and related data management software).
• Displays the highest standards of confidentiality, discretion and integrity.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Strong interest working for an international institution and in the financial sector.

V. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for internship but will provide a stipend in the amount of USD 1,000 per month for in-office work in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy; all other expenses connected with it will be borne by the intern or sponsoring institution;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• 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 education programmes;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Deadline: 30 Jul 2025