Economics Research Intern
Location: New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Application Deadline : 01-Dec-17 (Midnight New York, USA)
Additional Category: Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding
Type of Contract: Internship
Post Level: Intern
Languages Required: English
Background
The UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) team in New York provides overall strategic oversight, guidance and quality assurance, management support and broader regional analysis, including global issues. RBA’s Strategy and Analysis Team (SAT) is seeking a highly-qualified graduate student to engage as an Economics Research Intern to support the team working for the completion of the Least Developed Countries report, a flagship publication of the UNDP, and support publication of the ongoing UNDP Africa Working Paper Series.
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are countries that exhibit the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development. Despite efforts taken by many countries to transition from this group, only very few of them have graduated. The objective of the LDC Report is to examine risks associated with LDC graduation and proffering pragmatic suggestions on how to ensure rapid and successful graduation from LDCs. The intern will assist the creation of this report, and ancillary working papers, through literature reviews, analyzing case studies, drafting, editing, and proofreading, in collaboration with SAT.
The intern will report to the RBA Chief Economist and work closely with strategic advisors and the communication specialists. The internship is for a minimum of three months with an opportunity for extension to a maximum of six months. The internship is unpaid and full-time. Interns work five days per week (35 hours), three days at UNDP offices and possibly two days from home.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Intern will contribute towards:
Conducting desk reviews of existing research and literature informed by the research questions and objectives
Compiling charts and tables, analyze research on thematic topics, review/revise chapters, listing of bibliography, and other tasks as required for the finalization of the report.
Analyzing survey results, case studies, and other existing data sourced from African countries
Drafting of report chapters and other knowledge products
Providing overall support of the mapping and research exercise, including logistical support for key meetings.
Competencies
Research and analysis:
Excellent verbal and writing skills with strong academic background
Demonstrated research and analytical capacity as well as technical writing;
Excellent organizational, inter-personal, communication and administrative skills;
Proven ability to manage diverse and complex tasks, with tight deadlines;
Able to take initiative and work independently, with minimum supervision;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty;
Commitment to the UNDP vision, mission, and strategic goals.
Interpersonal Communication:
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience;
Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others;
Places team agenda before personal agenda;
Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);
Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
Advanced studies in Economics, African Studies, History, Social Science, International Development or other relevant field is required.
Experience:
Comparable work experience may substitute for education requirements;
Have demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter;
Have demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.
Preferably some relevant experience in international development or related area; Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage;
Excellent analytical skills are required and experience in research, drafting and editing documents is an advantage.
Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required;
Knowledge of French is a major asset.
Intern conditions:
UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship;
All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution;
UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
The intern is 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; The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan; Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity
Read more and apply here.
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