Internship Overview
Organization: UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC)
Location: Seoul, Republic of Korea
Field: Green Recovery and Transition
Corporate Background
- UNDP's Mission: Eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, support policy development, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and build resilience to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Focus Areas: Sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, climate and disaster resilience.
- UNDP Global Reach: 170 countries and territories.
Internship Office Background
- Established: 2011
- Role: Represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with ROK on international development, shares ROK's development experiences and technical expertise.
- Thematic Areas: Development cooperation modalities and approaches, governance and gender, green recovery and transition, private sector engagement and development.
- Programmes: Signature 'SDG Partnership' country-support programme and other initiatives.
- Environmental Work Start: 2017, projects include waste management, wastewater management, sustainable energy, and sustainable forestry.
Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Duties (90% of Time)
1. Research & Publications:
- Topics: SDGs, Korea’s development experiences, sustainable forestry, environment & green economy issues (circular economy, energy, climate, carbon pricing, Korea’s Green New Deal).
2. Event Support:
- Tasks: Organizing meetings and events (international conferences, workshops, webinars), drafting concept notes, coordinating logistics, note and photo-taking, technical support.
3.Project Design & Implementation:
- Tasks: Pilot projects, partnership activities, documenting, translating and packaging Korea’s development experiences.
4.Administrative & Communication Support:
- Tasks: Liaising with partners, supporting office operations, assisting in high-level visits.
5.Communications & Advocacy:
- Tasks: Supporting website, social media channels, media presence, public outreach.
Secondary Duties (10% of Time)
- Supporting other ad-hoc activities as needed.
Competencies
General:
- Initiative, independence, integrity, discretion, loyalty.
- Organizational, interpersonal, communication, and administrative skills.
- Multitasking, deadline management.
- Commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
- Multicultural awareness, political sensitivity.
Communication Skills:
- Clear and effective speaking and writing.
- Active listening and appropriate response.
- Interest in two-way communication.
- Tailoring language and tone to the audience.
Teamwork:
- Collaborative work with colleagues.
- Valuing others' ideas and expertise.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Final year of Bachelor’s degree, currently enrolled in Master’s or PhD degree, or graduated within the last year from a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Fields: Environmental policy/science/engineering, natural resource economics, economics, climate science, international studies, or related areas.
Experience:
- Desirable: Experience in environmental and climate projects, policy research, project management, green transition, development, digitalization, writing analytical pieces, Korean-English translations, proficiency in Zoom and digital tools.
IT Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Proficient in hosting Zoom and other web-based meetings.
Languages:
- Required: Fluency in oral and written English.
- Major asset: Fluency in oral and written Korean.
- Asset: Knowledge of another UN language.
Application Requirements
- Documents: Resume and cover letter (max. 1 page) in one PDF file.
- Cover Letter: Include information about your interest in the internship and your general interest in issues related to Green Recovery and Transition.
Internship Conditions
- Stipend: Monthly stipend as per UNDP policy (2023: KRW 1,169,728 per month; 2024 stipend subject to change).
- Expenses: Interns bear all other expenses.
- Responsibility: UNDP not responsible for accidents, illness, or death during internship.
- Visa & Travel: Interns arrange visas and travel. Must have legal right to reside and work in Korea.
- Employment: Interns cannot apply for or be appointed to any post in UNDP during the internship.
- Health Insurance: Proof of enrollment required.
- Staff Status: Interns are not staff members.
- Work Hours: Full-time expected, flexibility allowed for education programmes.
- Financing: Interns must secure their own financing for subsistence and other arrangements.
- Leave: 1.5 days per month, UN holidays in Korea, exceptional leave with supervisor approval.
Visa
- Responsibility: Interns arrange visas and travel.
- Eligibility: Must have the legal right to reside and work in Korea, fulfill ROK visa requirements.
