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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 to sustain development results. UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

Sustainable development

Democratic governance and peacebuilding

Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities, and the poorest and most vulnerable.

In Malawi, UNDP’s Governance Portfolio contributes to national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by strengthening institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and advancing human rights and the rule of law. Its work places particular emphasis on:

Strengthening oversight and accountability institutions

Advancing human rights protection systems

Enhancing access to justice and rule of law

Within this framework, Pillar III – Oversight, Human Rights and Rule of Law supports national institutions, civil society, and government to improve accountability, transparency, and rights-based service delivery.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network, working to support countries in achieving sustainable development through strengthened institutions, inclusive governance, and resilient systems. In Malawi, UNDP’s Governance Portfolio contributes to national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting governance institutions to enhance accountability, transparency, and effectiveness. The portfolio is structured around three pillars:

Effective, Accountable and Responsive Institutions;

Civic Engagement and Empowerment;

Oversight, Human Rights and Rule of Law.

Pillar III – Oversight, Human Rights and Rule of Law focus on strengthening oversight and accountability institutions, enhancing the capacity of state and non-state actors to promote and protect human rights, and improving access to justice and rule of law systems. The portfolio works closely with government institutions, independent oversight bodies, civil society, and development partners to support reforms, institutional capacity development, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Within this context, the internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in governance and human rights programming, while contributing to ongoing initiatives under Pillar III, including work on oversight mechanisms, access to justice, and Business and Human Rights.

Objectives

The intern will support the Office of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) Rule of Law and Human Rights in analytical, coordination, and knowledge management functions across Pillar III programming.

The internship is designed to:

Provide practical exposure to international development programming, with a focus on governance, human rights, and rule of law

Strengthen the intern’s skills in research, policy analysis, coordination, and stakeholder engagement

Support intercultural learning and professional development within a multilateral environment

Enable the intern to contribute to ongoing programme activities and knowledge generation under the Governance Portfolio

Enhance understanding of UNDP’s role in supporting institutional strengthening, accountability, and rights-based approaches to development

Contribute to UNDP’s broader mission of supporting countries to reduce inequalities and achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research Support: Assist in carrying out quality policy research to generate knowledge

Conduct targeted desk research on governance, human rights, rule of law, and related thematic areas (e.g., Business and Human Rights, oversight and accountability systems).

Prepare concise briefing notes, summaries, and background materials for meetings and engagements.

Support review, editing, and formatting of draft documents including concept notes, reports, and knowledge products.

Assist in compiling and synthesizing information from multiple sources for internal use.

Programme and Coordination Support: Assist in day-to-day coordination of Pillar III activities.

Support tracking of key activities, timelines, and deliverables across ongoing initiatives.

Assist in preparing meeting agendas, minutes, and follow-up action points

Support internal coordination across teams and with implementing partners.

Maintain simple tracking tools (e.g., activity trackers, stakeholder lists).

Stakeholder Engagement and Event Support: Provide logistical and substantive support to multi-stakeholder processes.

Assist in organizing workshops, consultations, and meetings (including preparation of materials and participant coordination).

Support documentation of discussions and key outcomes from engagements

Assist in stakeholder mapping across government, oversight institutions, civil society, and private sector actors.

Administrative Support: Provide general support to the CTA office as required.

Assist with routine administrative and logistical tasks.

Support organization of files and documentation.

Competencies

Interest and motivation in working in an international organization

Interest in governance, human rights, and rule of law

Initiative and willingness to learn

Professionalism and attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple tasks in a structured manner

Sensitivity to diversity and inclusion

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view

Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

Be enrolled for a bachelors degree but in final year, or have recently completed a university degree in Law, Public Policy, Governance, Development Studies, Human Rights, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field; within 1 year of graduation or

Be enrolled in, or have recently completed, a postgraduate degree in any of the above fields, within the first year of graduation

Experience:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Language skills:

Fluency in English and Chichewa required

Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Internship Conditions

UNDP Interns receive a monthly stipend (amount depends on duty station). However, Travel, accommodation, visas, and living costs are the responsibility of the intern

Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.

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. Internship Terms of Reference, January 2018 UNDP Office of Human Resources, Bureau for Management Services

Selected candidates for in-person internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For interns that are neither national nor residents of the duty station of the internship, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which: (a) (b) Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment. Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. • 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.