UNDP

Discussion

Internship Program

Summary

UNDP Bhutan seeks interns in Thimphu to support climate-resilient urban development projects, handling research, documentation, logistics, and data tasks under supervision.

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bhutan is implementing two flagship initiatives under its Environment and Livelihood Unit:
• Enhancing Climate Resilience of Urban Landscapes and Communities in the Thimphu–Paro Region (ECRUL), a GEF-funded project that supports the Royal Government of Bhutan in strengthening climate resilience through integrated urban planning, nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, and institutional capacity development.
• Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Project (DRIP), supported by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which aims to strengthen disaster resilience of urban infrastructure through risk-informed planning, resilient infrastructure standards, flood risk management, geotechnical assessments, disaster preparedness, and institutional capacity building.
The implementation of both projects requires strong technical, analytical, coordination, and administrative support. To strengthen project delivery, UNDP Bhutan seeks to recruit two interns stationed at the Project Management Unit (PMU) housed at the Department of Human Settlement, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Interns will support the implementation of both ECRUL and DRIP and work closely with UNDP, government counterparts, consultants, municipalities, and development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, UNDP and designated supervisor at the PMU (Department of Human Settlement, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport), the interns will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

Documentation Support
• Conduct desk research on topics related to climate-resilient urban development, urban planning policies, and sustainable infrastructure;
• Assist in compiling, organizing, and maintaining project-related documents, reports, and records;
• Support the review and formatting of technical documents, briefs, and knowledge products related to ECRUL activities.
Logistics Support for Meetings & Workshops
• Assist in planning, logistics, and coordination for project workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder meetings;
• Prepare meeting notes, minutes, and follow-up action lists;
• Support coordination with Responsible Parties (RPs), municipalities, and other stakeholders on scheduling and participation.
Data Collection & Analysis
• Support data gathering from field offices, municipalities (Thimphu and Paro Thromdes), and project partners;
• Assist in basic data entry, compilation, and preliminary analysis;
• Support the organization and maintenance of project data and information systems.
Other Administrative & Coordination Support
• Support ad-hoc project tasks, including correspondence, filing, and record-keeping;
• Assist with coordination between the PMU, UNDP Bhutan Country Office, Responsible Parties, and external stakeholders;
• Provide other administrative support as required by the supervisor.
Competencies

The intern should demonstrate the following skills and competencies:
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data handling.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (Dzongkha and English).
• Knowledge or interest in climate change, sustainable cities, and infrastructure development is an advantage.
Required Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with online meeting tools (Zoom, MS Teams) and Google workspace
Education:

Applicants should preferably have a first-level degree or be pursuing studies in Economics, Public Policy, Governance, Development Studies, Business Administration, Sustainable Development, Environmental Science, Tourism, Social Sciences, or other related fields.

Candidates must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
a) Be enrolled in a degree programme, such as a bachelor’s programme or higher.
b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme, such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent;
c) Have recently graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation;
d) Applicants must be a national candidate (Bhutanese)

Disclaimer

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.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
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