Comprehensive Overview of the Drupal Development Internship with UNDP: Opportunities, Skills, and Impact

April 6, 2025

19 minutes read

The Drupal Development Intern position with UNDP in New York is a full-time internship, lasting for 3 months, and focuses on supporting the Digital Communications team in maintaining and enhancing UNDP’s web presence. This role is well-suited for candidates interested in backend development, particularly with PHP and Drupal, as well as DevOps practices such as CI/CD and cloud services.

Key Responsibilities:

Backend Development:
- Focus on PHP and Drupal-specific features, including modules, hooks, theming, and command-line tools like Drush and Composer.
- Contribute to third-party integrations for Drupal, bug fixing, and implementing user feedback.
- Support automated tests development.
DevOps/System Operations:
- Assist in maintaining and enhancing UNDP’s CI/CD pipelines.
- Develop and integrate external services to support existing systems.
- Create automated performance monitoring and early warning systems for security.
Technical Skills Required:
- Backend Development: PHP, Drupal (modules, hooks, theming), experience with tools like Drush and Composer.
- Frontend Development: Basic knowledge of JavaScript, CSS/SASS, and HTML.
- Tools: Familiarity with Git, VS Code, and shell scripting.
- Experience with cloud services (e.g., GitHub, Azure) and integrated development environments (IDEs) is desirable.
Education & Experience:
- Must be enrolled in a graduate program or final year of an undergraduate program, or have recently graduated (within the last year).
- Prior experience with Drupal, PHP, and web development frameworks is a plus.
Competencies:
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently, and an interest in global issues.
- Must be able to work effectively in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.
Availability:
- At least four days a week.

Additional Information:

Application Requirements: Applicants should submit a brief cover letter, a CV, and group all documents into a single PDF.
Internship Benefits: The position offers a monthly stipend, though additional expenses are the intern’s responsibility. Interns must provide proof of health insurance.
Non-discrimination: UNDP promotes diversity and is committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates.

If you’re interested in applying, the deadline for submissions is April 23, 2025.

For more details or to apply, you can visit UNDP’s official site.

The Drupal Development Intern position with UNDP in New York offers a comprehensive opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in backend development, specifically working with PHP and Drupal, and in the field of DevOps/system operations. Below, I will provide a more detailed explanation of the position, its requirements, the application process, and other aspects of the role.

1. Project and Organizational Background

The position is within the Office of Communications at UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), specifically the Digital Communications team. This team is critical to enhancing UNDP’s web presence globally. UNDP itself is a leading organization in global development, advocating for change and helping countries tackle complex challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. The Digital Communications team ensures the consistency and effectiveness of the organization’s online presence, which is crucial for reaching a global audience, sharing knowledge, and promoting UNDP’s initiatives.

2. Role of the Drupal Development Intern

As a Drupal Development Intern, you will be working with both the backend development side (focused on PHP and Drupal) and the DevOps/system operation side (focused on CI/CD pipelines, cloud services, and security). The tasks are geared toward supporting the maintenance and enhancement of UNDP’s digital infrastructure. Here’s a breakdown:

A. Backend Development Responsibilities:

Drupal-Specific Features Development: You’ll work on improving the functionality of Drupal websites by adding or enhancing features. This could include developing custom Drupal modules or working with hooks to enable specific actions in Drupal.
Third-party Integrations: You will help integrate external services and tools into the Drupal system, which can improve the website’s functionality. This could include integrating with external APIs or services that complement Drupal’s core capabilities.
Bug Fixing & Feedback Implementation: Working on fixing issues reported by users or identified through testing. This involves debugging code and implementing improvements based on user feedback to enhance the user experience.

B. DevOps/System Operation Responsibilities:

CI/CD Pipelines Maintenance: You will be involved in the maintenance of the Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, which are essential for automating the development and deployment processes. This ensures that the development code can be smoothly and efficiently deployed to production without issues.
Cloud Services & Performance Monitoring: The internship includes assisting with the integration of cloud services (e.g., GitHub, Azure) into the UNDP system. You’ll also help with setting up automated performance monitoring tools that track system performance, alerting when there are potential issues (e.g., hacking attempts or slowdowns).
Automated Security Systems: You will assist in setting up early warning systems to identify security vulnerabilities or suspicious activity, ensuring that the system is robust and secure against cyber threats.

3. Required Skills and Experience

This internship is aimed at candidates with technical backgrounds, specifically in web development and DevOps. The specific skills and experience required include:

A. Technical Skills:

PHP & Drupal Knowledge: You should have a good understanding of PHP and be familiar with the Drupal framework. This includes using Drupal modules, hooks, and theming capabilities to customize and improve the functionality of Drupal websites.
Frontend Development: While the focus is on backend, basic familiarity with frontend technologies like HTML, CSS/SASS, and JavaScript is expected. Understanding how frontend and backend development interact will be useful.
Tools: Familiarity with development tools like Git (for version control), VS Code (for coding), and basic shell scripting is needed. These are standard tools in web development that allow for effective coding and system management.
Cloud Services: Knowledge of cloud platforms like GitHub and Azure is desirable, as they are often used to host repositories and manage cloud-based infrastructure.
CI/CD Pipelines: Experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) is an asset. These are automated systems that streamline the development process, making it easier to integrate new code and deploy updates.

B. Education & Experience:

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or higher) or be in the final year of an undergraduate degree (minimum bachelor’s level).
If you have recently graduated (within the last year), you are eligible to apply as well.
Previous exposure to Drupal, PHP, or DevOps practices (like CI/CD) is beneficial but not mandatory.

4. Personal Competencies

Organizational Skills: The ability to manage time and tasks effectively is crucial, especially in an internship where you’ll be handling multiple assignments.
Independence: You should be capable of working independently, solving problems on your own, and showing initiative in tackling tasks.
Responsibility & Enthusiasm: As an intern, you are expected to be responsible, enthusiastic, and eager to learn, as this is an opportunity to gain experience in a global organization.
Multicultural Sensitivity: Since UNDP operates in over 170 countries, understanding and respecting diverse cultures is key. Being sensitive to political issues and cultural differences will help you thrive in this role.

5. Internship Conditions and Benefits

Duration & Location: The internship lasts for 3 months and is based in New York, United States, but UNDP’s operations span across the globe.
Stipend: UNDP provides a monthly stipend for interns. The exact amount varies depending on the location, and part-time internships are prorated accordingly.
Expenses: While UNDP covers the stipend, all other expenses related to the internship (such as accommodation, travel, and personal costs) are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
Health Insurance: Interns are required to provide proof of health insurance for the duration of the internship.

6. Application Process

To apply, you must submit the following:

A cover letter (brief and in English) explaining your interest in the internship and how your qualifications align with the role.
A current CV in English, which includes your education, skills, and any relevant experience.
Documents in a single PDF: All application documents must be grouped into one PDF document for submission.

If selected, additional documents will be required, including:

Proof of enrollment from your university or a copy of your degree certificate.
A medical certificate of good health and proof of health insurance for the duration of the internship.

Application Deadline: The deadline for applications is April 23, 2025.

7. Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They encourage candidates from all backgrounds, especially from marginalized or excluded populations, to apply. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, harassment, and abuse.

Summary of Benefits & Responsibilities:

Technical Experience: Gain hands-on experience working with Drupal and modern DevOps practices in a global development organization.
Learning Opportunities: Exposure to a wide array of technologies and systems, working closely with experienced professionals in the field of digital communication and development.
Networking: Develop professional relationships within the United Nations system, which can be valuable for future career opportunities in global development or international organizations.

This internship is an excellent opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience in web development, specifically with Drupal, and to contribute to the global mission of UNDP while working in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

To provide a detailed 2,000-word explanation, I will break the description into the following sections:

Introduction to the UNDP and the Digital Communications Team
Role of the Drupal Development Intern at UNDP
Key Responsibilities and Specific Tasks
- Backend Development (PHP, Drupal)
- DevOps/System Operation (CI/CD, Cloud Services, WAF)
Required Skills and Experience
- Technical Skills and Competencies
- Educational Requirements
- Prior Experience and Knowledge
Personal Competencies and Attributes
- Organizational Skills
- Independence and Responsibility
- Enthusiasm for Global Development and Multicultural Sensitivity
Internship Terms and Conditions
- Duration and Stipend
- Benefits and Costs
The Application Process
- Documents and Requirements
- Timeline and Deadlines
UNDP’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Why Apply for This Internship?
Conclusion: Why the Drupal Development Internship is a Significant Opportunity

1. Introduction to the UNDP and the Digital Communications Team

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network that advocates for change and connects countries with knowledge, experience, and resources to build better lives. With operations in more than 170 countries and territories, UNDP has a broad perspective and local insight, helping countries tackle complex issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. By offering financial and technical assistance to developing countries, UNDP plays a critical role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Office of Communications at UNDP is essential to ensuring that the organization’s messages reach diverse global audiences effectively. In particular, the Digital Communications Team manages the web presence of UNDP globally, ensuring that online communication is both consistent with the UNDP brand and effective in promoting its initiatives. This team works closely with other groups within communications to ensure that the digital representation of UNDP’s products, services, and campaigns is cohesive and impactful. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to get involved in the organization’s digital outreach efforts and support web development projects that directly contribute to UNDP’s mission.

2. Role of the Drupal Development Intern at UNDP

The Drupal Development Intern will support the Digital Communications Team by working on tasks related to both backend development and DevOps. This role requires technical skills, particularly in PHP and the Drupal framework, as well as an understanding of DevOps practices like CI/CD pipelines, cloud services, and security monitoring.

As a member of the team, the intern will assist with the maintenance and improvement of the UNDP’s global digital presence, ensuring that its websites and systems are secure, up-to-date, and efficient. This involves a variety of development tasks, from coding to system integration, and provides an excellent opportunity to work on a large-scale project that impacts a global audience.

The intern will report to the Digital Production Specialist, who will provide guidance and mentorship. The intern’s work will contribute to maintaining and enhancing the Drupal-based systems that UNDP uses, and the tasks will vary based on the candidate’s skillset and orientation.

3. Key Responsibilities and Specific Tasks

The responsibilities of the Drupal Development Intern can be divided into two major areas: backend development and DevOps/system operations. Below is an in-depth look at these areas:

A. Backend Development (PHP, Drupal)

Drupal-Specific Features Development:
- The intern will work directly with Drupal, an open-source content management system, which powers many of UNDP’s websites. The intern will be involved in developing new features, such as custom modules or updates to existing features that enhance the functionality of Drupal websites.
- Tasks could include creating new content types, developing taxonomies, or extending Drupal’s built-in functionalities through custom modules that meet specific requirements for UNDP’s online communications.
- The intern may also be required to develop hooks, which are a way for Drupal to interact with other parts of the system or external systems, triggering certain actions automatically when certain events occur.
Third-party Integrations:
- A significant part of the role will involve integrating third-party services into the Drupal platform. For example, the intern could work on connecting external APIs (like social media platforms, data services, or cloud-based tools) with the Drupal site.
- These integrations help UNDP’s website stay current and functional, providing a more robust user experience by pulling in real-time data or allowing for interaction with other platforms or services.
Bug Fixing and User Feedback Implementation:
- As websites constantly evolve, there are often bugs or issues that need attention. The intern will participate in identifying and fixing bugs in the system, ensuring that the websites remain operational and user-friendly.
- Implementing user feedback to refine the site’s functionality and design is another key task. This could involve adjustments to the site’s user interface or addressing issues that end users have encountered while navigating the website.
Automated Tests Development:
- The intern will help develop automated tests that are used to check the functionality of Drupal websites. Automated tests help ensure that new features do not break existing functionality and that the websites work as expected after updates or changes.

B. DevOps/System Operations (CI/CD, Cloud Services, WAF)

CI/CD Pipeline Maintenance:
- The intern will assist in maintaining and enhancing Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, which are essential for modern software development. CI/CD pipelines allow teams to automatically test, integrate, and deploy code changes, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring quicker delivery of new features.
- The intern’s role may involve helping configure or troubleshoot the CI/CD system to ensure that updates and fixes can be deployed without issues.
Development and Integration of External Services:
- Part of the DevOps responsibilities will involve integrating external services with UNDP’s internal systems. This could include services that monitor performance, collect data for analytics, or facilitate communication with third-party platforms.
- The intern will gain experience in connecting different technologies, working with APIs, and ensuring that external systems and services function smoothly with UNDP’s internal infrastructure.
Automated Performance Monitoring and Security:
- The intern will help develop automated performance monitoring systems that will continuously track the health and performance of UNDP’s websites. These tools alert the team to potential issues, such as slow load times or system crashes, so that action can be taken before it impacts the users.
- Additionally, the intern may work on setting up early warning systems for potential cybersecurity threats, ensuring that systems are secure and protected against hacking attempts or other malicious activities.

4. Required Skills and Experience

A. Technical Skills and Competencies

PHP and Drupal:
- As the role focuses on Drupal development, the intern must be familiar with PHP, as this is the primary language used in Drupal. The intern will need to be comfortable working with Drupal modules, hooks, and themings, all of which require a solid understanding of how Drupal operates.
- Knowledge of command-line tools such as Drush and Composer is highly beneficial. These tools help manage the development environment, automate tasks, and handle Drupal updates.
Frontend Development:
- While the primary focus is on backend development, the intern should have some working knowledge of frontend technologies, such as JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and SASS. This knowledge will be important when working on Drupal themes or ensuring that the backend and frontend integrate seamlessly.
DevOps and Cloud Services:
- Experience with CI/CD tools and platforms (such as GitHub, Azure, or similar) will be valuable in understanding how code is deployed, tested, and maintained.
- A familiarity with cloud services and infrastructure, as well as security tools like WAFs (Web Application Firewalls), will help the intern contribute to ensuring that UNDP’s digital systems are both efficient and secure.

B. Education Requirements

The intern must be currently enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent) or in the final academic year of a first university degree (minimum bachelor’s level). Alternatively, if you have already graduated, you must start the internship within one year of graduation.
Candidates from diverse academic backgrounds related to computer science, web development, or IT would be ideal for the role.

C. Prior Experience and Knowledge

Previous experience with web development, particularly with Drupal or PHP, will be a significant asset. Familiarity with cloud services or DevOps concepts will also be highly regarded.

5. Personal Competencies and Attributes

The role will require the intern to possess specific personal attributes, including:

Strong Organizational Skills: Interns will need to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work efficiently to meet deadlines and deliverables.
Independence: Interns should be self-starters who can work autonomously when required, taking the initiative to resolve problems or implement solutions without constant oversight.
Enthusiasm and Responsibility: A passion for global development, technology, and UNDP’s mission is key. Interns should be motivated, responsible, and committed to contributing meaningfully to the team’s work.
Multicultural Sensitivity: UNDP operates in diverse global contexts, so being able to navigate different cultural and political sensitivities is crucial for success in this role.

6. Internship Terms and Conditions

The internship is a 3-month program based in New York, with the possibility of remote work arrangements. Interns are expected to work full-time (at least four days a week). Stipends will be provided, and they vary based on the location and full-time status. Interns are responsible for covering all other expenses related to the internship (such as accommodation and travel), but the stipend will help offset some of these costs.

7. The Application Process

Interested candidates must submit the following:

A cover letter (brief, in English) stating your interest and qualifications.
A CV (in English) detailing your education, skills, and relevant experience.
All documents must be combined into a single PDF for submission.

If selected, the intern will need to submit additional documents, including proof of enrollment, degree certificates, and health insurance coverage.

8. UNDP’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

UNDP is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. The organization actively encourages applicants from marginalized or excluded populations to apply. They also have strict anti-discrimination policies, ensuring fair and respectful treatment for all.

9. Why Apply for This Internship?

This internship offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience working with a leading international organization. By contributing to the development and maintenance of UNDP’s global digital platforms, you will directly contribute to advancing sustainable development goals and improving the lives of people around the world.

10. Conclusion: Why the Drupal Development Internship is a Significant Opportunity

The Drupal Development Internship with UNDP provides a unique opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in web development, specifically with Drupal, PHP, and DevOps practices. As part of the Digital Communications Team, the intern will contribute to UNDP’s digital outreach efforts, gaining valuable technical skills while helping advance the global development agenda

To continue expanding on the details of the Drupal Development Internship with UNDP, we can further dive into the benefits of participating in this program, provide additional information about UNDP’s approach to innovation and digital transformation, explore potential challenges and how to address them, and touch on the broader impact of the internship on personal and professional development.

11. Additional Benefits of the Internship

A. Professional Networking

One of the key benefits of interning with an international organization like UNDP is the opportunity to expand your professional network. Interns will work alongside experienced professionals in the field of web development, digital communications, and global development, gaining exposure to high-level industry practices. By working on high-impact projects, you will have the chance to interact with experts in various domains, build relationships, and expand your contacts in the global development and tech industries. These connections can be invaluable in future career endeavors, especially if you’re interested in working with NGOs, international organizations, or tech-driven initiatives aimed at sustainable development.

Additionally, you will likely engage with a network of interns from around the world, providing an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences. This global network could prove beneficial if you choose to pursue a career in development, technology, or any other international context.

B. Access to Resources and Learning Opportunities

As part of the UNDP internship program, you will have access to a wealth of learning resources, including:

Training workshops that focus on professional development, coding standards, and web development trends.
Mentorship from senior developers and project managers within the organization.
Opportunities to attend webinars, conferences, or panel discussions on global development issues or digital transformation efforts at UNDP.

These resources will allow you to sharpen your skills in backend web development, DevOps, cloud computing, and other technical aspects while learning how these skills are applied in the global development context. Additionally, your exposure to UNDP’s initiatives in sustainable development and international cooperation will deepen your understanding of how technology can advance humanitarian goals.

C. Hands-on Experience with Cutting-edge Technologies

Interning at UNDP means that you’ll work with cutting-edge technologies in web development. Drupal, which is used extensively by large organizations and governments, is one of the most versatile content management systems in the world. During your internship, you will get hands-on experience with Drupal modules, theming, automation tools, CI/CD pipelines, and other key technologies that are integral to modern web development and cloud-based systems.

Your experience in integrating third-party tools and services, maintaining cloud infrastructure, and ensuring the security of UNDP’s digital platforms will prepare you for the technical demands of the future. You’ll also gain familiarity with industry best practices for building scalable, efficient, and secure web applications.

12. UNDP’s Commitment to Innovation and Digital Transformation

In today’s fast-paced world, digital transformation is at the core of many organizations’ success, especially in the realm of global development. UNDP recognizes the transformative power of technology and actively invests in innovative solutions to address global challenges.

The Digital Communications Team, where the internship is situated, is deeply involved in this transformation. Here’s how the internship aligns with UNDP’s broader goals:

A. Supporting the Digital Revolution for Global Development

As part of the Digital Communications Team, you’ll contribute to UNDP’s efforts in supporting countries’ digital revolutions. These efforts include promoting digital literacy, e-governance, and open data initiatives that help governments and organizations make data-driven decisions for the public good. This internship is an opportunity to be part of that transformation by maintaining and improving the platforms that serve as the digital face of UNDP, ensuring that the organization’s resources and initiatives are accessible to a global audience.

By focusing on web development, particularly using tools like Drupal, Git, and Azure, the internship equips you with a skill set that is increasingly in demand as technology and digital governance continue to advance across the globe.

B. Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

UNDP’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a guiding principle for everything it does. Digital initiatives—whether in communication, technology, or innovation—directly contribute to several of these goals, including:

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – By contributing to digital infrastructure, the internship helps build the necessary systems to support sustainable innovation.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The internship contributes to e-governance and online systems that foster transparent and accountable governance.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The intern will work closely with teams within UNDP and external partners, contributing to building strong collaborations that support the SDGs.

Working with these goals in mind, interns will see how technology intersects with global development and how their contributions support broader efforts to create a better, more equitable world.

13. Addressing Challenges in the Internship

While the internship offers numerous benefits, it’s important to acknowledge potential challenges that interns might face. Understanding and preparing for these challenges will help you succeed in the role and make the most of the experience.

A. Fast-Paced Environment Apply Here

Interns at UNDP may find that the work environment is fast-paced and requires flexibility. Working on global development projects means that things can evolve quickly, and deadlines can shift based on priority or unforeseen issues. This might require interns to adapt to changing timelines and work demands. It’s important to stay organized and communicate effectively with your team to stay on track.

B. Technical Complexity

Given the technical nature of the role, interns may find themselves working on complex systems, requiring a deep understanding of Drupal and PHP, as well as the integration of external services. For someone without prior experience with Drupal, there could be a learning curve. However, UNDP provides a collaborative environment where support is readily available from mentors, and resources are accessible for learning and growth.

To address this, interns should be proactive in learning and seeking help when needed. Learning-by-doing is encouraged in the internship, and you’ll be given ample opportunities to improve your technical skills.

C. Multicultural Environment

Given that UNDP operates globally and engages with various stakeholders from different regions, interns may encounter cultural sensitivities and varying perspectives on communication or collaboration. Adapting to this multicultural environment is crucial, especially when working with colleagues from different parts of the world. However, this also offers a chance to learn and expand your cultural awareness, which is an invaluable asset for anyone pursuing a career in international organizations.

14. How This Internship Contributes to Your Career

A. Skill Development

The Drupal Development Internship is a great stepping stone for those looking to pursue careers in web development, cloud computing, DevOps, or any related technical fields. Not only will you gain hands-on experience with technologies like Drupal, Git, and PHP, but you’ll also develop important soft skills, including problem-solving, team collaboration, and time management.

By working at UNDP, you will have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and global development, gaining a deeper understanding of how digital solutions can be applied to achieve the SDGs. This experience will make you highly attractive to employers in both the technology and development sectors.

B. Enhanced Employability

Internships with international organizations like UNDP are highly regarded in the job market. The experience of working with a global institution and contributing to high-profile digital projects will set you apart from other candidates. Whether you pursue a career in web development, global development, or digital communications, the internship will serve as a solid foundation for your professional future.

15. Conclusion: Why You Should Apply

The Drupal Development Internship at UNDP offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global development efforts while honing your technical skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. With the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies, gain exposure to a global network of professionals, and support projects that directly contribute to the SDGs, this internship is an excellent choice for anyone passionate about both technology and global change.

By applying for this position, you will not only grow as a web developer but also be part of an organization that is shaping the future of digital governance and development communication. If you are driven, eager to learn, and ready to take on challenging yet rewarding work, this internship at UNDP offers a transformative experience for your career and personal growth.

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ChatGPT said:

UNDP Drupal Development intern (REMOTE) – unjobnet.org

unjobnet.org

For more detailed information about the Drupal Development Internship with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), including application procedures and deadlines, you can refer to the official UNDP job posting: