Job Identification25201

• Posting Date03/21/2025, 07:50 PM
• Apply Before04/05/2025, 05:58 AM
• Job ScheduleFull time
• Locations Copenhagen, Denmark
• AgencyUNDP
• GradeIPSA-10
• Vacancy TypeInternational Personnel Service Agreement
• Practice AreaInnovation
• BureauBureau for Management Services
• Contract Duration1 Year
• Education & Work ExperienceMaster’s Degree – 5 year(s) experience OR Bachelor’s Degree – 7 year(s) experience
• Required LanguagesFluency in English and French or Spanish
• Desired LanguagesProficiency in other UN official languages
• Vacancy Timeline2 Weeks

Job Description

Backgroundhttp://UNDP Remote Internship: Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) and PANORAMA

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the operational backbone to the UN system: providing payroll, financial transactions, common premises, treasury investment, procurement, legal services to UN agencies. UNDP provides IT support for 13 UN entities with 40,000 United Nations and external users of the UNDP’s Quantum ERP system, as well as information and communication technology (ICT), applications and Green Energy solutions for the United Nations field presence.

The mission of ITM Smart Infrastructure is to “Create Smart Facilities, build local Capacity and Inspire and Movement”, which guarantees efficient, innovative, and sustainable management of technologies for UN facilities, and consistency with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Smart Facility solutions include Green Energy services, Connectivity, Security and IoT and Data.  ITM offers a framework of best practices to deliver resilient, highly available and sustainable business solutions that flourishing innovation throughout the organization. These services are aligned with the organization’s Digital Transformation Agenda and Smart Facilities Initiative. 
The Business Development Specialist will be responsible to improve and grow UNDP Information Technology Management/Smart Infrastructure Services (ITM/SIS) business, by establishing and developing relationships with customers, suppliers and other partners. Working at the Business Development Group, the cornerstone of successful revenue growth and resource mobilization, the BDS plays a key role in the strategic development of ITM/SIS.

UNDP’s work is summarized in the Strategic Plan by this “3x6x3” framework:

• 3 Directions of Change: Structural transformation, leaving no-one behind, building resilience
• 6 Signature Solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, gender equality
• 3 Enablers: Strategic innovation, digitalisation, development financing
   

The BDS is expected to manage, market, and sale a number of services and products developed by the ITM/SIS as follows: Green Energy (including, but not limited to, Vehicle-Grid Integration, solar PV installation, energy efficiency, training and capacity building and waste management), Smart Building, Internet of Things (IoT), smart sensors, cloud infrastructure, connectivity, digital and collaboration solutions. As the BDS, you will report to the Business Development Officer and you will identify new business opportunities in order to generate revenue, improve profitability and help the business grow. Your work can involve careful strategic planning and positioning ITM/SIS in the UN system, NGO and human development arena. These opportunities are aligned with the UNDP strategic plan 2022-25.

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Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the ITM Business Development Officer, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

Assist Developing the Business Strategy:@vacancyspaces.com

• Develop a business development strategy focused on sustainable growth and customer satisfaction
• Provide trustworthy feedback and after-sales support
• Regular surveying of UN and NGO market to assess demand for specific products and services. Keep abreast of trends and changes in the business world and identify new markets and customer needs
• Prepare service agreement ensuring adherence to UN rules and guidelines
• Seek ways of improving the way the business operates
• Perform accurate costing and consistent pricing for all programs and products/services, develop pricing models and set KPI targets
• Carry out sales forecasts and analysis and present findings to senior management/the board of directors 

Customers and Stakeholder Management:

• Nurture and develop long-term business partnership with new and existing customers for the ITM/SIS by building and strengthening business and client partnerships
• Arrange business development meetings with prospective clients, identify the needs of clients and respond effectively with a tailored business plan or solution
• Develop mutually beneficial proposals, negotiate contract terms and pricing with clients in line with internal guidelines
• Explore opportunities of collaboration with universities, ITM internship, course accreditations, research etc.

Product/Service Management:

• Promote the company’s products/services addressing or predicting clients’ objectives
• Have a good understanding of the businesses’ products and/or services and provide specialist advice to customers
• Research and identify new business opportunities – including new markets, growth areas, trends, products and services – or new ways of reaching existing markets
• Develop a sale package of products provided
• Assisting with the tendering process
• Strengthen the marketing support for on-going projects to promote visibility and inspire a movement

Strengthening Smart Facility Branding and Communications:

• Develop and disseminate marketing strategy and communication materials on social media channels and UNDP websites under the guidance of ITM Communications Team
• Write promotional articles for SIS projects and knowledge-based articles
• Develop a promotional strategy and activities
• Develop opportunities in target markets with support of marketing

Seek Business Opportunities and Event Management:

• Organize inauguration and groundbreaking ceremonies of Smart Facilities projects
• Attend events and networking, taking stands at exhibitions and conferences, and responding to incoming leads. You will also more than likely be expected to identify partner opportunities to cross and up sell services
• Develop new opportunities for local capacity building and training programs. These can include executive training/coaching programs, as well as other non-credit courses / programs.
• Perform ad-hoc consultancies and field missions
• Promote and support research collaborations (with different institutions)
• Engage actively with academic personnel to develop courses under relevant agreements
• Surveying the participants of all collaboration programs and incorporating appropriate feedback into future programs

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement:

• The Business Development Specialist will report to the Business Development Officer. 
   

Competencies

Core:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3

• Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3

• Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3

• Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3

• Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3

• Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3

• Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3

• Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical:

Digital and Innovation – Data storytelling and communications:

• Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling Fashion.

Digital & Innovation – Digital product management:

• Ability to design and lead digital product development including testing, ongoing product iteration, product strategy and delivery.

Partnership management – Relationship management:

• Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking:

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
   

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Sales or relevant field is required or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of master´s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master´s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor´s degree) of relevant work experience as business development manager, sales executive or a relevant role.

Required skills and competencies:

• Data Analysis & Reporting – experience in data analysis, using tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, or Power BI to extract insights.
• Report Writing – Proven ability to produce formal reports, adhering to industry standards. Experience in writing technical, research-based, or policy reports is required.
• Multitasking & Time Management – Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects or tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with shifting priorities is essential.
• Stakeholder Engagement – demonstrated ability of collaboration and engagement of various stakeholder groups (e.g., community organizations, government agencies, private sector)
• Program Development – experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs and workshops tailored to the identified needs, including setting objectives, creating curricula, and establishing evaluation metrics.
• Advocacy & Strategic Communication – experience in advocacy or public affairs, with a proven track record of developing and executing advocacy initiatives. Ability to effectively advocate for UN programs including strategic communication tailored to diverse stakeholders, evidence-based advocacy aligned with UNDP mission
• Project Management – experience in managing projects, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery while meeting performance goals.

Desired additional skills and competencies:

• Experience in the Smart Facilities, Green Energy, Information Technology, IoT and AI
• Good understanding of Green Energy solutions markets, coupled with experience in customer support is an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English and French or Spanish is required.
• Proficiency in other UN official languages is of benefit.
   

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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UNDP Remote Internship: Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) and PANORAMA – A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading global development network of the United Nations. It works in approximately 170 countries and territories to help governments and societies achieve sustainable development, reduce poverty, and build resilience to global challenges like climate change, inequality, and conflict. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP’s mission is to assist countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing policy advice, technical assistance, and fostering innovation.

UNDP’s work is wide-ranging, encompassing areas like environmental sustainability, governance, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth. The agency partners with governments, private sectors, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, among others, to catalyze development across sectors and at multiple levels—from national to local.

At the heart of UNDP’s mission is a commitment to promoting a fairer, more equitable world. This includes fostering policies and initiatives that ensure social inclusion, particularly for marginalized populations.

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Understanding the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

Background of BIOFIN

Launched in 2012, the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a pioneering global program designed to mobilize financial resources to protect biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide. The program is led by UNDP, in collaboration with other UN agencies and partners, with the goal of integrating biodiversity conservation into national and international financial frameworks.

Biodiversity, which encompasses the variety of life on Earth, provides essential services like pollination, climate regulation, and water purification. Yet, biodiversity loss continues to accelerate due to human activities, and many countries struggle to secure sufficient funding for conservation efforts. BIOFIN was established to address this financial gap by helping governments develop innovative finance solutions for the protection of natural ecosystems.

BIOFIN’s Approach

BIOFIN’s approach is two-pronged: it both raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity finance and builds technical capacity to implement solutions effectively. Through its global network, BIOFIN helps countries assess their current biodiversity financing situation and develop strategies for more sustainable and innovative funding mechanisms.

BIOFIN’s activities include:

1. Assessing Financial Needs: Identifying the financial resources needed for effective biodiversity management.
2. Designing Finance Solutions: Exploring innovative financing mechanisms such as private sector investments, blended finance, and eco-tourism.
3. Building National Capacity: Providing tools and resources to help countries better manage and deploy biodiversity finance.
4. Tracking Spending: Monitoring government and private sector expenditures related to biodiversity conservation.

Global Impact of BIOFIN

BIOFIN operates in 41+ core countries across the world, directly impacting national biodiversity management strategies. The program works with governments to design and implement biodiversity finance plans that are tailored to each country’s unique context. By focusing on local solutions to global biodiversity challenges, BIOFIN plays a crucial role in achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets.

For example, BIOFIN’s work has helped countries like Mexico, Kenya, and India integrate biodiversity finance into national economic planning, allowing them to set realistic and actionable biodiversity conservation goals. In total, BIOFIN has worked with over 132 countries, strengthening their capacity to implement biodiversity finance solutions at scale.

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What is PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet?

Overview of PANORAMA

PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet is a collaborative platform established to document, share, and amplify successful solutions to biodiversity challenges. The platform allows conservation practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to access a rich database of case studies showcasing innovative conservation strategies that have been successfully implemented in various parts of the world.

PANORAMA is a multi-stakeholder initiative, with key partners including:

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
• UNDP, which joined the platform in 2018

This initiative aims to increase the visibility of replicable conservation solutions, enabling practitioners in other regions to apply lessons learned from successful projects. PANORAMA also serves as a learning hub, where practitioners can exchange knowledge and build on best practices.

The Role of PANORAMA in Global Conservation

Through knowledge-sharing, PANORAMA helps accelerate global conservation efforts by promoting scalable, cost-effective solutions. The platform hosts case studies that address a wide range of environmental and development challenges, including:

• Marine conservation
• Forest management
• Water conservation
• Community-based conservation
• Climate change adaptation

As of 2024, PANORAMA hosts over 1000 documented solutions from around the globe, all aimed at achieving positive impacts on ecosystems and local communities.

PANORAMA’s New Finance Thematic Community

To further support global biodiversity finance, PANORAMA is launching a new thematic community focused specifically on finance. This will provide a platform for practitioners to share successful financial solutions that have been implemented to fund biodiversity conservation. The creation of this community comes at a critical time, as finance continues to be one of the most pressing issues in biodiversity management.

The internship role is crucial in helping PANORAMA launch this finance community by identifying, documenting, and sharing real-world finance solutions from BIOFIN’s core countries.

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Role and Responsibilities of the Intern

Research and Documentation

One of the core functions of the internship is researching, analyzing, and documenting the activities and outcomes of BIOFIN’s 41+ core countries in terms of biodiversity finance. This involves:

• Conducting comprehensive literature reviews to identify case studies and best practices
• Analyzing financial gaps and successful finance solutions implemented by BIOFIN countries
• Summarizing research findings and converting them into clear, user-friendly formats for global sharing
• Contributing to the development of cross-country comparative analyses

Knowledge Management and Content Creation

The intern will assist in developing knowledge products such as:

• Reports detailing the financial needs and solutions identified in BIOFIN countries
• Guidance documents to help other countries replicate successful finance models
• Case studies highlighting innovative finance mechanisms in biodiversity conservation

Additionally, the intern will contribute to the updating of BIOFIN’s finance solutions database, ensuring it remains comprehensive and relevant to practitioners globally.

Event Coordination and Networking

The internship involves supporting the organization of events, webinars, and regional calls aimed at sharing finance solutions and fostering collaboration among practitioners. Responsibilities include:

• Helping with the logistical planning of online and hybrid events
• Coordinating meetings with stakeholders across various time zones
• Drafting event summaries, reports, and post-event communications

Communication and Digital Media

As part of the communication team, the intern will contribute to raising awareness of BIOFIN and PANORAMA’s initiatives through blogs, articles, and social media posts. This will include:

• Writing content for social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram
• Drafting articles and blog posts about BIOFIN’s work and its impact
• Monitoring media coverage and tracking mentions of BIOFIN and PANORAMA globally

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Eligibility Criteria and Required Skills

Who Can Apply?

Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a postgraduate program (e.g., Master’s or higher)
• In the final year of a bachelor’s program
• Recently graduated (within the past year)
• Enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program

Required Skills

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• A keen interest in biodiversity, finance, and sustainable development
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Language Requirements

• English: Fluent (written and spoken)
• French: Highly desirable
• Other UN Languages (Spanish, Russian, etc.): Advantageous

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Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Learning Opportunities

This internship will offer interns the chance to:

• Gain insight into global biodiversity finance practices
• Learn from leading experts in conservation finance, policy, and implementation
• Develop a global network of professionals in the field of biodiversity and finance
• Sharpen analytical and writing skills in a real-world setting
• Work remotely and gain exposure to international collaboration

Financial Support

Interns receive a stipend as per UNDP policies, though any further costs associated with the internship (such as travel and accommodation) are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.

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How to Apply

To apply for this internship, candidates need to:

1. Submit a cover letter in English, detailing their motivation and qualifications
2. Attach an updated CV (in English)
3. If selected, candidates must submit:
   • An official university letter confirming their enrollment
   • Proof of health and life insurance valid for the internship location

Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

To apply, visit the UNDP career portal and upload all documents as a single PDF.

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Conclusion

This internship offers an invaluable opportunity to contribute to biodiversity conservation at the global level while gaining hands-on experience in finance solutions for the environment. If you are passionate about sustainability and eager to work in a dynamic, global environment, this internship could be the perfect next step in your career.

Are you ready to contribute to the future of biodiversity finance? Apply now and make a lasting impact!

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Link to Apply: UNDP Remote Internship – Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) and PANORAMA