The UNDP IT Support Internship: Empowering Global Development through Technology and Innovation

March 18, 2025

16 minutes read

This internship at UNDP’s Information and Technology Management (ITM) Unit in New York is an opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in IT support, business intelligence, and cloud-based system development. Below is a detailed breakdown of the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits:http://UNDP IT Support – Business Intelligence and Systems Internship

1. About the Role

This is a 6-month full-time internship (August 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026).
The intern will work with ITM’s global support team, helping UNDP Country Offices worldwide to implement digital solutions.
The role focuses on business process automation, data visualization, cloud technologies, and user support.

2. Key Responsibilities

Interns will support various IT projects and contribute to UNDP’s digital transformation. Their tasks will include:

a) Business Process Automation & IT Support

Work with Microsoft Office 365, PowerApps, Oracle ERP Cloud, Salesforce, and ServiceNow to support online collaboration tools.
Automate manual and paper-based processes using PowerApps and Flow for mobile-enabled approvals, data entry, and reporting.
Research and propose AI-based chatbots, decision-making tools, and workflow improvements.

b) Data Analysis & Business Intelligence

Assist in collecting, consolidating, and analyzing data for project tracking and performance monitoring.
Use Excel, Power BI, and other analytics tools to create data visualizations and dashboards.
Work on database management, SQL queries, and reporting solutions.

c) Software Development & UI/UX Improvements

Support the development of internal applications using PowerApps and low-code platforms.
Enhance user interfaces of existing tools based on UI/UX best practices and user feedback.
Learn about software development best practices like DevOps, continuous integration, and coding standards.

d) Digital Innovation & Research

Explore new collaboration technologies, such as AI-driven chatbots, cloud-based automation tools, and workflow optimization.
Conduct user training and assist with documentation for technology adoption across UNDP offices.
Help improve internal UNDP business procedures using modern IT solutions.

3. Required Qualifications@vacancyspaces.com

To be eligible for this internship, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Be enrolled in a master’s program (or higher) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management, or related fields.
Be in the final year of a bachelor’s program.
Have recently graduated (within one year) with a relevant degree.
Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program.

Technical Skills Needed:

Experience in IT support, software development, or business intelligence.
Familiarity with Microsoft Cloud Technologies (Office 365, SharePoint, Azure).
Knowledge of SQL, Power BI, data analysis, and business intelligence tools.
Experience with web development (HTML, CSS), automation (PowerApps, Power Automate), and UI/UX principles.
Understanding of DevOps, continuous integration, and cloud-based systems is an advantage.

Soft Skills Needed:

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to work in teams and independently.
Interest in international organizations and sustainable development.
Good communication skills for explaining technical concepts to non-technical users.
A positive and proactive attitude.

4. Benefits of the Internship

Work experience in an international organization (UNDP operates in 170+ countries).
Exposure to cutting-edge cloud technologies and digital transformation projects.
Networking with top UN professionals and fellow interns worldwide.
Hands-on experience with IT support, business intelligence, and process automation.
Development of technical and leadership skills for future career opportunities.

5. Compensation & Conditions

Stipend: Interns may receive a monthly stipend (approximately $1,000 for in-person internships in New York).
Internship is unpaid if financially supported by a third party (e.g., university scholarship, government).
Interns must cover their own visa, accommodation, health insurance, and travel expenses.
No job guarantee after the internship, but this experience is valuable for future UN or international careers.

6. How to Apply

The application must include:

Cover Letter (in English) – Explaining your interest in the internship and relevant skills.
Updated CV (in English) – Highlighting your IT, data analysis, and business intelligence experience.
Merged into a single PDF file (as the system only allows one document upload).

Deadline to Apply: April 27, 2025 (midnight ET)
Start Date: August 1, 2025
Apply here: UNDP Careers Portal

7. Final Thoughts

This internship is an excellent opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in:

Technology in international organizations.
Business intelligence, automation, and data visualization.
IT support, cloud solutions, and digital innovation.
Gaining UN experience for a future career in the UN or related fields.

Would you like help with your cover letter or CV optimization? Let me know! 😊

UNDP IT Support – Business Intelligence and Systems Internship

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network. It is committed to helping people overcome poverty and achieve sustainable development worldwide. With offices in over 170 countries, UNDP works closely with governments, other UN agencies, and civil society to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One of the key pillars of UNDP’s strategy is the use of modern technologies to address development challenges. The ITM Unit plays a central role in supporting UNDP’s mission by enabling technology solutions that empower development projects across the globe. It helps transform business processes, support collaboration, and enable country offices to achieve their goals more effectively through the strategic application of information technology.

The Role of an IT Support Intern at UNDP

This full-time, 6-month internship will offer you the opportunity to work within UNDP’s Information and Technology Management (ITM) Unit in New York. The role is designed for students or recent graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in IT support, business intelligence, cloud computing, and software development in an international setting. As an intern, you will be actively involved in various tasks that contribute directly to the digital transformation of UNDP’s internal processes and global projects.

Interns in the ITM Unit at UNDP work in a dynamic and collaborative environment where they are exposed to diverse stakeholders and cutting-edge technologies. They will also gain valuable international experience, making the internship a great stepping stone for a career in IT, development, or international organizations.

Responsibilities of the Intern

As an intern, you will be working directly with UNDP’s team of professionals to assist in managing and supporting technology solutions for Country Offices worldwide. Your tasks will vary, but you will focus on cloud-based applications, business process automation, and data analysis.

1. Business Process Automation & IT Support

One of your key roles will be to support the development, deployment, and management of business process automation solutions. This involves working with tools like Microsoft Office 365, Oracle ERP Cloud, Salesforce, and ServiceNow. These tools enable various UNDP offices globally to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and improve communication across teams.

As an intern, you will:

Assist in automating manual and paper-based processes by developing solutions using PowerApps and Power Automate (Flow).
Work on integrating and customizing Microsoft Office 365 tools (like Planner, Teams, and Power BI) to facilitate communication and collaboration across teams.
Collaborate with team members to ensure that business requirements are effectively translated into functional software solutions.
Support the management of cloud-based solutions, particularly around the integration of systems like Salesforce and Oracle Cloud ERP.

2. Data Analysis & Business Intelligence (BI)

You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with data analysis and business intelligence tools, which are crucial for driving decision-making processes at UNDP.

Your responsibilities will include:

Collecting and consolidating data from various sources and systems to support project-tracking and reporting.
Using tools like Power BI, Excel, and SQL to analyze, visualize, and create reports that present meaningful insights.
Collaborating with colleagues to create interactive dashboards for internal and external stakeholders.
Supporting data visualization efforts, turning complex data into easy-to-understand visuals and reports.
Analyzing data for performance tracking and assisting with recommendations for improvement in processes.

You will gain hands-on experience working with business intelligence (BI) tools that are widely used in industries and international organizations. This skillset is highly valued in the modern job market.

3. Software Development & UI/UX Improvements

In addition to supporting cloud-based applications and BI tools, you will have the chance to contribute to software development projects and help improve the user experience (UX) of existing tools and applications.

Your tasks may include:

Assisting in the development of applications using PowerApps to automate business processes and enhance efficiency.
Supporting the user interface (UI) improvements of existing software applications, ensuring they follow best practices in UX design.
Working with the development team to ensure that the tools are user-friendly and meet the needs of different stakeholders within UNDP.
Conducting user acceptance testing (UAT) to ensure that software and applications meet organizational needs and are easy to use.
Collaborating with colleagues in designing and developing low-code applications for business automation and collaboration.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to build technical development skills while working in a real-world context and gaining practical experience in user-centered design.

4. Research, Innovation, and Digital Transformation

Another key aspect of this internship is the focus on digital innovation. You will be encouraged to bring fresh ideas to the table and contribute to new and innovative ways of using technology to enhance UNDP’s operations.

As an intern, you will:

Assist in researching and identifying new tools and technologies that can improve collaboration and business operations.
Explore new ways to enhance communication across UNDP offices, such as integrating AI chatbots or exploring new ways of using tools like MS Teams and SharePoint.
Work with your team to identify and experiment with new collaboration systems and tools that can be scaled across the organization.
Contribute to knowledge management by helping create documentation for best practices and user guides for different IT tools.

By taking part in these activities, you will gain insight into how digital innovation is transforming organizations and will have the opportunity to work on projects with significant global impact.

Required Skills and Experience

This internship is specifically designed for students or recent graduates who have a strong foundation in information technology, software development, or business management. The following qualifications and skills are required for candidates to be considered:

1. Educational Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following educational criteria:

Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a master’s program in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management, or similar fields).
Be in the final academic year of a bachelor’s program (such as Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Business Information Systems, or similar).
Be a recent graduate (within the past year) with a degree in a relevant field like IT Technician, Software Developer, Business Management, or Artificial Intelligence.

2. Technical Skills

Applicants should possess a strong foundation in the following areas:

Familiarity with cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft Office 365, Oracle ERP, Salesforce, and ServiceNow.
Experience with business intelligence tools like Power BI and Excel (pivot tables, queries).
Basic coding knowledge (experience with SQL, HTML5, CSS, or any other web programming languages) is an advantage.
Knowledge of PowerApps and Power Automate is beneficial, as these tools are central to automating processes.
Familiarity with DevOps, Continuous Integration, and software development methodologies is a plus.

3. Soft Skills

Along with the technical skills, strong soft skills are necessary:

Problem-solving skills: You should be able to approach challenges methodically and analytically.
Teamwork and collaboration: This internship requires you to work with teams across different time zones and locations, so being able to effectively collaborate is key.
Communication skills: You will need to explain technical concepts to non-technical users, so clear and concise communication is crucial.
Adaptability: You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Motivation for learning: The internship is designed to be a learning experience, so you should be open to receiving feedback and developing your skills.

Benefits of the Internship

This internship is designed to provide you with practical experience in a variety of high-demand skills that will be beneficial for your future career in technology, development, or international organizations.

1. Professional Development

You will:

Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies like cloud applications, business intelligence tools, and software automation.
Develop professional skills in data analysis, software development, and project management.
Receive exposure to international development work through interaction with UNDP staff, other interns, and stakeholders worldwide.

2. Networking

This internship provides a unique opportunity to build your global network. You will interact with UNDP staff and professionals from more than 170 countries, which can provide valuable connections for your future career.

3. Stipend

The internship is paid, and interns will receive a monthly stipend (approximately $1,000 for in-person internships in New York). This stipend is designed to help cover basic living expenses like meals and transportation.

4. Learning Experience

This internship provides an ideal environment for learning, with access to top industry experts and innovative solutions used in international development.

How to Apply

To apply for this internship, you must submit the following documents by April 27, 2025 (midnight ET):

A Cover Letter explaining why you are interested in the internship and why you are a good fit for the role.
A CV that highlights your educational background, technical skills, and relevant experience.
- Note: You must merge both documents into one single PDF as the application system only allows one file upload.

If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted after the application deadline.

Conclusion

This UNDP internship is an incredible opportunity for students or recent graduates interested in gaining valuable experience in IT support, business intelligence, and cloud technologies. By joining the ITM Unit, you will contribute to global efforts in using technology for sustainable development, learning from top professionals, and gaining exposure to international projects.

If you meet the required qualifications and are passionate about using technology to address development challenges, this could be a great opportunity to kickstart your career.

Certainly! Here’s an even more detailed continuation of the expanded job description, adding further context and breaking down additional areas of the internship to enhance your understanding of the experience.

The UNDP IT Support Internship – Expanded Overview

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) internship program provides a unique opportunity to work alongside passionate professionals committed to sustainable development. As an intern with the Information and Technology Management (ITM) Unit, you will not only be introduced to the world of international development and global IT solutions but also gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies that help shape global business processes.

UNDP’s mission is deeply rooted in the concept of sustainable development, and technology plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. By automating processes, enhancing collaboration, improving business intelligence, and enabling better decision-making through data analytics, technology is empowering the UNDP to fulfill its mission in over 170 countries. This internship is an opportunity to become part of this exciting and impactful journey.

Key Areas of Focus in the Internship

The IT Support – Business Intelligence and Systems Internship will engage you in a broad range of activities, each of which focuses on helping UNDP improve internal processes through innovative IT solutions. Let’s break down some of these key focus areas further:

1. Cloud Technology Integration and Support

Cloud technologies are central to the operations of the UNDP. The use of cloud-based platforms and services helps streamline data management and improve communication across global offices. A significant portion of your internship will involve working with various cloud technologies, such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud, to ensure that UNDP’s infrastructure remains scalable, secure, and aligned with global standards.

Your specific tasks may include:

Supporting the deployment of cloud solutions for internal users, ensuring that cloud-based tools are properly integrated with existing workflows.
Managing and maintaining cloud resources to ensure smooth operations for users across multiple regions.
Troubleshooting issues with cloud-based services and assisting in resolving problems related to user access, data storage, and application performance.

In addition to day-to-day cloud operations, you may also be involved in:

Assisting with data migration projects to transition UNDP services and applications to more advanced cloud systems.
Conducting performance monitoring and generating reports on cloud infrastructure performance to ensure uptime, security, and efficiency.
Implementing security measures in the cloud environment to protect sensitive information and data.

This experience will give you an in-depth understanding of how cloud computing is transforming the way global organizations manage data and support their operations.

2. Process Automation and Digital Transformation

As a global organization with offices across multiple continents, UNDP relies heavily on automation to keep its processes efficient and effective. Automation is an essential tool for reducing manual work, minimizing errors, and speeding up operational workflows. The Power Platform (a suite of Microsoft tools including Power BI, PowerApps, and Power Automate) is central to many automation initiatives at UNDP, and during your internship, you will work directly with these tools.

Your involvement in process automation will provide you with exposure to:

PowerApps: PowerApps enables users to build low-code applications that automate internal business processes. You will have the opportunity to assist in the development of new apps or the modification of existing ones.
Power Automate: Power Automate is a tool for automating repetitive tasks across various applications and services. You will help set up workflows that automate the movement of data between different systems and assist with the integration of various UNDP tools.
Power BI: A major component of business intelligence, Power BI helps decision-makers visualize data and track performance metrics. You will support the creation of custom dashboards and reports tailored to the specific needs of different UNDP teams.

You will also be involved in analyzing workflows, identifying areas for improvement, and developing solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy.

3. IT Support and Troubleshooting

The ITM Unit plays a vital role in ensuring that UNDP’s global offices operate smoothly with minimal technical disruptions. As part of your internship, you will gain hands-on experience in technical troubleshooting, system maintenance, and user support. You will support a team of IT professionals dedicated to ensuring that all technical systems are running efficiently and securely.

Key responsibilities in this area will include:

Assisting in the technical support of day-to-day IT operations, such as email systems, collaboration tools (like Microsoft Teams and Zoom), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Troubleshooting IT issues such as software errors, login problems, network issues, and other technical difficulties.
Providing user support to UNDP staff, answering questions, and helping them resolve issues related to system functionality.
Ensuring that IT hardware (computers, printers, etc.) is in good working condition, and assisting with setting up new workstations for new staff or interns.
Escalating complex issues to senior IT team members when necessary, and assisting in coordinating with external service providers for specialized support.

In addition to troubleshooting, you will also contribute to creating and maintaining user documentation to make IT support more accessible. By the end of the internship, you will have a solid understanding of how global organizations manage their IT infrastructure, support employees, and ensure data security.

4. Business Intelligence and Data Analytics

The power of data cannot be overstated in modern development organizations like the UNDP. Data analytics and business intelligence tools are key to enabling informed decision-making across the organization. As an intern in the ITM Unit, you will be involved in working with data in a meaningful way.

Tasks in this area will include:

Data Cleaning: You will assist with cleaning and preparing data from various sources, ensuring that it is accurate and ready for analysis.
Creating Visual Reports: Using tools like Power BI, you will help create visually engaging reports and dashboards that translate data into actionable insights for decision-makers.
Statistical Analysis: You may be involved in basic statistical analysis of data sets, helping identify patterns, correlations, and insights that can be used to improve operations or measure project success.
Predictive Analytics: As your experience grows, you may be introduced to more advanced techniques in predictive analytics, which involves using historical data to predict future trends and outcomes. This type of analysis helps organizations like UNDP better plan for the future and optimize their operations.

This experience will not only enhance your technical skills but also improve your ability to interpret data and present it in ways that drive business strategy.

5. Integration with Global Teams

One of the most exciting aspects of this internship is the opportunity to work with international teams across various UNDP offices. UNDP operates globally with field offices in more than 170 countries, each of which uses different systems and processes. As part of the ITM Unit, you will help ensure these systems integrate smoothly, allowing staff in different countries to work cohesively and efficiently.

Your exposure to global teams will provide:

Cultural Insight: You’ll work alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and understand the unique challenges faced by different countries and regions.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Learning how to collaborate with teams in different time zones and understanding various work environments is an invaluable skill in today’s globalized economy.
Global Technology Solutions: You will gain an understanding of how technology supports the operations of an international organization and the challenges of creating systems that are scalable and adaptable to different regions.

This international exposure will provide unique learning opportunities, as you’ll be part of a global network working on some of the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change to poverty alleviation.

Additional Learning Opportunities and Benefits

In addition to the hands-on skills you’ll gain, there are several other benefits to this internship:

1. Mentorship and Professional Guidance

As an intern at UNDP, you will be paired with an experienced mentor or supervisor who will guide you throughout the internship. This mentor will provide advice on career development, technical skills, and personal growth, helping you build a network within the UN system and the international development community.

2. Exposure to International Development Work

By being involved in UNDP’s projects, you will gain firsthand experience in international development and learn about the global challenges the organization addresses. You’ll witness how technology is leveraged to solve real-world problems and how solutions are tailored to the needs of diverse communities worldwide.

3. Access to UNDP’s Learning and Development Resources

As an intern at UNDP, you will have access to various learning and development resources, including:

Online courses and workshops on emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing.
Learning opportunities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing valuable insights into how technology supports the global development agenda.
Conferences and seminars hosted by UNDP and other UN agencies, which often bring together thought leaders and experts on global development topics.

4. Building Your Resume

This internship provides an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your resume, as it involves working with cutting-edge technologies and applying them to real-world development projects. The skills, knowledge, and experience gained from this internship will make you a highly competitive candidate in the job market, especially if you’re looking to pursue a career in international organizations, technology development, or data analytics.

Conclusion: Why You Should Apply

The UNDP IT Support – Business Intelligence and Systems Internship offers an incredible opportunity to contribute to an international organization that is making a real impact on the world. Not only will you gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology solutions, but you will also work in a highly collaborative, innovative, and global environment.

By supporting digital transformation initiatives, cloud adoption, process automation, and data analytics at UNDP, you will develop valuable technical skills and business acumen that will be essential for your future career in technology, international relations, or development work.

If you are passionate about technology, eager to contribute to global sustainable development, and motivated to learn from experienced professionals, this internship could be a defining step in your career. Apply now, and become part of a global team that is actively working to achieve the SDGs through innovative technology solutions.

March 18, 2025

16 minutes read