“UNDP Internship: Contributing to Global Sustainability and Climate Innovation in Singapore”

This internship at the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD) in Singapore offers a rich, hands-on experience with a focus on climate and sustainability. The internship is part of a six-month program that aims to provide valuable exposure to sustainable development and technological innovation, particularly in the context of developing countries. Below are some additional key aspects of the role:

Responsibilities and Tasks:http://UNDP Internship – Climate and Sustainability.

The intern will support the GC-TISD in tackling global sustainability challenges, particularly focusing on areas such as carbon pricing, sustainable agriculture, and air pollution. Key tasks include:

1. Research and Thought Leadership:
   • Conducting research on key issues related to climate resilience, sustainable farming, and carbon tax implementation.
   • Analyzing data (both qualitative and quantitative) to contribute to solutions for sustainable development.
   • Writing policy briefs, blogs, and reports to share insights and foster understanding of sustainability issues.
   • Collaborating on a capacity-building program on carbon pricing, aimed at sharing best practices between countries.
2. Strategic Advocacy and Partnership Development:
   • Assisting in the identification of potential partners in the urban-tech and digital sectors to expand the Centre’s network and impact.
   • Supporting engagement with global stakeholders, including governments, think tanks, and businesses, to build strong international partnerships.
3. Event Management Support:
   • Helping conceptualize and organize events such as webinars, workshops, and training sessions, which may be held both in person and online.
   • Creating compelling visual materials like infographics and presentations to communicate the Centre’s work effectively.
4. Learning and Networking:
   • Participating in learning opportunities related to international development, technology, and innovation.
   • Networking within Singapore’s vibrant ecosystem and connecting with a diverse range of professionals working on climate and sustainability.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Educational Requirements: Applicants must be in their final year of undergraduate study, enrolled in a Master’s program, or have graduated within the last year. Preferred fields of study include Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, International Relations, Public Policy, or related fields.
• Knowledge and Experience: The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for sustainability, with a particular interest in addressing climate challenges in developing countries. A background in research, policy analysis, and communication will be helpful. Familiarity with international development processes or previous involvement with sustainability projects will be an advantage.
• Skills: The internship requires strong research and analytical abilities, excellent communication and writing skills, and proficiency in event organization.

Learning and Development Opportunities:@vacancyspaces.com

• Exposure to high-level international policy work and multilateral diplomacy.
• Practical skills in climate resilience, sustainability, and technological innovations.
• Interaction with a broad network of global experts, practitioners, and policymakers.

Compensation and Terms:

• The internship is unpaid, but it offers a stipend of approximately 859.13 SGD per month.
• Interns are responsible for their visa, travel, accommodation, and other expenses.
• This role is full-time, with flexibility for educational commitments.

Ideal Candidate Attributes:

The UNDP is looking for motivated and proactive candidates with a goal-oriented mindset who can work independently and within a team. The ideal intern will demonstrate a positive attitude, resilience in tackling complex global issues, and a strong interest in contributing to sustainable development.

If you’re passionate about making a tangible impact on sustainability and tackling climate change, this internship provides an excellent platform to gain hands-on experience and contribute to global initiatives. Let me know if you’d like additional help with your application or if you have any other questions!

The internship at the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD) in Singapore is an exceptional opportunity for those passionate about tackling global challenges, particularly climate change, sustainability, and technological innovation. This role is designed for individuals who are deeply committed to environmental issues and eager to contribute to the mission of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The internship spans six months, providing interns with immersive, hands-on experience in research, policy development, strategic partnerships, and event management. Below, I’ll go into more detail about the structure, roles, and learning opportunities this internship provides, along with the expectations for applicants.

Background and Purpose of the UNDP GC-TISD:

The UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development was established as a joint initiative between the Singapore Government and UNDP in 2018. Its goal is to serve as a hub for the intersection of technology, innovation, and sustainable development. Through this Centre, UNDP aims to foster new partnerships, create technological solutions for sustainable development, and promote international cooperation across sectors to address pressing global challenges.

The Centre focuses on a variety of key thematic areas, including sustainability and climate resilience, smart cities and urbanization, digital inclusion, digital sustainable finance, deep-tech innovations, and innovative partnerships. By leveraging Singapore’s advanced infrastructure, expertise, and the international network of government, private sector, and academic partners, the GC-TISD is at the forefront of exploring how emerging technologies can help solve problems related to climate change, air pollution, and sustainable development, particularly in developing countries.

Through collaboration with governments, think tanks, private businesses, and other stakeholders, the GC-TISD aims to scale up successful innovation and technology-driven solutions to promote sustainable development worldwide.

Internship Focus Areas:

This internship focuses heavily on climate change, sustainability, and the implementation of technological innovations aimed at creating sustainable and resilient solutions. The intern’s role will be critical in supporting the Centre’s projects and initiatives within these domains, with specific responsibilities across research, writing, strategy, event management, and networking.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Research and Thought Leadership:
   • The intern will assist in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data related to major environmental issues like carbon pricing, sustainable farming, and air pollution.
   • By collaborating with the team, the intern will contribute to developing policy briefs, blogs, and reports, offering thought leadership on sustainable development issues, especially in developing countries. The ability to synthesize data and distill key insights into clear, actionable recommendations will be critical.
   • The intern will also assist in the creation of research publications that document the outcomes of various innovation challenges or projects, focusing on sustainable practices that address air pollution and carbon emission challenges.
2. Strategic Advocacy and Partnership Development:
   • One of the primary goals of the internship is to help expand the Centre’s partnerships within both the urban-tech and digital-tech sectors. The intern will help identify and engage with potential partners globally, learning how to navigate and manage strategic relationships.
   • The intern will also play a supporting role in outreach activities, identifying the relevant stakeholders in global sustainability and climate change initiatives. These stakeholders can include government bodies, research organizations, private companies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
   • Additionally, the intern will assist in the development of strategic advocacy materials designed to promote the Centre’s work and the initiatives it supports, ensuring that they resonate with different audiences.
3. Event Management and Support:
   • The UNDP GC-TISD organizes events, webinars, workshops, and training sessions focused on climate and sustainability topics. The intern will be involved in planning and organizing these events, which might range from smaller, targeted meetings to large-scale international conferences.
   • Event management responsibilities include designing the agenda, coordinating logistics, communicating with participants, and creating presentation materials, infographics, and visuals to effectively communicate the key messages of each event.
   • The intern will also assist in preparing reports and summarizing feedback from participants to enhance future event planning.
4. Learning, Development, and Networking Opportunities:
   • The internship provides substantial opportunities for learning and professional development. Interns will gain valuable exposure to the internal workings of a major international organization like the UNDP.
   • Additionally, the intern will be able to participate in networking events in Singapore and the broader region. This is a great opportunity to meet other professionals working in sustainable development and climate resilience, building connections that may last long after the internship ends.
5. Communication and Knowledge Sharing:
   • A crucial aspect of the internship is sharing knowledge and disseminating research. The intern will be involved in writing communication products, such as blogs and reports, showcasing the work of the GC-TISD and its partners in the climate and sustainability space.
   • There will also be a strong focus on sharing best practices, especially regarding innovative sustainability solutions in developing countries. Writing concise, clear, and engaging content will be a core task.

Required Skills and Competencies:

The ideal candidate will have a deep commitment to sustainability issues and demonstrate strong communication, research, and analytical skills. Specifically, the following competencies and skills will be necessary for success in the role:

1. Commitment to UNDP Values and Cultural Diversity:
   UNDP values diversity and cultural inclusion, and the ideal candidate will be able to interact with people from various backgrounds. The intern should show a genuine appreciation for the multicultural nature of the organization and respect for cultural diversity.
2. Effective Communication and Writing Ability:
   The intern should have the ability to write clearly and effectively. This includes the ability to summarize complex research into concise policy briefs, reports, and blogs that are easily digestible for different audiences, from government officials to the general public. The role also requires solid verbal communication skills for collaborating with team members and stakeholders.
3. Research and Analytical Skills:
   The intern should have strong research skills, including the ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Understanding key global sustainability challenges, the intern should be able to contribute to the research agenda and provide valuable insights into existing policies and emerging trends.
4. Organizational and Event Management Skills:
   The intern will assist with managing multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring smooth execution of various assignments and events. Strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced, international work environment are critical.
5. IT Skills and Data Visualization:
   A strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams) is required, as well as familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Canva, Power BI). These tools will be used to create visually compelling reports and presentations, as well as to analyze data for research.
6. Language Skills:
   Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential, as all work will be conducted in English. Knowledge of other UN languages (e.g., French, Spanish) may be an advantage, though it is not required.
7. Teamwork and Adaptability:
   The ideal intern will be able to work well both in teams and independently. A collaborative approach to problem-solving is essential, as is the ability to quickly adapt to new challenges and changing environments.

Eligibility Requirements:

The UNDP is seeking applicants who meet the following educational and experience requirements:

• Education: The intern must be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program (preferably in fields like Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, International Relations, Public Policy, or a related field), or have graduated no more than a year ago.
• Experience: The ideal candidate will have research experience, familiarity with sustainability issues, and an understanding of global climate challenges, particularly in developing countries. Experience in international development or public service delivery is an advantage.

Compensation and Terms of the Internship:

• Stipend: While this internship is unpaid in terms of salary, the UNDP offers a stipend of approximately 859.13 SGD per month to help with living expenses in Singapore.
• Expenses: Interns are responsible for obtaining their own visa, arranging their travel, and securing accommodation during the internship period. They are also required to maintain health insurance during the internship.
• Duration: The internship lasts for six months, with full-time commitment expected. Some flexibility is allowed for educational commitments.

Application Process:

To apply, candidates must submit the following documents via the UNDP job portal:

1. A UNDP internship application form.
2. An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. An original text of up to 350 words answering the following question: “Can you describe a specific example of initiative that you believe has significantly contributed to addressing climate change or sustainability issues, particularly in the context of developing countries? Please elaborate on why you chose this example, its impact, and any insights you gained about this initiative.”

These documents should be combined into a single PDF file for submission.

Conclusion:

This internship with the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development provides an unparalleled opportunity for anyone passionate about climate change, sustainability, and international development. The experience will give you in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge sustainability practices, along with hands-on experience in policy development, research, partnership building, and event management. If you’re eager to contribute to a global cause and make a tangible impact on sustainable development, this internship is an excellent starting point for a career in international organizations and environmental advocacy.

The internship opportunity with the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD) offers an in-depth, multifaceted experience that spans a range of activities related to climate change, sustainability, and technological innovation. Situated in Singapore, a global hub for cutting-edge technology and sustainable development initiatives, the internship will immerse candidates in the real-world work of addressing global environmental and societal challenges. Through a combination of research, advocacy, policy development, partnership-building, and event management, the intern will gain valuable experience and insights into how an international organization like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) collaborates with governments, private sector partners, and other stakeholders to create solutions for sustainable development.

Key Objectives of the Internship:

The internship is designed to equip interns with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to actively contribute to the UNDP’s climate and sustainability initiatives, while also gaining insights into the ways that global organizations and cross-sector partnerships work to address complex global issues. The work will have a direct impact on the Centre’s projects and activities, especially in the areas of climate resilience, technological innovation, and policy development.

One of the critical aspects of the internship is the hands-on learning opportunity it provides in tackling global sustainability issues, including challenges related to food security, carbon emissions, air pollution, and resource management. The Centre’s work is grounded in research-based solutions and focuses on practical, scalable technologies that can be implemented across various countries and regions, especially in the Global South.

The intern’s work will align with the UNDP’s focus on inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that all actions taken by the organization prioritize the well-being of marginalized communities, and promote equitable solutions for those who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

Detailed Responsibilities of the Intern:

In greater detail, the intern will engage in the following activities:

1. Research and Data Analysis:

• As part of the research team, the intern will help analyze qualitative and quantitative data from various research activities related to novel farming systems, carbon pricing, and air pollution mitigation. This will include the analysis of policy outcomes, technological solutions, and economic implications of different approaches to sustainability. The intern will need to interpret this data to identify emerging trends, critical areas of opportunity, and potential barriers to the implementation of innovative solutions.
• Research will also involve examining how different countries—especially developing nations—are dealing with these challenges. The intern will contribute to preparing reports that summarize these findings, making them accessible for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
• The intern will be involved in drafting policy briefs, thought pieces, and recommendations based on the research. These documents will play a key role in influencing policy decisions at the international and national levels. By collaborating with experienced professionals, the intern will learn how to translate complex research into practical policy recommendations that can guide government actions.

2. Thought Leadership and Communication:

• A key aspect of the internship is assisting in the development of content that showcases thought leadership in sustainability and climate resilience. The intern will have the opportunity to co-author blogs, articles, and policy briefs on important issues at the intersection of development and environmental sustainability. This will help build the intern’s skills in written communication and content creation while contributing to the UNDP’s efforts to raise awareness of global sustainability challenges.
• The intern will be part of a team that creates publications documenting the results of research projects and challenges, as well as the outcomes of various UNDP-led initiatives. These publications will be shared with international stakeholders, offering insights into best practices and lessons learned that can inform future action on climate and sustainability issues.

3. Strategic Advocacy and Partnership Development:

• In this role, the intern will gain hands-on experience in strategic advocacy and the development of partnerships across various sectors. The intern will identify key partners within the urban-tech and digital sectors, helping to establish relationships and explore collaborative opportunities that will support the Centre’s goals.
• The intern will assist in organizing and preparing for meetings and events where partners, stakeholders, and governments meet to discuss strategies for addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The intern will have the opportunity to engage with decision-makers and contribute to conversations about how technological innovations can be scaled to meet the challenges of the future.
• The intern will also contribute to the development of communication materials designed to support advocacy efforts. This includes crafting compelling presentations, infographics, and documents that clearly convey the value of specific technologies or approaches to sustainability.

4. Event Management and Organizational Support:

• The intern will help organize and manage key events such as workshops, webinars, conferences, and training sessions focused on the sustainability and climate resilience themes. These events will bring together key players from government, business, civil society, and academic sectors to discuss, share, and learn from one another.
• Specific tasks will include helping with event logistics (scheduling, communication, etc.), creating presentations or visual content for events, and coordinating with speakers and attendees. The intern will be involved in ensuring that the events run smoothly, offering a high level of engagement and productivity.
• In some cases, the intern may also be involved in post-event activities, such as summarizing outcomes, drafting event reports, and assisting in evaluation to understand the effectiveness of the events.

5. Networking and Professional Development:

• Throughout the internship, the intern will participate in networking opportunities and learning events that connect them with professionals from around the world. These experiences will allow the intern to develop valuable relationships within the global community of climate change experts, policy advocates, and sustainability leaders.
• The intern will also have access to various professional development opportunities within UNDP, including training, seminars, and conferences. These experiences will help expand the intern’s technical knowledge, improve interpersonal skills, and expose them to new methodologies in research, policy, and project management.

Learning Outcomes and Benefits:

• In-depth Knowledge of Sustainability Challenges: The intern will gain a thorough understanding of the key issues related to sustainability, climate resilience, and technological innovation. This includes gaining insights into specific challenges faced by developing countries and exploring how new technologies can help address these challenges in practical, scalable ways.
• Policy Development and Strategic Skills: By working closely with the UNDP team, the intern will gain firsthand experience in policy development, including how to craft recommendations, advocate for change, and work across sectors to design solutions to global issues. These skills will be beneficial for anyone pursuing a career in international development, public policy, or sustainability.
• Professional Exposure and Networking: The internship provides valuable exposure to the workings of an international organization, offering access to global networks of professionals in the fields of sustainability and innovation. Interns will have the opportunity to meet and engage with professionals from various sectors, establishing contacts that may prove invaluable throughout their careers.
• Practical Experience in Research and Communication: The intern will gain hands-on experience in both research and communication, two critical skills for anyone seeking to work in the field of international development. The ability to analyze data, write clear reports, and communicate effectively with stakeholders will be enhanced through real-world application.

Conclusion:

This internship represents an incredible opportunity for students or recent graduates passionate about climate change, sustainability, and technological innovation. By contributing to the UNDP’s efforts to build a more sustainable world, interns will not only gain valuable skills and insights but will also play a direct role in shaping the future of sustainable development. The experience will be highly rewarding, offering both personal growth and professional development in one of the world’s leading international organizations. If you are looking for an internship that combines rigorous research, strategic partnership development, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals, this internship is an ideal choice.