BACKGROUND

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
 

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.

 

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

The UNDP Seoul Policy Centre (USPC), established in 2011, represents UNDP in the Republic of Korea (ROK), works with the ROK on international development priorities, and shares the development experience and technical expertise of the ROK with other countries. As one of UNDP’s global policy centres, USPC works as a facilitator of innovative development cooperation for the achievement of the SDGs in four thematic areas of i) development cooperation modalities and approaches, ii) governance and gender, iii) green recovery and transition, and iv) private sector engagement and development.

Building on the unique development experience of the Republic of Korea and UNDP’s wide Global Policy Network, USPC facilitates knowledge exchanges of SDG-enabling development solutions in the above-mentioned thematic areas through its signature ‘SDG Partnership’ country-support programme and other initiatives, and brokers partnerships between Korea and other countries to help tackle development challenges.

The Centre’s administration work is an integral component of USPC’s work and aims to facilitate the implementation of the USPC’s programmatic works by undertaking overall administration and execution of varied and inter-related operational and logistical activities for the office.

USPC offers a small group of outstanding final-year undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP’s work and gain technical knowledge and experience in international development and multilateral cooperation.

For more information on USPC’s work, please visit the website: https://www.undp.org/policy-centre/seoul.

 

DUTIES

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

1.) Under the guidance of professional staff, the intern will support the Centre’s communications and advocacy work, including the following (60%):

• Supporting implementation of the Centre’s Communications Strategy and Action Plan to expand USPC’s reach, impact and influence with coordinated messaging to multiple audiences across various platforms. Target audiences include Korean and international counterparts, including UNDP HQs and Country Offices, the development community in Korea, and the general public including youth;
• Supporting production of USPC’s web and social media content (e.g., on Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter) through storytelling and visual assets;
• Supporting production of digital/multimedia materials, including video content by drafting interview scripts and storyboards, and regular e-newsletters;
• Supporting production of various advocacy materials such as pitch decks and promotional items to promote and position UNDP as a partner of choice to potential partners;
• Drafting, copyediting and translating (from English to Korean and vice versa) various web and social media content, knowledge products, advocacy and reporting materials;
• Conducting technical reviews of USPC’s website and social media channels to optimize visibility (e.g., spot-checking of website, updating web content tags and YouTube playlists);
•  Supporting the Centre’s knowledge management around communications work as needed (e.g., updating the Centre’s knowledge product database, internal content calendar, etc.). 

2.) Under the guidance of professional staff, the intern will support the Centre’s outreach around public-facing events and external relations/partnership work, including the following (25%):

• Supporting the organization of UNDP meetings and events (e.g. joint campaigns with universities, partnership consultations, knowledge sharing webinars and conferences, UNDP missions to the ROK);
• Supporting media outreach and public information campaigns for the Centre’s flagship events, initiatives and publication launches by drafting press releases and media advisories, researching media opportunities, supporting interview preparations, and producing media roundups;
• Supporting the Centre’s various reporting and M&E work with the production of relevant communications assets as needed.
   

3.) Cross-cutting tasks / Other (15%):

• Taking records of events, meetings, activities, and visits to the USPC office (e.g., meeting notes, photos, videos);
• Supporting onsite promotion in outreach activities (e.g., career fairs, booth events, etc.);
• Supporting incoming missions from UNDP HQs, Country Offices and partners to the ROK as part of SDG Partnerships and other USPC initiatives;
• Maintaining relevant files and databases (e.g., photos, videos, contacts of reporters);
• Performing liaison support and administrative tasks as necessary in the day-to-day office operation;
• Supporting other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.
   

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• currently enrolled in a Master’s degree or PhD degree ; or
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: international development, international relations, sociology, political science, public administration, communication and media, journalism, public relations, or equivalent. 

IT skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office productivity tools;
• Proficiency in social media and creative design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere) is an advantage.
   

Language skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Korean is required;
• Fluency in other UN languages is considered an asset.

 

COMPETENCIES:

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal oriented mind-set;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities; 
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

 

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS:

• UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as a reference, the stipend for 2025 is set at KRW 1,169,728 per month); all other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or the sponsoring government or institution;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
   

Disclaimer

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
 

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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