UNDP Internship roster (call for applications - Research interns, home-based, report to office in New York, USA)

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.
 

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge, cutting-edge global perspectives, and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains in support of the strategic objectives and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

 

UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 represents the organization’s commitment to accelerating human development while easing planetary pressures. The Plan is structured around four strategic objectives, prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet, supported by three accelerators: digital and AI transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. It emphasizes integrated solutions that drive systems change and support countries in advancing sustainable development pathways aligned with national priorities. 

 

As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy is UNDP’s dedicated pillar within the Healthy Planet Hub for energy and decarbonization, working at the intersection of energy policy, finance, digitalization, data, and AI. The team supports governments, partners, and UNDP Country Offices in advancing just energy transitions, strengthening energy security, enabling green industrialization, and delivering integrated solutions that connect decarbonization with broader development outcomes. It helps to translate global ambition into country-level action, aligned with the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

 

In this context, UNDP is looking for talented, motivated, and enthusiastic interns who will work closely with the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy team to support the with research and analytical skills. 

 

  Duties and Responsibilities
 

Summary of key functions:

 

• Research and analysis for strategic documents and materials for the UNDP energy narratives. 
• Support the team with the Country Office requests.

 

Research and analysis for strategic documents and materials for the UNDP energy narratives

 

The Intern will support to the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy team in research and analytical activities that include: 

• Assist the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy team on research activities related to the UNDP energy key thematic areas, e.g., energy access, energy transition and energy resilience in fragile context, to identify trends and patterns, including literature review, gathering data, drafting reports and other documents. 
• Analyze and synthesize data, research findings, and policy documents related to sustainable energy, renewable energy, energy access, and energy transition.
• Conduct literature reviews and provide policy briefs on key topics, e.g., mini-grid development, productive use of energy, clean cooking, transition issues (e.g., decarbonization strategies, data and digital in energy, innovation, carbon markets/energy pricing approaches, just transitions etc.).
• Identify and conduct suitable research and analytical work to prepare regular reports and updates on energy for sustainable development and the integrated agenda on SDG7 and other SDGs, e.g, social protection, gender equality, governance, climate, etc. 
• Provide hands-on support to analyze and visualize various types of data and prepare reports to communicate the findings to the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy