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.
As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
As outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029, UNDP’s work is guided by four strategic objectives that together define our contribution to human development: expanding prosperity for all, strengthening effective governance, safeguarding a healthy planet and building crisis resilience. These objectives are enabled by three accelerators that drive transformative impact across our portfolio: digital and AI innovation, gender equality and sustainable finance. Through this integrated approach, UNDP supports countries to deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives and to advance sustainable development at scale.
UNDP, through its Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH), supports partners in promoting financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an accelerator of the UNDP Strategic Plan, sustainable finance strengthens countries’ ability to mobilize, align and deploy finance at scale for national priorities. UNDP supports international and country level policy reform as a catalyst for system-wide change, stronger policy environments, better-functioning markets and more coherent financing strategies for sustainable development. SFH work is delivered through three interconnected portfolios: 1) Public Finance for the SDGs; 2) Private Finance for the SDGs; and 3) Global & Country Financing Policy Frameworks.
The Dublin Project Office, established in 2026 as a strategic extension of the SFH, serves as an applied innovation platform to develop, test, and scale financial mechanisms advancing UNDP’s sustainable finance agenda. The Office hosts the Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) and the Sustainable Insurance Forum (SIF), two global initiatives that drive sustainable finance acceleration and regulatory innovation across financial markets and insurance sectors. FC4S represents 44 financial centres worldwide, while SIF brings together 40 insurance regulators overseeing over 80% of the global insurance market.
You can visit the Sustainable Finance Hub website (https://sdgfinance.undp.org/) for more information.
Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will work under direct supervision of the Sustainable Finance Specialist and in close collaboration with other SFH team members. They will conduct research and help draft knowledge products on the governance and architecture of sustainability data in finance. Deliverables will support several stakeholder networks (FC4S, SIF, Asia-Pacific economic forum sustainable finance initiative). They will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:
Research and report drafting
- Drawing upon the team's accumulated knowledge, develop an outline into a comprehensive report. This report will examine current practices among insurance supervisors regarding the access, utilisation, and governance of catastrophe-related data. It will identify the most significant gaps and constraints in these processes, as well as opportunities where targeted support or strategic partnerships could offer additional value.
- Provide evidence-based support for programs around data systems and AI readiness. For example, guide FC4S members in discussions on sustainability data governance and architecture, facilitate peer learning about data needs for sustainable finance policy or develop data dashboards for policymaking.
- Based on data collected from Ministries of Finance and other governmental entities in the Asia-Pacific region, develop case studies documenting how their currently organise or envision the architecture and governance of data relevant for sustainable finance. Use insights to design peer-learning sessions.
- Support building coherence across these three workstreams, capture lessons learned and identify future program opportunities.
Research dissemination
- Assist in the preparation of briefing notes and the development of presentations on data governance and architecture for senior leadership.
- Support the communication lead with content development to promote research outputs, and programme activities through social media, email, events, websites, and internal platforms.
- Support the organization of consultations, roundtables, bilateral meetings, and events as needed.
The incumbent may perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Self-starter, composed, and patient
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and good interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently, and in an entrepreneurial setting
- Ability to work and deliver under pressure
- Demonstrates and promotes the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness and incorruptibility in all matters affecting his/her work and status.
- Demonstrates a high level of responsibility and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.
Required Skills and Experience
Eligibility:
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
- Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
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Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
Education:
Field of study required: international development, sustainability, finance, business, economics, political affairs, sustainable finance, or any related field.
Experience:
- At least 1 year of relevant experience in sustainable finance, public policy, development finance, or related research through either academic coursework/research and/or professional experience is highly required.
- Demonstrated ability to draft clear, evidence-based outputs (e.g., analytical reports, briefing notes, academic papers, or case studies) is highly desired.
- Experience collecting, organizing, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative inputs (e.g., survey/interview notes, desk research, administrative datasets) to inform recommendations is highly desired.
- Familiarity with sustainability data governance and data architecture concepts (including data standards, access/sharing, quality, and responsible use), and interest in AI readiness for policy and regulation is an asset.
- Familiarity with the insurance sector and/or insurance supervision (including topics such as catastrophe-risk data, prudential regulation, or supervisory practices) is an asset.
IT skills:
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite of products is required
- Familiar with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, R, etc.) is desired.
Language skills:
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
- Knowledge of another UN language, preferably Spanish or French, is desirable.
Main Internship Conditions
- More information about internship can be found here: https://popp.undp.org/policy-page/internship
- Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan
- UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship
- Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy: the stipend is to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station
- Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
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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