Job Description

United Nations Development Programme

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.

The UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Development Programme's Strategic Plan within the Sub-Saharan African region, with a strong focus on eliminating poverty and reducing inequalities. RBA provides strategic oversight and support to forty-six country offices, ensuring alignment with regional and corporate priorities.

The UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) Management Support Team (MST) provides strategic and operational support to RBA senior management and regional operations. MST leads on financial stewardship, performance monitoring, workflow coordination, and operational analytics to support strategic decision-making and ensure timely, accountable, and efficient delivery across RBA.

MST seeks an intern with a strong business/finance academic background , complemented by data analysis skills , to support financial reviews, operational analytics, performance dashboards, and internal management processes.

This internship offers hands-on exposure to financial and operational functions within a global development organization.

The intern will report to the Operations Advisor and will work closely with the operations team, regional advisors, and other stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making processes.

The internship is for a maximum of 6 months. The internship is not paid (however a stipend is provided) and is full-time.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will support MST in the following areas:

Financial & Business Support (Primary)

• Support financial analysis, budget monitoring, and expenditure tracking
• Assist in reviewing financial reports and COA/PTAEO mapping
• Conduct variance and trend analysis on RBA financial metrics
• Assist with financial performance presentations and briefing materials

Data & Analytics

• Collect, clean, and analyze programmatic and operational data
• Support development of dashboards and performance tracking tools
• Assist in automation of reporting workflows
• Develop clear and compelling data visualizations and dashboards to support decision-making

Operational & Administrative Support

• Maintain unit action trackers and workflow logs
• Assist with planning, documentation, and coordination of meetings/retreats
• Draft short briefs, notes, and process documentation

Knowledge & Process Support

• Document processes and support knowledge management
• Assist in preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidance notes

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Competencies

Professional Competencies

• Strong financial and business acumen
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial analysis, and/or data analysis methods
• Advanced MS Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data cleaning, visualization) required
• Experience using data tools (Excel required; Power BI/Tableau/Python/R an asset)
• Visual data storytelling skills, including ability to translate complex analysis into clear, compelling visuals
• Experience designing charts, dashboards, and data-driven narratives for diverse audiences
• Familiarity with data visualization best practices (clarity, accessibility, accuracy, and insight-driven design)
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Strong attention to accuracy, quality assurance, and data integrity

Core Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and solution-driven mindset
• Ability to work collaboratively and adapt in a fast-paced multicultural environment

Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and commitment to learning

Required Skills and Experience

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within 1 year) from a Master's or Bachelor's program in:
• Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, Data Science, Statistics, or related field
• Strong proficiency in MS Excel (pivot tables, functions)
• Experience or coursework with data analysis/visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, Python, R) an advantage
• Excellent written and spoken English (French an advantage)
• No professional experience required; relevant academic or project experience preferred

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Gain exposure to UNDP operations and corporate systems
• Strengthen financial and operational data analysis skills
• Apply business and process-improvement methodologies in a UN context
• Develop professional communication, reporting, and presentation skills
• Gain understanding of program management and resource stewardship in a global development organization
• Enhance data visualization and narrative-building skills for presenting insights to senior stakeholders

Application Requirements

• CV or P11
• Cover letter
• Academic Credentials/Proof of Academic Enrolment or graduation (within the past 12 months)
• Proof of medical insurance covering the entire duration of the internship
• Medical Certificate of Good Health
• National ID or Passport
• Writing sample or data/analysis sample preferred but not required

Intern conditions:

• UNDP internship programme does not provide a salary or remuneration for the internship,
• UNDP offers a modest monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station,
• All other expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government, or institution,
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship,
• The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed,
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship,
• The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan,

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. 

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Required Skills

Advanced Excel 

Analytical thinking 

Attention to detail 

Dashboard development (Power BI/Tableau) 

Data visualization 

Financial analysis

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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Internship

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