I.  BACKGROUND
UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, and institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

II. INTERNSHIP OFFICE

Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA) since 2024. Previously, she served for 15 years as the UN Secretary General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. As the UNSGSA, Queen Máxima champions global efforts to improve financial health—helping people manage daily expenses, handle financial shocks, plan for the future, and feel secure in their financial lives.

The UNSGSA raises awareness and advocates for specific policies, strategies, and financial product innovations, all with a view to how inclusive financial systems can improve financial health, reduce poverty, and accelerate progress toward numerous development goals. The UNSGSA advances this advocacy through country visits, high-level meetings, speeches, and engagement with a wide range of leaders, including Governments, the UN, the G20, the private sector, standard-setting bodies, and international financial institutions.

The UNSGSA’s work is done in partnership with many international partners working on advancing financial health. UNSGSA Reference Group members include: the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), the Gates Foundation, the Better Than Cash Alliance, CGAP, Flourish Ventures, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the World Bank. Members of the Reference Group and many other in-country and global partners play an important role in converting advocacy into action.  The UNSGSA also consults and cooperates with the wider UN system, the UN secretariat, UN country teams, multilateral organizations, private financial institutions, donors, civil society organizations, and the media. 

The Office of the UNSGSA is housed within UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA) in the UNDP headquarters in New York and works closely with Queen Máxima and her secretariat in The Hague to coordinate and advance her UN and G20 activities. 

The internship will be conducted in person at the UNDP HQ in New York. The Office follows a hybrid model with three in-office days per week. The internship can be full-time (5 days per week) or part-time during studies (2.5-3 days per week). The intern will report to the Policy Specialist of the Office of the UNSGSA. 

III. DUTIES: 

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Assist the team in planning and implementing the high-level advocacy initiatives led by Her Majesty Queen Máxima in her role as the UNSGSA (75%)

  • Provide research and analytical support on topics relevant to financial health from both public and private sector perspectives.
  • Develop case studies highlighting emerging good practices in product design that improve consumer financial health.
  • Draft timely and high-quality background papers, briefing notes, research, and analysis for the Office of the UNSGSA on issues related to financial health and financial inclusion for positive development outcomes.
  • Support the Office in the organization of UNSGSA high-level meetings and country visits with Governments, UN entities, intergovernmental organizations and other key partners. 
  • Attend relevant UN meetings to follow relevant global policy dialogue efforts.
  • Support the coordination of meetings with key stakeholders, preparing meeting notes/takeaways, and correspondence.       

2.  Support Office management and operations (25%)

  • Provide general office logistical and administrative support to high-level meetings and advocacy activities organized by the UNSGSA's office.
  • Help with stakeholder outreach, including Member States, UN agencies, development partners and others.
  • Provide administrative support for accurate office documentation, communications and daily operational matters.
  •  Support other ad hoc activities as needed.   
     

IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Eligibility (Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements):

  • currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
  • have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a Master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: International Relations, Economics, Finance, Political Science, International Development, Business Management, or equivalent. 
 

Experience:

  • Knowledge in international relations and international development, financial inclusion and financial health, and multilateral organizations.
  • Prior relevant research experience is desirable, particularly in financial health, financial inclusion, economic policy and international development policy.
  • Experience working in the private sector with a financial service provider (bank, fintech, credit union, or microfinance institution) is an asset.
  • Experience working with high-level stakeholders, such as government officials and representatives from international organizations, is an asset.

Language skills:

  • Fluency in English is required;
  • Knowledge of other UN languages especially French and Spanish is an advantage.

Other competencies and attitude:

  • Experience producing analytical and research work related to international development, financial sector development, enabling environment for business, and related topics. 
  • Excellent research and analytical skills. Demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative economic analysis.
  • Strong drafting, written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Capacity to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines even in imperfect conditions and thrive as part of a small and fast-moving team. 
  • Success working independently and as a member of a team, and with partners in other time zones and from diverse and multi-cultural contexts.
  • Displays the highest standards of confidentiality, discretion and integrity.
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
  • Interested in working for an international institution and in the financial inclusion sector.
     

V. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

  • Interns are expected to work full-time (5 days per week). Part-time flexibility is allowed for education programmes (2.5–3 days per week).
  • UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a stipend in the amount of USD 1,000 per month for full-time work in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy; all other expenses connected with it will be borne by me or my 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 enrollment in health insurance plan;
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
  • Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make their own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.
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: 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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