Intern (Deep Tech and Innovation)

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

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, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

• Sustainable development
• Democratic governance and peacebuilding
• Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:

The UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development (GC-TISD) aims to identify, co-create, and share innovative and technological solutions for sustainable development. We aim to catalyse new insights, partnerships and action in the countries where UNDP works. Our areas of focus are: Sustainability and Climate Resilience, Smart Cities and Urbanisation, Digital Inclusion, Digital Sustainable Finance, Deep Tech and Innovations. The GC-TISD leverages Singapore’s deep expertise, solutions, knowledge, and ecosystem of Government and private sector partners, as well as knowledge from experts and partners around the globe, and across UNDPs Global Policy Network. More specifically, the GC-TISD connects policymakers, practitioners, think tanks, business, and other relevant stakeholders to each other from across the globe for learning and sharing of best practices on the themes of technology, innovation, and partnerships for sustainable development.

The GC-TISD is a joint initiative of the Singapore Government and UNDP, currently being led by a small team that is focused on programme and partnership development. Our Singapore Government partners are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, the Public Service Division, the Ministry of Communications and Information, the Infocomm Media Development Authority, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the National Research Foundation. The UNDP GC-TISD was setup in 2018 and is currently in the middle of its next iteration – to run between 2022 and 2025. We collaborate with governments worldwide through the following:

• Agile Policy Development Support: Supporting governments in defining the policies and regulations needed for the digital and innovation economy and providing guidance and methodologies to assist governments on agile policymaking.
• Research and Thought Leadership: Providing research, analysis, and insights on emerging technologies, including integrating the experiences of UNDP Country Offices with foresight and horizon-scanning
• Partnership and Global Ecosystem Building: Catalysing global and national digital and innovation ecosystems that are committed to digital inclusion and fostering collaborations with different players in the digital inclusion space
• Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building: Collecting local intelligence and grassroots innovations, and ensuring that lower-income countries are equal participants in global discussions and explorations of digital inclusion

Duties and Responsibilities

Deep tech refers to the most cutting-edge and often disruptive technologies that are built on profound scientific discoveries, engineering innovations, or advancements in research areas. These technologies have the potential to radically transform industries, reshape economies, and profoundly impact lives. At the UNDP Global Centre, one of our focuses is on harnessing the transformative power of deep tech as strategic solutions in addressing critical global challenges—from climate change and resource scarcity to energy transition, especially in the context of developing countries.

Our work at the Global Centre extends to conducting in-depth research and analysis on the latest trends in deep tech and the world’s most cutting-edge innovations. Our approach goes beyond conventional development solutions, exploring how deep tech could offer groundbreaking and sustainable answers to the most pressing challenges in the world. Our commitment involves providing policy-oriented recommendations and engaging in strategic foresight exercises, all aimed at empowering developing countries to cultivate, enhance, and strengthen their capabilities in deep tech. Collaborating closely with a wide range of stakeholders, we take a holistic approach to fostering inclusive deep tech communities and driving meaningful changes in the world.

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

No

Duties and responsibilities

% of time

In this section list the primary responsibilities and tasks of the position. (Include percentages for each duty.)

1

Research and Thought Leadership in Deep Tech and Innovations

• Assist in researching and analyzing the latest trends in deep tech and cutting-edge innovations. Contribute to producing insightful content like think pieces, blogs, and reports, focusing on their potential developmental impacts. Assist with proofreading and editing publications.

50 %

2

Creating Engaging Multimedia Content

• Support in the design and creation of compelling visual materials, including charts, infographics, and short videos, to enrich the content previously mentioned, and draft social media posts promoting the research and publications, in close collaboration with the Communications focal point of the Center.

10%

3

Strategic Advocacy and Partnership Development

• Help in identifying and engaging with potential strategic partners in the deep tech sector, understand their interests, and explore mutually beneficial partnerships.

20%

4

Event Management Support

• Provide assistance in planning and executing various events, including webinars, workshops, and interviews, both in-person and online. This involves coordinating with speakers, participants, and stakeholders to ensure smooth event execution.

20%

Competencies

• Commitment to UNDP Values and Cultural Diversity
  • Exhibits a strong commitment to the values of UNDP, consistently upholding these principles in actions and decisions, in alignment with the UN Code of Conduct. Shows an appreciation for the multicultural nature of the organization and its diverse staff, along with an international outlook that values and learns from cultural diversity.
• New Technologies and Innovations Acumen
  • A keen understanding and interest in new technologies (such as novel AI, new materials, climate tech, advanced computing…), with the ability to grasp complex concepts quickly.
• Research and Analytical Skills
  • Knowledge in conducting quantitative and qualitative background research and analyzing trends in new technologies and innovations.
• Effective Communication and Writing Ability
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in writing reports, blogs, and think pieces.
• Organizational and Event Management Capabilities
  • Competence in organizing events, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and adapting to changing environments.

IT skills:

• Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams);
• Knowledge of data analysis and visualization tools including PowerBI and Tableau is an advantage.

Language skills:

• Fluency in English (both spoken and written) is required.

Other competencies and attitude:

• 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.

Required Skills and Experience

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
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Preferred fields of study: Innovation and Technology Management, International Development or Sustainable Development (with strong technology skills and understanding), Information Technology or Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Data Science and Analytics, or similar (with a strong focus on innovation, technology and/or data)

Experience:

• Keen Interest in New Technologies and Innovations: A strong passion for or interest in new technologies (such as novel AI, new materials, climate tech, advanced computing…) is highly valued
• Technology for Sustainability and Development: Keen interest or previous engagement in using or exploring new technologies and innovative approaches for sustainability.
• Tech Startups and Venture Capital Exposure: Experience in working with tech-focused startups, ecosystems, or in the venture capital sector is beneficial.
• Familiarity with International Development: Knowledge or experience in international development and public service delivery is an additional advantage.

Computer Proficiency: Advanced skills in data analytics tools, online survey platforms, and standard office software applications

Application:

Internship candidates are expected to submit the following documents electronically through the UNDP job portal:

• UNDP internship application form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sat1-EmXsj6Die7xCgP3-BrLFuLShrV1/view
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Original text of up to 350 words in English addressing ANY ONE of the following questions:
  • What is deep tech, and how can it be harnessed to contribute to different aspects of sustainable development?
  • What are the main challenges faced in exploring or implementing deep tech solutions in the field of international development?

Note: UNDP internship application form, CV and original text need to be combined in one PDF document for upload.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP will not pay interns for internship but will provide a stipend in the amount of 859.13 SGD monthly 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 are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
• 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.

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