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Internship Programme for UNDP Viet Nam

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries in every major developing region and at our Headquarters in New York, working with countries on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. UNDP helps developing countries attract and use aid effectively. In all our activities, we promote the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women.

The UNDP Country Office in Viet UNDP has been providing assistance to, and working in partnership with, the Government of Viet Nam in realizing some of the important policy and institutional reforms needed for rapid and sustainable poverty reduction and human development in the country. In line with its global mandate, UNDP assistance to Viet Nam is provided in the form of high quality technical expertise, access to global knowledge, networks and best practices, to support effective policy and institutional development and implementation in the country.

The UNDP Internship Programme in Viet Nam

(a)            The Internship Programme, which is open to Vietnamese and International students, offers a small group of outstanding graduate‑level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP's work. It is designed to complement development‑oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of multilateral technical co-operation.

(b)            Interns are assigned to different clusters and units of the UNDP Viet Nam country office. Assignments vary greatly in terms of content.  They may have a thematic focus in one of the UNDP supported programmes in Viet Nam, project management or development services. However, interns are normally involved in some aspect of the design, implementation and evaluation of UNDP‑supported programmes and projects. Every attempt is made to match the interests of the intern with the needs of the organisation.

(c)            Given the focus of the country programme in Viet Nam, UNDP gives priority to the following areas for internship:

+           Specific assignments to support the country programmes;

+           Support to advocacy and partnerships building activities;

+           General support to the office operations and administration.

(d)            Internship assignments vary in length with the minimum being 6 weeks and the  maximum 6 months full time, or 12 months part-time according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP.

(e)            The UNDP Internship Programme operates on a non‑remunerative basis. The costs connected with an intern's participation in the Programme must be borne by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the students, who will have to obtain financing for their own living expenses and make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation. Direct work-related expenses, as and when required for the specific assignment in terms of in-country travel, equipment and supplies, will be borne by UNDP.

(f)              The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern's studies and future career plans.

Qualifications and Application Process

(I)              Candidates for the Internship Programme are selected on a competitive basis. The following qualifications are required for consideration:

+           Enrolment in a graduate level degree programme in a development related field such as economics, international relations, anthropology, sociology, public or business administration, or environmental studies. Due to features of Vietnam Education system, Vietnamese undergraduate students studying in Vietnam who are in the last year of study might be considered for the internship. 

+           Demonstrated interest in the field of development.

+           Language skills: written and spoken proficiency in English, which is the working language used by UNDP Viet Nam. Knowledge of Vietnamese is an asset.

+           Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter including cultural diversity

(II)            Every year, UNDP Viet Nam determines needs for internships through consultation with its various departments. Needs for internship are widely disseminated to universities and colleges within Viet Nam as well as globally.

(III)           A detailed resume, a letter of interest and a completed application (download form) should be sent to the address below at least three months prior to the anticipated internship.

Deputy Country Director (Operations)
United Nations Development Programme
25-29 Phan Boi Chau
Ha Noi - Viet Nam
Fax: (8 44) 942 2267
Email: registry.vn@undp.org

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