Job Identification : 12545

Locations : Pretoria, South Africa

Posting Date : 07/24/2023, 10:01 AM

Apply Before : 08/07/2023, 03:59 AM

Job Schedule : Full time

Vacancy Type : Internship Programme

Practice Area : Inclusive Growth

Bureau : Regional Bureau for Africa

Contract Duration : 6 months

Education & Work Experience : Bachelor’s Degree

Required Languages : Fluency in both written and spoken English/French

Vacancy Timeline

2 Weeks

Job Description

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.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub (ASFH), established in 2019, is one of the three thematic hubs in the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) with a focus on financing the SDGs. The hub offers innovative programming and engagement with both the public and private sector fully aligned with both the RBA Africa Promise: Renewed Strategic Offer and the Global Sustainable Finance Hub’s 5 financing service offers. The objective is to enable governments, the private sector and other relevant partners to accelerate financing for the SDGs. As such, ASFH seeks to transform financial systems across the continent, enhance sustainable financing strategies, accelerate investments that deliver on the SDGs and align with regional economic policies and financial systems in the context of the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063. More so, ASFH works to scale up the work of UNDP Country Offices, governments, public and private actors on financing the SDGs and to put the SDGs at the heart of the public and private financing systems. To achieve this, ASFH will deliver support to countries through 4 Flagship initiatives: (i) Advancing African Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs); (ii) Accelerating SDG Investments in Africa; (iii) Developing Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Informal Enterprises Financing Models; and (iv) Enhancing carbon market and energy access and financing across RBA countries.

As part of the ASFH, the Private Sector Development, Engagement and Financing (PSDEF) Team supports country offices and regional programmatic and related global initiatives to unlock and realign private finance towards the achievement of the SDGs and the continental Agenda 2063. The Private Sector team contributes to these goals by partnering with key government stakeholders to implement SDG-related policies and programmes; by mobilizing private capital towards the SDGs in line with national priorities; and by promoting innovative business models and practices that move communities towards sustainable development impacts. Fostering innovation with and within the private sector, the team systematically seeks to promote the adoption of new technologies, in particular digital solutions, with the clear aim to scale-up positive impact towards the implementation of the SDGs, NDC and key continental framework such as Agenda 2063. The PSDEF team is looking for an intern to provide support to promgramme implementation, knowledge management and communication, research and data management, and other administrative tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Implementation:

•  Support the implementation of the ASFH flagships with a focus on Flagship 3: Developing Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Informal Enterprises Financing Models and the activities including (i) Promote innovative financing models for MSMEs across select African countries and (ii) Support the development and field launching of the Africa Green Business and Financing Initiative and integrated regional food and agriculture value chain sustainability and resilience-building interventions.​
•  Draft, review and edit concepts notes, project documents, knowledge products, presentations and briefs.
•  Prepare and participate in meetings (including virtual meetings), take minutes and perform other programme implementation support tasks as required.

Knowledge Management and Communication：

•  Prepare relevant communications materials (brochure, newsletter, success stories etc.)
•  Assist in the preparation, translation and dissemination of different Knowledge Products.
•  Draft, design and website update and overhaul.
•  Support organization of Webinars, Virtual Trainings and relevant materials preparation.

Research and Data Management

•  Research private sector development and engagement topics and compile information on national and regional level projects.
•  Undertake thematic research on innovative business models and finance strategies especially in the areas of digital transformation, e-commerce, and green economy.
•  Manage social media, files and online database of related documents in a structured way.

Competencies

Technical / Functional Competencies:

•  Good writing is paramount
•  Strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills
•  Good organizational, time management and strong interpersonal skills
•  Ability to work flexibly, innovatively and meet tight deadlines
•  Attention to details and proven ability to work independently and effectively
•  Experience in website content management and social media
•  Computer proficiency: MS Office
•  Fluency in both written and spoken English/French
•  Expertise in climate finance, green economy, e-commerce, digital finance or related fields

Personal Competencies:

•  Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
•  Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback.
•  Disciplined, innovative and keen interested in learning new things
•  Works collaboratively with team members by sharing information openly and displaying cultural awareness and sensitivity.
•  Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners and support Team efforts;
•  Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

•  Understanding of Private Sector Development, Engagement, and Financing Concepts and Practices would be beneficial.
•  Work experience or relevant specialized research considered as an asset.

Education: Currently enrolled in (a) a graduate school programme as a full-time student in economics, finance, commerce, digital science and other related sustainable development fields or (b) the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or (c) have graduated with a university degree as defined in above and, if selected must start the internship within one year of graduation.

Experience

Understanding of Private Sector Development, Engagement, and Financing Concepts and Practices would be beneficial. Work experience or relevant specialized research considered as an asset.

Legal right to work in South Africa without visa sponsorship.

Disclaimer

Applicant information

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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