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The UNDP Country Office in South Africa supports the Government of South Africa in advancing national development priorities as articulated in the National Development Plan 2030, the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024–2029, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. UNDP’s work is guided by the South Africa Country Programme Document 2026–2030, which is organized around a coherent, portfolio-based approach to accelerate transformative development results.
The country programme responds to South Africa’s interlinked challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, alongside climate risks, governance constraints, fiscal pressures and the need for inclusive digital and green transitions. Within this framework, UNDP South Africa’s Inclusive Economic Transformation work contributes to the Inclusive Economy and Governance portfolio, which promotes shared prosperity, economic transformation, productive and inclusive markets, strengthened institutional capability, digital innovation and employment creation. The portfolio places particular emphasis on supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, township and rural enterprise ecosystems, green and digital industrialization, youth and women’s economic participation, skills development and improved access to opportunities for marginalized groups, in line with the principles of human rights, gender equality and leaving no one behind.
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, Inclusive Economy and Governance, the Intern will support the planning, implementation, administration, monitoring and knowledge management of Inclusive Economy and Governance initiatives that contribute to the CPD 2026–2030 results. This includes support to research and analysis on socio-economic trends, policy and programme development, partner engagement, resource mobilization, SDG monitoring, communications and visibility, and evidence generation to inform adaptive programming and strengthen UNDP South Africa’s contribution to inclusive, sustainable and resilient development.
The office seeks a full-time, office-based intern who can contribute to the work of the Inclusive Economy and Governance portfolio in line with the South Africa Country Programme Document 2026–2030. As the portfolio isdiverse, the Intern must be comfortable taking on a variety of assignments and new challenges. Under the directsupervision of the Programme Manager, Inclusive Economy and Governance, the Intern will undertake the following tasks:
- Assist in the planning, implementation, administration, monitoring and evaluation of Inclusive Economy and Governance programmes and projects contributing to CPD 2026–2030 results.
- Collect and analyse socio-economic data relevant to inclusive economic transformation, job creation and sustainable livelihoods in South Africa.
- Support the formulation of strategies and the monitoring of progress towards the SDGs, UNSDCF and CPD priorities.
- Research potential partners and funding opportunities.
- Develop concept notes aligned with Inclusive Economy and Governance portfolio priorities.
- Support stakeholder engagement and coordination.
- Support the planning and organization of events.
Support the development of communication and knowledge management products that capture learning and results
- Attend conferences and meetings with stakeholders and prepare meeting minutes
- Assist in drafting and preparing official documents.
- Any other related tasks as may be required
The key results of the post are to expose and strengthen the intern’s awareness and capacity in the following:
- UNDP’s mandate and contributions to the national development agenda
- Programme and project management skills
- Research and analytical skills
- Official writing skills
- SDG advocacy and monitoring
- Interest in and familiarity with development issues, including inclusive and sustainable growth, employment promotion, entrepreneurship development, micro, small and medium enterprise development, skills development and digital inclusion.
- Integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
- Promotion of the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP.
- Sensitivity and adaptability to diversity and multicultural environments.
- Above-average understanding and knowledge of development issues in South Africa
- An excellent skill set in critical thinking and analytical capacity
Excellent research skills
Good organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
- Excellent computer literacy in standard software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Education:
A minimum of a first degree in economics, development studies, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines. An advanced degree is preferred
Experience:
- Work experience is an asset but not a requirement.
The intern must be eager and proactive.
- Understanding of issues related to Inclusive Economic Transformation and the SDGs is advantageous.
Exposure to international development, Inclusive Economic Transformation and South Africa’s development context is a significant advantage.
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
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.
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