Background

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is the United Nations’ flagship catalytic financing entity for the world’s 45 least developed countries (LDCs). With its unique capital mandate and focus on the LDCs, UNCDF works to invest and catalyse capital to support these countries in achieving the sustainable growth and inclusiveness envisioned by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031.

UNCDF builds partnerships with other UN organizations, as well as private and public sector actors, to achieve greater impact in development, specifically by unlocking additional resources and strengthening financing mechanisms and systems contributing to transformation pathways, focusing on such development themes as green economy, digitalization, urbanization, inclusive economies, gender equality, and women’s economic empowerment.

A hybrid development finance institution and development agency, UNCDF uses a combination of capital instruments (deployment, financial and business advisory and catalysation) and development instruments (technical assistance, capacity development, policy advice, advocacy, thought leadership, and market analysis and scoping), which are applied across five priority areas (inclusive digital economies, local transformative finance, women’s economic empowerment, climate, energy, and biodiversity finance, and sustainable food systems finance).

UNCDF is seeking an intern to be part of the Directorate in its Headquarters located in New York, United States. Working under the guidance and supervision of a Program Specialist and working closely with the Directorate, the intern will support the ongoing work and goals of the unit and will focus on developing new and innovative Sustainable Development Goals related interventions focusing on Africa.

The internship manager is committed to providing the intern with the training, guidance and support necessary to complete the below duties and responsibilities effectively and within the internship period. This will include, but not be limited to, scheduled meetings (weekly) to assess output progress, systems training (where required) and completion of required university reports for the purpose of meeting any necessary Degree requirements

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Program Specialist, the intern will assist in the following tasks:

Summary of key functions:

1. Conducting market intelligence scans and competitor analysis.
2. Developing concepts based on the analysis.
3. Identifying the real options and the pros and cons of each, such as implementing the concepts as strategic partnerships rather than starting from scratch.
4. Develop presentations on the findings and insights to be presented to various internal and external stakeholders.
5. Partnering closely with teams in the organization and the wider stakeholder system to secure stakeholder buy-in for implementation.

Details of key functions:

1. Conducting market intelligence scans and competitor analysis

• Research industry trends: Continuously research and monitor the latest industry trends relevant to the assigned project, including market sizing of the opportunity.
• Analyze and profile key players: List and profile key players, including their product offerings and unique value propositions, and analyze their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and weaknesses (SWOT analysis) to identify gaps and potential areas of differentiation.
• Summarize insights: Compile data into reports with clear visuals and infographics to highlight key findings.

2. Developing concepts based on the analysis.

• Brainstorm innovative ideas: Create new concepts based on market intelligence and competitor analysis.
• Evaluate feasibility: Evaluate each option’s pros, cons, and strategic fit while considering high-level cost implications and donors that will fund this initiative.
• Refine concept: Use feedback loops and strategic alignment with UNCDs Strategic Framework to refine and improve concepts.

3. Identifying the real options and the pros and cons of each, such as implementing the concepts as strategic partnerships rather than starting from scratch.

• Viable options analysis: Identify potential approaches for implementing each concept, such as forming a strategic partnership or in-house development.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis: Evaluate the pros, cons, and strategic fit while considering a detailed cost analysis and donor and recipient appetite.
• Recommend best options: To be supported with detailed justification and data-driven analysis.

4. Develop presentations on the findings and insights to be presented to various internal and external stakeholders.

• Structure key insights: Organize key findings clearly and cohesively following a logical process.
• Design clear and engaging slides: Design slides using a pitch deck approach with clear graphs and infographics for effective communication.

5. Partnering closely with teams in the organization and the wider stakeholder system to secure stakeholder buy-in for implementation.

• Engage key stakeholders early: To build support and buy-in, involve key stakeholders early, such as internal teams, donors for resource mobilization, beneficiary countries, and strategic partners.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration: To effectively communicate the value of the concept and ensure alignment towards implementation.

Competencies

Core Values/Guiding Principles:

• Demonstrates consistency in upholding and promoting the values of UNCDF in actions and decisions, in line with the UN Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of the multicultural nature of the organization and the diversity of its staff.
• Demonstrates an international outlook, appreciating difference in values and learning from cultural diversity.
• Demonstrates an intellectual curiosity and deep desire to learn.
• Demonstrates a consistent commitment to pro-actively helping fellow team members and UNCDF more broadly in their day-to-day activities to the reasonable extent possible.

Core competencies:

• Demonstrates strong writing skills, particularly the ability to present persuasive, coherent and well-founded arguments.
• Demonstrates ability to write in a style that is accessible to a broad audience of policymakers, academics and activists.
• Demonstrates drive to achieve results in timely manner and to seek and find solutions to any problems encountered.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to convert complex and abstract ideas into simple visual concepts.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Must be able to work in a multicultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to the UNCDF internship programme must at the time of application must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
• Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
• Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Desirable Skillset & Experience:

• Experience in evaluating market trends, new product/service feasibility, and sustainability metrics.
• Experienced in working in sustainability or projects with a sustainable aspect.
• Strong research skills with the ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources.
• Proficiency in using the MS Office Suite and statistical analysis software such as RStudio.
• Self-motivated and organized, able to multitask, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

Additional assignment-specific qualifications:

• Ability to conduct market research on new concepts (product or service) and create business cases or cost-benefit analyses.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages will be considered a plus.

General Internships Terms & Conditions:

• UNCDF Internship programme is governed by the UNDP Internship Policy Framework and Rules.
• Under the new revised UNDP Internship Policy, UNCDF will provide a modest monthly internship stipend to its interns, in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship Policy. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the Intern or her/his sponsoring entity/institution. Stipends are available only for full-time and part-time internships at this time.
• Selected Interns must be able to share proof of education enrolment and/ or graduation, medical/ health and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out and be able to provide insurance documentary proof at the time of their selection.
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNCDF but to complement an Intern’s studies and learning growth.
• There is no expectation of employment at the end of these internships.

Application Process:

• In your application, please state in one paragraph why you would like to be considered for the internship and your primary motivation to apply for this role;
• Please note that you will need to answer the mandatory questions on timeframe and availability (under Additional Questions section), which is a part of the internship application process, in addition to your cover letter.
• Please submit your Resume/CV and an application using the UNCDF Internship Application form: http://www.uncdf.org/download/file/127/2509/internshipdoc.
• Applications should include the application form and latest resume. Applicants are welcome to submit any additional work samples or portfolios in one single file, preferably PDF.
• Please note that the UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that you merge all your documents (CV/ Resume, Cover Letter etc. into a single file before uploading).
• Interested candidates can apply at any time indicating the timeframe of their availability in the internship form. However, only those candidates selected for interviews/ further assessment by hiring managers will be contacted.