Philippines

Internships offer a small group of outstanding graduate-level and undergraduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNDP's work. They are designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of multilateral technical cooperation, but also complements other international studies, including law.

The purpose of UNDP Philippines' internship programme is to provide a framework by which students from diverse academic backgrounds may enhance and enrich their educational experience through exposure to actual and practical work; immerse them in the real working environment of an international organization operating globally; deepen their knowledge and understanding of UNDP's goals, principles and activities; and provide UNDP Philippines with the assistance of qualified students specialized in various professional fields.

Internship assignments may vary greatly in terms of content. Every attempt is made to match the interests of the intern with the needs of the organization. Typical tasks performed by the interns include conducting researches and writing documents; cataloguing and systematically organizing information; assisting in the organization of conferences, fora, or other collaborative events; and contributing knowledge stories/best practices. While some routine functions may be assigned, these are intended to be learning and developmental experiences that complement the intern's studies. The intern should have an opportunity to make substantive contributions to the office's work.

Internship assignments vary in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. Assignments are available on a part-time or full-time basis. However, they will normally last no less than six weeks and no more than six months. If an intern can prove that a nine-month internship will grant him/her an educational credit for one full school year, the internship may be exceptionally granted for a maximum total duration of nine months.

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. The following minimum qualifications are required:

• Enrollment in a degree programme:
   
  1. The intern should be enrolled in a second university degree or a higher degree, or has completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institutions towards the completion of a degree (if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages), and not has graduated prior to the beginning of the internship.
  - Or -
  2. The intern should be enrolled in an undergraduate degree course of a university and has completed at least three years of full-time studies towards the completion of the degree.
  
  
• Proficiency in English;
 
• Computer-literate in standard software applications;
 
• Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter; and
 
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes the highest standards of integrity and willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

UNDP does not pay for internships. The costs associated with the latter must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the student who will have to obtain financing for subsistence to make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, etc.

The purpose of internships is not to lead to employment with UNDP but, as mentioned, to complement an intern's studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. Interns cannot apply for posts during the period of internship.

Among the internship opportunities are:

• Information Technology Intern | Download the TOR in PDF Format
• Communications and Web Management Intern | Download the TOR in PDF Format

Applicants interested in an internship should send the following documents to humanresources.ph@undp.org:

1. Completed Application for UNDP Philippines Internship Programme
2. Copy of resume/cv, and
3. Brief paper setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience

You must agree with the UNDP Philippines' Internship Policy before you can download the Internship Programme Application form.

Do you agree with the UNDP Philippines' Internship Policy?