Statistics Intern

Background

The mission of the Human Development Report Office (HDRO) is to advance human development. The goal is to contribute towards the expansion of people’s opportunities, choice, and freedom. HDRO works towards this goal by promoting innovative new ideas, advocating practical policy changes, and constructively challenging policies and approaches that constrain human development. HDRO works with others to achieve change through writing and research, data analysis and presentation, and outreach and advocacy work.

HDRO has established the internship programme to support the professional development of young scholars interested in the Human Development approach and current international development issues, by enhancing their analytical and statistical skills and broadening their conceptual perspectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The intern will be supervised by a senior HDRO staff and work closely with the Statistics team on the preparation of the Statistical Annex for the Human Development Report, and related products and engagements. In particular, they are expected to deliver the following tasks:

• Provide support in the production of human development and related indices for the Human Development Report
• Conduct quantitative analysis to generate statistical estimates, as required
• Assist in editing and fact-checking the HDR’s Statistical Annex tables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity
• Support the development of materials for the HDR launch and other HDRO activities, including statistical and analytical presentations

Contribute to additional activities as needed, including logistical support for events such as team meetings and side events, responding to external requests and queries on HDRO statistics.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Technical and Practical Competencies:

• Proven analytical skills, with track records in conducting quantitative/statistical analysis on development topics
• Familiarity with human development concepts, measurements and international development issues

Professional and Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong service orientation and teamwork skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to continuous learning

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D. Program or those completing a Master’s or in the last year of their Bachelor’s and to recent graduates (up to one year post-graduation), with a major in statistics, demography, economics, economic development, public policy or relevant social science subjects

Experience:

• Experience conducting statistical or quantitative analysis on development-related topics is required 
• Proficiency in statistical software for data analysis (Stata), as well as standard office tools such as Excel and Word, is required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams 
• Experience working with household survey data is desirable 
• Familiarity with the human development framework is desirable

Language:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

• Competency in other UN languages is a strong asset

   

Working Arrangements:

• As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy, if it is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government foundation or scholarship programme A stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan.
• Interns are expected to work full time, either in person or remotely, but flexibility is allowed for education programmes
• Interns are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed.
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• The purpose of the internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.
• Interns will be evaluated at the end of the contract.
• Interns are responsible for providing their own laptops.

Equal opportunity

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.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

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. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.