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Internship opportunities

The HDRO is a small office located at the United Nations in New York. Our single most important function is to write the global Human Development Report (HDR), which is a UNDP flagship publication. The Office has a small core team of professionals headed by HDRO Director, Ms. Jeni Klugman. Report preparation is supported by a panel of eminent economists and distinguished development professionals. All of the writing is done in-house. Besides the HDR, the Office also commissions studies and other publications related to the annual HDR themes.

HDRO also supports national Report teams in the preparation and review of their HDRs. The NHDR Workspace is dedicated to this endeavor. Because the Reports are widely viewed as trend setters in the ongoing development debate, much of the work here consists of conceptualizing and formulating new ideas, and using data and other research tools for presenting information - making sure that we deserve our reputation.

Each year HDRO accepts a number of interns to assist the HDR team in doing research and outreach/advocacy. We offer internships throughout the year.

Currently seeking: candidates interested in working on issues of migration

Important information for internships

• Internships are full-time, i.e. based on a 5-day, 40 hours work week, but it may vary depending on the individual situation.
• Ideally, the length of an internship is three months.
• Interns must be enrolled in a Master's programme of study during the full-period of internship.
  
• Internships are unpaid and candidates who are accepted must prove that they carry health insurance.
• HDRO cannot provide housing.
• Interns are responsible for obtaining a valid visa, if necessary.
• The general UNDP policy on internships applies. For further information see UNDP guidelines

Internship profiles

An ideal candidate for internships should have one of the following profiles:

• Research: relevant academic background, preferably at the graduate-level, in social science (economics, political science, sociology, history) or other, depending on the theme of the annual HDR. Applicants should be familiar with issues in developing policy and international politics as well as the current theme of HDR. Good writing and internet research skills are vital. Ability to handle and interpret data is an asset.
• Outreach and media liaison: similar background as researcher; exceptional writing and communication skills; fluent in English; fluency in other languages is an asset; experience in dealing with the press and the media; excellent presentation skills. Experience in organizing meetings and media events is an asset.
• Statistics and quantitative analysis: strong background in processing and analyzing data, producing tables and figures; candidates should know the composite indices and statistical tables of the HDRs; extensive experience with computers and ability to use relevant software is a precondition.

Interested applicants can review short descriptions of each unit at HDRO to assist you in determining which are your units of preference.

How to apply

Interested candidates should apply online using our Online Internship Application Form. Alternatively, you can also mail a cover letter and a recent CV at least six months prior to internship. The cover letter should clearly indicate when and for how long the applicant is available. Women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.