Research & Partnerships Intern

UNDP • New York, NY

20h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Human Development Report Office (HDRO) aims to advance human development by promoting innovative ideas, advocating for policy changes, and challenging restrictive policies. Its well-known output, the global Human Development Report (HDR), launched in 1990, examines different development themes in depth, offering assessments and policy recommendations. HDRO's metrics, like the Human Development Index, are global standards. Uniquely positioned within the UN system, HDRO combines UN credibility with the freedom to explore frontier issues. The 2026 Human Development Report will focus on how planetary system changes affect human development and how human development can address threats to these systems, exploring intersections with health, education, livelihoods, and well-being. It will propose new metrics and actionable strategies for people and the planet to thrive together. The internship program is designed to develop emerging talent interested in the Human Development approach and global development challenges, enhancing their analytical skills and ability to inform policy with evidence.

Requirements

• 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 demography, economics, development studies, public policy or relevant social science subjects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Familiarity with the Human Development concept.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with an international organization or NGO that shares the mission and values of UNDP is highly desired.
• Familiarity with human development concepts, measurements and international development issues.
• Familiarity with the broad topic of the 2026 Human Development Report “An Aspirational approach to human and planetary futures”.
• Quantitative data analysis skills, using a wide variety of statistical software or open source programming tools is desirable.
• Proven research and writing skills, with track records in producing research or communications products on development topics.
• Experience with and knowledge of statistical software or open source programming tools is an asset.
• Competency in other UN languages is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance for quantitative and qualitative background research for the 2026 Human Development Report, including data analysis and compilations of charts and tables.
• Undertake literature reviews.
• Write short research notes.
• Review and verification of statistical materials for the report.
• Support the team in analysis and presentation of human development statistics.
• Assist in identification of data sources and preparation of datasets.
• Assist in fact checking and proof reading.
• Support research partnership engagements, including developing concept notes and background materials as well as tracking key actions points and follow-up.
• Support the development of high-impact communications materials for the Human Development Reports and related products.
• Support and participate in other activities as requested, including providing logistical support to various events organized by HDRO such as team meetings, research seminars, consultations, workshops, and side events.

Benefits

• Stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy, if not financially supported by any institution or programme.
• Stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station.
• Stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern