Intern – Tax for SDGs Initiative (multiple positions)

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy and programme work, carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office (CO) levels, form a contiguous spectrum of deep, local knowledge to cutting edge global perspectives and advocacy.

The UNDP Tax for Sustainable Development Goals Initiative (Tax for SDGs) supports developing countries in increasing domestic resource mobilization and achieving the SDGs. It is managed by the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS’s) Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH), with resource persons embedded in the SDG Finance Teams in Amman, Bangkok, Istanbul, Panama and Pretoria.

Taxes are the key funding source for investments in achieving the SDGs. Tax policy can influence desired behaviors and help attract additional investment. In addition, taxes are vital to fostering a stronger social contract between the citizens and the state.

Tax for SDGs has a particular emphasis on linking tax administration and tax and fiscal policies with the broader SDGs. As one of its workstreams, Tax for SDGs supports the implementation of the Tax Inspectors Without Borders Initiative (TIWB). TIWB is a joint OECD/UNDP initiative, sharing tax knowledge and skills through a targeted, real-time ‘learning by doing’ approach.” Another initiative is the SDG Taxation Framework (STF) which helps governments in aligning their tax systems with achievement of the SDGs.

Building on UNDP CO portfolios and already existing engagements with Ministries, Tax for SDGs further brings a stronger focus on the role of tax and fiscal policy in achieving the 2023 Agenda. It covers the following thematic areas: tax and gender equality, health, environment, extractives, energy transition, digitalization of tax administration, tax transparency, tax expenditures, evidence-based policy making. For more information, please refer to the Initiative’s event page: and www.tiwb.org.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship policy, UNDP Tax for SDGs offers multiple internships; interns will work on global coordination, involving also regional, country office and thematic colleagues, communications, and support on technical work.  

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Support ongoing and upcoming program work related to Tax and the SDGs at the global level, with different world regions and countries.
• Support ongoing and upcoming program work related to Tax Inspectors Without Borders at the global level, with different world regions and countries.
• Provide management support (planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, reporting etc.) for ongoing and upcoming work related to the STF, helping compile data and conducting data analysis, conducting research and literature reviews.
• Assist the Tax for SDGs team with the preparation, running, and follow-up of global conferences, meetings, draft meeting notes.
• Support the development of concept notes, briefs and talking points for key events and meetings.
• Support monitoring and evaluation, and drafting of presentations and reports.
• Attend, support organization, and summarizing meetings, conferences, and side events to strengthen strategic engagement with partners both within and outside the UN system.
• Support in project communication and outreach including drafting articles, blog posts, press releases, flyers, images, tweets, and social media content as needed.

Competencies

Technical / Functional Competencies:

• Good understanding of the 2030 Agenda and Financing for Development;
• Good understanding of tax/fiscal policy, tax administration processes, public finance reforms, and/or project management, and/or external and internal communications, design, public relations
• Ability to work flexibly and innovatively and meet tight deadlines;
• Good organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills;
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently and effectively;
• Strong social media skills (mainly Twitter and LinkedIn);
• Knowledge of web publication tools and photo editing tools;
• Excellent English-language writing, editing and communication skills: able to communicate clearly and concisely and to translate complex topics into simple language for a general audience;

Personal Competencies:

•   Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;

•   Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive/ integrate feedback;

•   Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals;

•   Establishes, builds, and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external partners and supports team efforts;

•   Positive and results-oriented attitude.

Required Skills and Experience

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

1. Currently enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) as a full-time student in taxation, economics, finance, law, political science, public policy, communications, and other related fields, OR
2. Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation.

Area of Interest/Experience

Although applicants are not required to have work experience, relevant knowledge/experience will be a strong asset.

• A strong interest in the area of public finance/ fiscal policies/ taxation/ project management/ communications is required, which could be demonstrated by past work experience, education, or training;
• Proficiency in the use of software like Word, Excel, Canva and PowerPoint as well as digital collaboration and knowledge management tools;
• Knowledge of Mailchimp would be an asset.

Language

• Fluency in both written and spoken English Language is required.
• Fluency in other UN languages is an asset.

Conditions

• As of 1 January 2020, Interns may be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies, if is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme;
• Interns who are not financially supported by an institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme, will receive a stipend in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.  A stipend is intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, must be paid by the receiving office.
• Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of: (a) The nominating institution, related institution, or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or (b) The intern.
• UNDP full-time interns accrue leave at a rate of 1.5 days per month;
• During the internship period, interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with the UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health before starting the internship. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern;
• The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment within the UN System, but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship.

 

Selected candidates must submit the following documents prior to being offered a Letter of Acceptance for Internship:

• A duly completed UNDP Internship Application Form;
• A signed UNDP Internship Agreement;
• Copy of updated CV/resume;
• Official letter from the university confirming current enrolment and graduation date or graduation certificate;
• Copy of passport/national ID card;
• A copy of his/her university transcript
• Letter of endorsement/recommendation from a Professor
• Proof of both Medical and Life Insurance which is valid for the duty station and covers duration of the internship programme
• Medical Certificate of Good Health

Application Process

• Please upload your resume (not more than 2 pages), cover letter (one page), and transcripts as one PDF attachment. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply. UNDP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of color, gender, or any other status.

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