Join UNDP for an Internship in Governance and Responsive Institutions in Podgorica-2025

Join UNDP for a full-time internship in Governance in Podgorica. This six-month opportunity invites you to enhance your skills in a dynamic environment while contributing to important governance projects. Apply by January 22, 2025, to be part of a team that drives positive change in the region. Proficiency in English and Montenegrin is required.
The UNDP Internship in Governance and Responsive Institutions Job Information
- Job Identification: 23282
- Posting Date: January 9, 2025
- Apply Before: January 22, 2025
- Job Schedule: Full time
- Location: Podgorica, Montenegro
- Agency: UNDP
- Grade: IN
- Vacancy Type: Internship Programme
- Practice Area: Governance
- Bureau: Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS
- Contract Duration: 6 months
- Education & Work Experience: High School certificate
- Required Languages: Proficiency in English and Montenegrin
- Vacancy Timeline: 2 Weeks
The UNDP Internship in Governance Job Description
Background
At UNDP, the organization actively upholds Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as core principles. They recognize and value the rich diversity that reflects the multitude of nations and cultures in which they operate. Furthermore, by fostering an inclusive environment, UNDP empowers all personnel to contribute meaningfully to their mission. In addition, they are committed to ensuring equity and fairness in all their actions. Their “leave no one behind” approach specifically targets increasing the representation of underserved populations. Therefore, they strongly encourage individuals from marginalized or excluded groups to apply. Interested candidates can explore more about working at UNDP, their values, and inspiring stories.
Zero Tolerance Policy
UNDP strictly prohibits sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment of any kind—including sexual harassment—and discrimination. Therefore, all selected candidates must undergo thorough reference and background checks.
Internship Programme Overview
Through UNDP’s Internship Programme, interns gain valuable experience by engaging in practical work assignments that expose them to UNDP’s initiatives. Notably, one of the main benefits of this internship is the close interaction interns will have with their supervisors, colleagues, and national partners, allowing them to develop essential skills in a professional environment.
Project Contributions
Additionally, interns will actively contribute to the project “Support Innovative Initiatives in Strengthening the Office of the President in Montenegro (OoP).” They will participate in creating an appropriate organizational structure, enhancing digital readiness, and formulating policies and procedures. These efforts aim to elevate management quality and establish a technically advanced, digitally progressive system within the OoP.
Strategic Framework Development
Furthermore, the development and promotion of a comprehensive, long-term framework for optimal executive-level management practices serve as a strategic process to improve the efficiency and accountability of public institutions. This approach aligns with international frameworks (EU and UN) and supports the country’s development priorities.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
Ultimately, UNDP Montenegro is dedicated to assisting national partners in accelerating the country’s progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transforming the OoP into a modern, efficient, and sustainable public institution.
Duties and Responsibilities
The intern will work directly under the supervision of the UNDP Team Leader for Governance and Responsive Institutions. Their responsibilities include the following tasks, which may be adjusted to align with the specific needs of the internship assignment:
- Conduct research and prepare reports.
- Assist in meetings and actively communicate with clients to clarify information.
- Prepare presentations based on thorough data analysis.
- Analyze data to identify trends and patterns, while making recommendations for improvement.
- Recommend changes to existing policies based on research findings.
- Analyze data from various sources to identify potential problems or opportunities.
- Assist in developing and preparing the institution’s strategy and general planning.
- Produce comprehensive reports from obtained data.
- Provide administrative support by organizing meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, drafting letters and invitations in English and Montenegrin, and maintaining project files and documentation.
Learning Opportunities
Additionally, the intern will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in in-house training opportunities as applicable.
- Learn about UNDP’s structure, mechanisms, policies, and practice areas.
- Strengthen their effective writing skills.
Competencies required for the UNDP Internship in Governance
Functional Competencies
- The intern will demonstrate very strong communication and interpersonal skills, effectively building trust.
- They will understand the main processes and methods of work relevant to the position.
- They will carry out tasks independently as well as collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- The intern will demonstrate good knowledge of information technology and apply it in their work assignments.
- Furthermore, they will handle confidential and politically sensitive issues responsibly and maturely, providing sound judgment.
Core Competencies
- The intern will actively demonstrate and safeguard the UN’s values, ethics, and integrity.
- They will display sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age differences.
- Additionally, they will promote gender equality in all assignment activities.
- The intern will show initiative in self-development and act as a proactive team player.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must meet one of the following requirements at the time of application:
- (a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme or higher).
- (b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
- (c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
- (d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
The preferred fields of study include Economics, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, or equivalent disciplines.
Experience
Candidates should show interest in and some experience with development projects. Additionally, they must have strong analytical and drafting skills in both English and Montenegrin, along with effective presentation and communication abilities in these languages.
IT Skills
Interns should have knowledge of and be proficient users of Microsoft Office productivity tools. Furthermore, familiarity with social media and graphic design applications will be considered an advantage.
Language Skills
Proficiency in both written and verbal English and Montenegrin is required.
General Internships Terms & Conditions
The UNDP Internship programme operates under the UNDP internship policy framework and rules. According to these policies:
- UNDP will provide a monthly internship stipend to interns, in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy. However, interns must bear all expenses associated with the internship.
- Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health before starting. UNDP will not reimburse the intern for medical insurance costs. Any expenses arising from accidents or illness during the internship are the intern’s responsibility.
- UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings that may occur during the internship.
UNDP’s Expenses
Costs incurred by interns, including official travel requests from UNDP related to internship activities, will be reimbursed on the same basis as costs incurred by staff members. This includes payment of a daily subsistence allowance, as applicable.
Stipend
The stipend includes monthly remuneration. If an intern does not receive financial support from any institution or program (such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship), the stipend helps cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, including meals and transportation at the duty station.
UNDP pays the stipend monthly, and part-time internship arrangements receive prorated amounts. If an intern gets financial support from an institution, government, or third party, UNDP pays the intern the difference—if any—between the external financial support and the applicable UNDP stipend.
The office will not make any other payments to an intern regarding the internship agreement. Interns accrue combined sick and annual leave at a rate of 1.5 days per month, prorated to the nearest half day for part-time internships. Any unused accumulated leave days will be forfeited at the end of the internship. Additionally, any unjustified absences exceeding nine days (or the prorated amount for part-time internships) will result in deductions from the monthly stipend.
Subsequent Employment
Please note that there is no expectation of employment with UNDP following the completion of the UNDP Internship in Governance or any internship.
Disclaimer
Applicant Information about UNDP Rosters
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. Additionally, we may retain applications and consider candidates for other similar positions within UNDP at the same grade level, provided they meet similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Consequently, all selected candidates must undergo thorough reference and background checks, and they must adhere to these high standards and principles.
Additionally, UNDP proudly promotes itself as an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or any other status.
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