Title: Intern (Directorate of Strategic Planning, Programming and Policy)
Requisition ID: 6224
Grade: Intern
Category: Internship
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Country: Austria
Duty Station: Vienna
Entry Date: As soon as possible
Internship Duration: 3-6 months
Application Deadline: 01-Sep-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)
Vacancy Announcement
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.
Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.
The Directorate of Strategic Planning, Programming and Policy (SPP), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible and accountable for UNIDO’s strategic planning and programming through the provision of coordinated and cohesive frameworks and policy advice. It plays the central role for UNIDO regarding the engagement in South-South and Triangular Cooperation matters, the strategic positioning of UNIDO within the United Nation system, strategic engagement in multilateral fora including BRICS, G20 and G7. It also leads the promotion of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women through mainstreaming gender considerations at the institutional and programmatic level. In addition, the Directorate oversees the Organization’s industrial policy research, statistics and SDG9 reporting activities, and normative function, and ensures a cohesive and consistent approach to Knowledge Management (KM) in UNIDO.
The Directorate is responsible for the Divisions of Strategic Planning and South-South Cooperation (SPP/SSC), Strategic Engagement and Coordination (SPP/SEC), Strategic Programming, Results Monitoring and Quality Assurance (SPP/SPM), Industrial Policy Research and Statistics (SPP/IPS), Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (SPP/GEW) and Knowledge Management (SPP/KMG).
GENERIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Intern shall work under the direct supervision of the Executive Officer of the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Programming and Policy (SPP), and shall be engaged as follows:
- Engaged in a specific self-contained assignment described below:
- Support the coordination and planning of internal workflows in the Office of the Managing Director, including tracking deadlines, organizing information flows, and maintaining shared planning tools.
- Assist in fostering internal coordination and communication between divisions by preparing draft emails, updates, and shared documents for circulation.
- Support the organization of internal meetings and events, including drafting agendas, preparing presentations, and taking meeting notes or drafting action point summaries.
- Assist in the preparation of background material, briefing notes, and simple data compilations for internal strategic discussions.
- Provide support in reviewing and formatting internal guidance documents, memoranda, and communications for clarity and consistency.
- Conduct research on institutional good practices in strategy and organizational management within the UN system and prepare summary notes.
- Exposure to and support of the regular core functions of the SPP/OMD Unit and as such shall have the opportunity to observe the day-to-day operations and engage in specific actions delegated by the Supervisor.
- Other Special emerging Projects that may enhance the learning experience of the Intern.
The Intern will be required to prepare an end-of-internship report, which will be submitted to and cleared by UNIDO Internship Coordination.
MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Education: Enrolled in, or have completed within the last twelve months, a second level university degree programme (master's or equivalent) or higher; or be enrolled in, or have completed within the last twelve months, the final academic year of a first level university degree programme (bachelor's or equivalent). Only accredited institutions will be considered.
Field of specialization: International relations, development, management business-, public administration or relevant field amongst others.
Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
Other skills: Keen interest in strategy development, inter-divisional coordination, organizational effectiveness, and international development cooperation. Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Ability to write clearly and concisely and to work effectively in a multicultural and fast-paced environment. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required. Familiarity with office procedures and practices in international or multicultural settings is an asset. Experience in data structuring, desktop research, drafting, or coordination tasks gained through studies, internships, or student work would be an advantage.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Internships at UNIDO are full-time and shall be for a period of three to six months. For internships fully sponsored through partner institutions, the maximum duration shall be twelve months, subject to prior HRM agreement. Extensions beyond the initially agreed duration are not permitted.
- Interns receive a monthly stipend based on their duty station.
- Interns are responsible for living expenses, accommodation, visas, and related costs.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Core Values
WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.
WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.
WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.
Key Competencies
WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.
WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.
WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.
WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: to stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.
LEARNING ELEMENTS
Become acquainted with the internal coordination, strategic planning, and policy advisory processes within the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Programming and Policy, as well as its engagement in key UN system-wide platforms and multilateral fora.
Deepen knowledge of inter-divisional coordination, institutional governance, and the preparation of strategic and operational documents at senior management level.
Gain hands-on experience in the organization of high-level meetings and the drafting of briefing notes, communications, and internal documents.
Develop a solid understanding of how UNIDO delivers on its mandate across the four strategic priorities of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
Acquire practical skills in internal communication, planning, and coordination within a complex international organization.
Participate in on-the-job training across multiple phases of internal workflows.
Strengthen interpersonal skills through collaboration in a multicultural and fast-paced environment, and contribute to ongoing initiatives relevant to UNIDO’s engagement with the broader UN development system.
UNIDO Interns are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity at all times, both at work and outside. Only candidates who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for internships at UNIDO.
All applications must be submitted through the UNIDO Online Recruitment System.
Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process.
Visit the UNIDO employment website for details on how to apply: www.careers.unido.org
Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: internship@unido.org