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Programme/project Intern
Better Than Cash
Paramaribo, Suriname
Posted on Apr 15, 2026
Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
- Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
UNDP has been a key development partner of the Surinamese Government and its people since 1994. Under the current Country Program 2022-2026, UNDP supports Suriname in the following programmatic areas: Democratic Governance, Social Development and Inclusion, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management. These programmatic areas are interlinked, integrating nature-based solutions, digitalization, innovation, justice and social services with the engagement of stakeholders that are relevant to all programmatic areas, including the Indigenous and Tirbal peoples, women and youth, local communities, NGOs, academia and others. Effective and strategic communication and advocacy on development challenges and innovative solutions critical to the country and the LAC region is a cross-cutting priority for UNDP Suriname.
The purpose of the Internship programme is to provide students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds exposure to development issues and a first-hand experience with the day-to-day working environment of UNDP in Suriname.
This is an open call for a roster of qualified interns. The roster will serve as a pool of candidates who may be considered for internship assignments with UNDP Suriname throughout the 2026 period, depending on organizational needs and project requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Project/Portfolio Managers, the interns will be expected to perform the following tasks:
- Provide support in research, analyses and studies conducted within the project/portfolio;
- Identify national sources of data and as necessary translate data into English;
- Identify regional and international sources of data to compare info on Suriname with countries of the Caribbean region, Latin America and the world;
- Provide operational support to the activities under the project/portfolio, including logistic and administrative support to on-line trainings, workshops, conferences and other events;
- Provide support to communication activities;
- Attend conferences and events, help with their preparation, ensure invitations sending, logistical organisation, etc.
- Perform any other duties within the scope of the project/portfolio, as required;
- When required facilitate effective communications and information management support and provide executive support to the senior management;
- Provide support to external relations activities.
Competencies
- Consistently ensures timeliness and quality of project work;
- Evidence of ability to express ideas clearly;
- Shares knowledge and experience;
- Focuses on results and responds positively to feedback;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards;
- Full computer literacy;
- Analytical, writing, editing and verbal skills for communicating with broad and diverse stakeholders in English; Knowledge of Dutch is a strong advantage.
- Excellent organizational skills.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher) in environmental managment, administration, sustainable development, social or political science, international relations or any other related field.
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in environmental managment, administration, sustainable development, social or political science, international relations or any other related field.
- 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;
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
Experience:
Excellent communication, writing and editing skills
Experience in operational and programme management support
Experience in preparation of (virtual) events and workshops
Important Information:
This is an open call for expressions of interest to join the UNDP Suriname Internship Roster.
Being included in the roster does not guarantee selection or engagement. By joining the roster, candidates become eligible for potential internship opportunities that may arise in 2026, in alignment with project needs and areas of interest.
The open call will remain active for three months from the date of publication.
Application procedure:
Interested candidates must submit the following as part of their application:
- CV
- Motivation Letter
- Clear information on academic status, either:
- If currently enrolled: specify the name of the university, field of study, current year of studies, and academic year (e.g., 3rd year of Bachelor studies, academic year 2025/2026)
- If graduated: indicate the exact graduation date and name of the university
Applications that do not clearly indicate the required academic information will not be considered.
For more information on internship eligibility and conditions, please refer to the UNDP Internship Policy.
Only shortlisted applicants will be required to submit the following documentation:
- Letter from his/her university confirming current enrolment and graduation date or copy of diploma if already graduated.
- Copy of his/her school transcript.
- Endorsement letter or letter of reference in English language from a faculty member with University heading, signed and stamped.
The successful candidate will be asked to provide, prior to commencing work, the following documentation:
- A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
- Medical Certificate of Good Health.
- Proof of medical insurance valid for Suriname throughout the duration of the Internship.
Internship Conditions
Status
Interns are not considered as having the status of a staff member. During the internship with UNDP, interns are subject to the Regulations Governing the Status, Basic Rights and Duties of Officials other than Secretariat Officials, and Experts on Mission (ST/SGB/2002/9).
Interns must not represent UNDP in any official capacity or commit resources on its behalf.
Duration
The normal duration of internship is no less than six weeks and no more than six months. Internship assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns.
Medical Insurance
Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a medical certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
Expenses
Where an intern is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office.
Subsequent Employment
There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.
Termination
The internship can be terminated by either UNDP or the intern for any reason upon giving two weeks’ notice.
Responsibilities and obligations of the office and the supervisor:
The receiving office and supervisors must create a working environment conducive to interns’ substantive learning and professional development.
Offices must:
(a) Ensure that an intern’s assignment is at the appropriate level of complexity and variety;
(b) Ensure proper supervision of the intern;
(c) Ensure that the intern is informed of UN’s policy on Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Abuse of Authority and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
(d) Prepare terms of reference describing the tasks of interns in the office; and
(e) Provide constructive feedback to the intern regarding their performance.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
Duties and Responsibilities