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Internship
Thimphu, Bhutan
Posted on Jul 16, 2026
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 Bhutan, in partnership with Haa Dzongkhag Administration, is supporting the development of the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy to strengthen local economic development, public service delivery, community resilience, and inclusive growth in alignment with Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan and long-term national development priorities.
Haa Dzongkhag has strong potential to promote inclusive and sustainable development through its unique cultural heritage, natural landscape, agricultural potential, community-based tourism, local enterprise development, and strategic location. To harness these opportunities, there is a need to develop a clear, evidence-based, and actionable Dzongkhag Development Strategy that reflects local priorities, community needs, and emerging economic opportunities.
In this regard, UNDP Bhutan is seeking an intern to be placed with Haa Dzongkhag Administration to support the development of the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy. The intern will assist with research, data collection, stakeholder coordination, documentation, analysis, and logistical support required for the strategy development process.
The intern will be engaged for a period of three months, subject to extension, with duty station in Haa, Bhutan.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Governance Unit, UNDP Bhutan, and the direct supervision of the Planning Officer, Haa Dzongkhag Administration, the intern will provide programmatic, coordination, research, documentation, and administrative support for the development of the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy.
The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:
• Support the collection, compilation, and review of relevant data, reports, policies, plans, and strategies related to Haa Dzongkhag’s development priorities;
• Assist in conducting secondary research on local economic development, rural enterprise development, tourism, agriculture, social inclusion, public service delivery, and community resilience;
• Support the mapping of key development opportunities, challenges, stakeholders, institutions, local assets, and potential partners in Haa Dzongkhag;
• Assist in documenting local economic opportunities, including tourism, agriculture, cultural heritage, local products, entrepreneurship, and community-based initiatives;
• Support stakeholder consultations, focus group discussions, workshops, and meetings with Dzongkhag officials, Gewog representatives, communities, private sector actors, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders;
• Assist in preparing meeting notes, workshop reports, consultation summaries, and documentation of key findings;
• Support the analysis of stakeholder inputs and help consolidate emerging priorities for the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy;
• Assist in developing simple data summaries, visuals, charts, and presentation materials to support the strategy formulation process;
• Support the preparation of draft sections, briefs, concept notes, and communication materials related to the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy;
• Support the compilation of information and documentation related to sustainable financing initiatives, including biodiversity financing mechanisms, tourism-related fees, concession fees, entry fees, and nature-based revenue generation opportunities, and assist in preparing summaries and background materials for the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy.
• Assist in identifying possible flagship initiatives, investment areas, partnerships, and implementation pathways for the Dzongkhag Development Strategy;
• Support documentation of community stories, local innovation examples, and promising practices from Haa Dzongkhag;
• Provide coordination support between UNDP Bhutan, Haa Dzongkhag Administration, Gewog Administrations, and other relevant stakeholders;
• Provide logistical and administrative support for workshops, meetings, field visits, and consultations;
• Support scheduling, correspondence, minutes, participant coordination, and follow-up actions related to the strategy development process; and
• Provide other ad-hoc support as required.
Competencies
The intern should demonstrate the following skills and competencies:
• Interest in local economic development, governance, planning, public policy, sustainable development, tourism, entrepreneurship, or community development;
• Familiarity with Bhutan’s local governance system, Dzongkhag planning processes, or rural development issues is an asset;
• Good research, analytical, and documentation skills;
• Ability to gather, organize, and synthesize information from different sources;
• Good writing and communication skills;
• Basic data analysis and presentation skills;
• Digital literacy and familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, or other design and documentation tools;
• Curiosity, creativity, and willingness to learn;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to engage respectfully with local officials, communities, and stakeholders;
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Attention to detail and ability to follow through on assigned tasks;
• Positive attitude and willingness to respond constructively to feedback.
IT Skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with online meeting tools (Zoom, MS Teams) and Google workspace.
Required Skills and Experience
Candidates must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
a) Be enrolled in a degree programme, such as a bachelor’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 and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation;
d) Applicants must be a national candidate (Bhutanese)
Applicants should preferably have a first-level degree or be pursuing studies in Economics, Public Policy, Governance, Development Studies, Business Administration, Sustainable Development, Environmental Science, Tourism, Social Sciences, or other related fields.
Language
• Excellent written and spoken English is required;
• Good spoken Dzongkha is required;
• Knowledge of local language or familiarity with Haa Dzongkhag would be an asset.
Expected Outputs
The intern is expected to support the delivery of the following outputs:
• Compilation of relevant background documents, data, and reports for the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy;
• Prepared background documentation and concise summary notes on sustainable financing initiatives and revenue-generation opportunities, providing technical inputs for the Sustainable Financing Mechanism chapter of the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy.
• Mapping of key local assets, opportunities, challenges, stakeholders, and potential partners;
• Documentation of stakeholder consultations, meetings, workshops, and field visits;
• Draft summaries, briefs, and inputs to support the preparation of the Haa Dzongkhag Development Strategy;
• Presentation materials and communication products related to the strategy development process;
• Administrative and logistical support for the overall strategy formulation process.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
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Duties and Responsibilities