In Person: Research Intern to Support the Knowledge Project in Dubai, UAE

Background
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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.

The Knowledge Project is a joint initiative between UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) established in 2008. It aims to promote knowledge societies and policies as transformational means to achieving sustainable development in the Arab States region and beyond. The project builds on the Arab Knowledge Reports, the Arab Knowledge Index, the knowledge4all portal, the Arab Reading Index, the KnowTalks series, the Future of Knowledge Foresight Report series and the Global Knowledge Index (GKI). Moreover, the project has recently launched an ambitious initiative to develop the skills of citizens in the Arab States region. 

In 2024, the Knowledge Project has a multifaceted work plan aimed at advancing its mission on multiple fronts. It is set to produce GKI 2024 through a data update. Through the FutureSkills4All initiative, the project is committed to reskilling and upskilling 6,000 learners, empowering them with essential skills for the future. Additionally, the project is set to organize the Knowledge Summit and host a series of engaging KnowTalks events, providing platforms for thought leaders to discuss critical topics and disseminate valuable insights. 

To enhance knowledge accessibility, the project will focus on improving its knowledge4all portal and mobile application, making information readily available to a wider audience. Furthermore, the integration of the pilot artificial intelligence (AI) policy tool into the portal represents a significant step toward leveraging AI for knowledge dissemination. Simultaneously, the Knowledge Project will commence the revision of the GKI ensuring that it remains accurate and relevant, which is scheduled to be launched in 2025 as GKI 2025. 

In addition to these efforts, the Knowledge Project will implement a robust outreach and dissemination strategy to maximize the impact of its project outputs, ensuring that its valuable resources reach a diverse and global audience. 

Accordingly, the project is seeking the services of a Research Intern to support the GKI sub-team in data collection and validation, literature review, research, compiling information for the GKI and the knowledge4all portal.

Duties and responsibilities:

The intern will be based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Under the direct supervision of the Project and Research Associate and overall supervision of the Policy and Data Specialist, responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Assist in compiling, cleaning and tabulating data for variables from international sources in order to compute the Global Knowledge Index 2024;

• Provide research, writing and editing support on topics related to knowledge society, education, RDI, ICT and economy;

• Contribute to running quality checks on the datasets gathered before analysis and treatment;

• Assist in revising the structure of the Global Knowledge Index by mapping and suggesting new variables;

• Assist in searching for replacement variables for the discontinued variables used in the previous versions of the Global Knowledge Index;

• Support in preparing tables, graphs, fact sheets, written reports and presentations summarizing and analysing data results and findings;

• Assist in compiling material for the knowledge4all portal, including information about variables definitions, sources, upcoming events, publications, etc.;

• Ensure the recency, accuracy, and rich diversity of the datasets available for the project's reference and perusal, including the datasets made available on the portal in both Arabic and English;

• Perform any other substantive task that might be requested.

Competencies:

Functional Competencies:

• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

• Keen attention to detail;

• Proven record of interest and work in the development field;

• Excellent analytical and research skills;

• Research experience;

• Interest in the Arab States region and possibly some background in researching the region;

Professionalism:

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems;

• Ability to negotiate and to influence others to reach agreement;

• Ability to work under pressure;

• Shows pride in work and in achievement;

• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;

• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;

• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;

• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;

• Remains calm in stressful situations;

• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;

• Takes responsibility for incorporating the perspective of youth and ensuring the equal participation of young people as in all areas of work.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly, concisely and effectively;

• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;

• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;

• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;

• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;

• Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;

• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;

• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;

• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required;

• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resource for completing work;

• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;

• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;

• Uses time efficiently.

Accountability:

• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honor commitments;

• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;

• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;

• Supports subordinates, provide oversight and take responsibility for delegated assignments;

• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Creativity:

• Actively seeks to improve program or services;

• Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs;

• Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas;

• Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas;

• Thinks “outside the box”;

• Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things;

• Not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Technological Awareness:

• Keeps abreast of available technology;

• Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office;

• Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks;

• Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Experience:

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements in economics, statistics, social sciences or any other related field:

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as abachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3. Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, ifselected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internshipas part of this program.

Experience:

• Relevant previous experience is a plus;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and different web applications.

Nationalities: 

Be a citizen of the United Arab Emirates.

Languages:

• Fluency in Arabic and English (both oral and written) is required. French language skills would be an asset but not necessary for the assignment.

Stipend:

• 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, must be paid by the receiving office.
• The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
• Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.
• No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement.

Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
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. 

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