Business and Human Rights Intern at UNDP

Bangkok, , Thailand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Apr, 26

Salary

8302.5

Posted On

20 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

International Development, Business and Human Rights, Research, Data Collection, Analytical Skills, Organizational Skills, Collaboration, Cultural Sensitivity, Communication, Microsoft Office, Logistical Coordination, Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement, Programme Support, Monitoring

Industry

International Affairs

Description

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. CORPORATE BACKGROUND UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do. UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas: Sustainable development Democratic governance and peacebuilding Climate and disaster resilience In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable. INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND Rapid and continued economic dynamism has translated into growth and reduced poverty levels in several countries in Asia and the Pacific. Greater foreign direct investments and capital movements, accentuated by higher regional mobility, are reasons for further optimism for future regional growth. This progress has often come at the expense of the human rights of minorities, marginalized and disadvantaged and at-risk groups in the interest of investments and financial gains UNDP’s Rule of Law and Human Rights Team, as part of the Asia Pacific Governance and Peacebuilding Unit of the Bangkok Regional Hub, is currently engaged in promoting the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The UNGPs clarify the duty of states and the responsibility of businesses to uphold international norms and treaties on human rights. These Guiding Principles rest on three pillars: 1) the State’s duty to protect human rights; 2) the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and; 3) the joint-responsibility of both the State and businesses sector to provide access to remedy for victims of business-related abuses. UNDP’s Business and Human Rights Asia Portfolio (2025–2030) provides a regional framework for strengthening responsible business conduct and embedding human rights across fast-changing Asian economies. Building on a decade of experience and established multi-stakeholder platforms, the portfolio supports governments, businesses, civil society, youth, and the media to navigate growing global due-diligence expectations, environmental and digital risks, and evolving trade and investment dynamics. Its work spans policy and regulatory reform, sector-specific human rights due diligence, access to remedy, responsible supply chains, and capacity building for companies, rights holders, and state institutions. The portfolio delivers this mandate through four interlinked pillars: amplifying state and corporate accountability; expanding inclusive and gender-responsive participation; strengthening rights-holder agency and civic space; and enhancing rights-aligned business systems. These efforts are grounded in practical tools, country-level implementation, and strong regional partnerships across 15 countries. By 2030, the portfolio aims to help institutionalize responsible business practices across sectors, resulting in stronger governance, safer and more ethical supply chains, empowered communities, and transparent markets that support resilient, sustainable, and equitable economic development across Asia. The internship will be an excellent opportunity to become familiar with UNDP and the wider UN system, learning more about the different thematic areas of work in the business and human rights field and of the UNDP Business and Human Rights Asia Portfolio, engage with key stakeholders, engage in awareness raising and capacity building events, and support research activities. The Business and Human Rights in Asia Portfolio intends to hire an intern to support project implementation, which can be found on the UNDP Jobs Portal. DUTIES The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities: Portfolio implementation/coordination and technical support (50%): Provide coordination and technical support to the implementation of the Business and Human Rights Asia portfolio, including support for programme activities such as multi-stakeholder meetings, workshops and regional events; Assist with desk research and background analysis on business and human rights–related issues, policies and developments in Asia, as required to support programme delivery and knowledge products; Support coordination with internal teams and external partners to facilitate timely delivery of portfolio activities. Reporting and data collection support (25%): Support data collection, consolidation and basic analysis for programme monitoring, reporting and learning purposes; Assist in organising, maintaining and updating programme documentation and knowledge management systems, including event outputs, research materials and internal records. Other (25%): Provide ad hoc programme support as required, in line with evolving portfolio needs; Engage in selected Business and Human Rights Asia portfolio activities, to be identified jointly with the supervisor, taking into account the intern’s learning objectives and areas of interest. COMPETENCIES Demonstrated interest in international development and business and human rights, with motivation to contribute to programme implementation and learning; Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and meet deadlines; Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural team environment, as well as independently with appropriate guidance; Sound judgement, professionalism and reliability in handling information and supporting programme activities; Sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, national and age diversity, in line with UN values; Openness to feedback, learning and continuous improvement, with a constructive and proactive approach to work. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS Education: Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements: currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or have graduated no longer than 1 year from a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent studies. Field of study: International law, Political Science, International Relations, Global Governance, Business Administration, Business and Human Rights, Responsible Business. Sustainability or equivalent. IT skills: Demonstrated foundational knowledge of business and human rights, responsible business conduct, sustainability, or related governance frameworks; Ability to support programme coordination and delivery, including preparation of background notes, agendas, briefings and logistical coordination for meetings or multi-stakeholder events; Basic research and analytical skills, with the ability to gather, organise and synthesise information from diverse sources; Experience or demonstrated ability to support data collection, documentation and reporting, including organising inputs for programme or donor reporting; Proficient user of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with virtual meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom, Teams) is an advantage. Language skills: English is required; Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS UNDP will not pay interns for the internship but will provide a monthly stipend in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy (as reference, the stipend for 2025 is set at THB 8,302.50 per month; the stipend amount for 2026 is subject to change); all other expenses connected with it will be borne by the intern or the sponsoring Government or institution; UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship; Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed; Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship; Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan; Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity; Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes; Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc. Disclaimer 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 The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates

Responsibilities

The intern will assist in the implementation and coordination of the Business and Human Rights Asia portfolio, including support for programme activities and research. They will also help with data collection and reporting, as well as engage in various portfolio activities.