In Person: Two Skills Coordination Interns to Support the Knowledge Project in Dubai, UAE at United Nations Development Programme

United Nations Development Programme; Dubai; On-site; AED 22,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

United Nations Development Programme in Dubai invites applications for a full-time on-site internship with the Knowledge Project. The role supports email and message responses in Arabic and English, maintains learning platform activities, and assists with partner engagement and data management for the Future Skills Academy.

The position requires enrollment in a postgraduate program or recent graduation, with strong Microsoft Office skills and familiarity with online learning platforms.

Qualifications

• Eligibility for UNDP internship: enrolled in a postgraduate degree or final year, or recently graduated and available to start within one year of graduation.
• Experience with coordinating learning activities for learners and familiarity with MOOC-like platforms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emails and inquiries via official Knowledge Project channels in Arabic and English.
• Manage messages via WhatsApp and other channels in bilingual mode as needed.
• Support learning platform administration: learner enrollment, access, progress tracking.
• Assist with partner engagement: coordination, follow-up, documentation in bilingual context.
• Collect, organize, and maintain data on learners, partners, and program progress.
• Prepare data and content for communication materials, reports, and presentations.
• Support Future Skills Academy activities and related tasks.
• Assist team with other substantive tasks as requested by the Project.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Arabic & English fluency

Communication skills

Education

Postgraduate degree eligibility / final year

Tools

Learning platforms

Job description

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth. Background UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support in responding to emails and inquiries received through the official Knowledge Project email address (in both Arabic and English) in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist in managing and responding to messages and requests received via WhatsApp and other designated communication channels (in both Arabic and English).
• Support the management of the learning process through the project’s learning platform, including tasks related to learner enrollment, access, and progress tracking.
• Assist with partner engagement activities, including coordination, follow-up, and documentation of partner interactions (in both Arabic and English as needed).
• Help in collecting, organizing, and maintaining data related to learners, partners, and programme progress.
• Assist in preparing and providing data and content for communication materials, reports, and presentations (in both Arabic and English).
• Provide general assistance with the implementation of Future Skills Academy activities and carry out other related tasks as needed.
• Support the team with any other substantive tasks requested by the Project.

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:

• To be eligible for the UNDP internship programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria at the time of application: Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree (such as a Master’s or higher); Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; Have recently graduated from a university (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or higher) and start the internship within one year of graduation; Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme where the internship is a requirement.

Experience:

• Relevant previous experience is a plus; Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools; Experience in supporting educational initiatives, including coordinating learning activities for university students and recent graduates; Familiarity with online learning platforms and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) such as Coursera or similar digital education tools; Ability to assist learners in navigating educational content and tracking progress within digital learning environments.

Languages:

• Fluency in Arabic and English (both oral and written) is required.

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.

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection.