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 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 Bureau for Management Services (BMS) is the central operations Bureau in UNDP that supports the Organization in the provision of management services. Drawing on client needs, user experience, sound analytics, and a risk-informed approach, BMS provides policy, oversight, advisory and transactional services, and solutions for UNDP to deliver fully integrated development solutions. In doing so, BMS keeps pace with the evolving needs and expectations of development partners and international best practice through strengthening and innovating business operations. In line with UNDP’s Strategic Plan. BMS aims to provide effective, improved and customer-focused procurement services to clients both internal and external to UNDP. UNDP’s corporate procurement functions lie within the Office of Procurement (OP). 

OP is responsible for the development of procurement policy, corporate procurement services, procurement advisory services, as well as strategic procurement services to Country Offices and Central Bureaus, as well as providing procurement accreditation and capacity building to internal and external clients. OP supports UNDP’s programme delivery in line with UNDP's Strategic Plan and follows best practices in public sustainable procurement and the rules and regulations of UNDP, the accountability framework, while ensuring appropriate risk management for UNDP. 

OP is headquartered in Bonn (Germany) with teams based in Copenhagen (Denmark), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), as well as in each UNDP Regional Bureau Hubs (Panama, Addis Ababa, Amman, Istanbul and Bangkok). 

The Central Procurement Team (CPT) is based in Bonn and provides corporate procurement support services to UNDP business units as well as high-value LTAs and complex procurement support benefiting country offices by giving them access to standardized, high-quality corporate procurement solutions.

This internship is for Bonn, Germany duty station. 

There are two internship positions.

Expected start date:  1 July 2026

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Procurement Specialist of CPT, the intern will be entrusted the following different tasks, among others:

Daily procurement support to Team Members:

Attending CPT related meetings and taking notes thereof.

Coordinating the logistics of candidates’ interviews and setups for the procurement of individual contractors.

Supporting CPT buyers in preparing draft evaluation reports including technical and financial evaluation matrixes for procurement processes. 

Drafting contracts for new vendors and amendments of existing contracts.

Assisting CPT buyers in organization of procurement processes: Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Invitations to Bid (ITBs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Individual Contractors (ICs), Micro purchasing and Direct Contracting.

Conducting other procurement related tasks upon request.

Support to the CPT Team operational sustainability:

Maintaining of the contract database.

Reviewing, analyzing and updating clients’ feedback surveys and CPT website.

Supporting in the preparation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documents for CPT contract management.

Notifying CPT clients about upcoming contract expirations and following up on expired/archived contracts.

Assisting in market research tasks for the preparation of documents prior to the launching of tenders and during the assessment of value for money.

Supporting the Procurement Focal Points in preparing presentations for procurement Knowledge Sharing sessions.

Supporting of future recruitment of CPT interns.

Competencies

Innovation
Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Delivery
Ability to prioritize work and follow a chain of command structure.

Technical/Functional

Ability to efficiently use the MS Office package (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Analytical
Excellent research skills, combined with a proven analytical aptitude and ability to tap into a vast array of traditional and new knowledge sources.

Communication
Excellent writing skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills in a team setting.

Organizational
Strong organizational, time management, communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work flexibly.

Teamwork
Demonstrates intercultural sensitivity in a multicultural environment.

Additional skills
Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards.

Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP.

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience Education:

Students in development, business, international relations, law or related fields who are currently: i) enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher). or ii) enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent). or (iii) have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Experience:

Working experience in procurement/finance/business administration is an asset, but not required. 

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, is an asset.

Language Requirements:

All applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English and German.

Additional UN languages are a distinct advantage.

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 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.