Programme Management Support Unit Database Intern at UNDP

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Programme Management Support Unit Database Intern
Company: UNDP
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Job Type: Hybrid (In-person & Remote)
Category: Internship - Data Management & Analysis
Date Posted: 2025-07-24
Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid (In-person & Remote)

🚀 Role Summary

Assist in designing and implementing M&E frameworks for ongoing projects.
Support data collection processes, including field data entry, data validation, and cleaning.
Help track key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes as per the programme and project M&E plans.
Assist in preparing M&E reports and presentations incorporating data analysis, evaluation results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future improvements.
Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of project data to evaluate the progress and performance of the CO programmes and projects.
Use statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, STATA, or R) to process large datasets and generate insights and trends for decision-making purposes.
Conduct GIS mapping for project locations and intervention to visualize geographical programme and project coverage.
Maintain an up-to-date spatial data set that assists in producing maps for programme and project impact assessment.
Capture data and update existing data in the UNDP CO M&E Database, ensuring real-time, accurate data visualization.
Identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the data and suggest solutions for better management.
Transcribe data from hard copy records using AI tools into soft copies to streamline record-keeping and data entry processes.
Contribute to preparing M&E reports, success stories, and data-driven insights to inform project progress and decision-making.
Assist in documenting lessons learned, best practices, and challenges for future program development.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

M&E Support

Assist in designing and implementing M&E frameworks for ongoing projects.
Support data collection processes, including field data entry, data validation, and cleaning.
Help track key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes as per the programme and project M&E plans.
Assist in preparing M&E reports and presentations incorporating data analysis, evaluation results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future improvements.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of project data to evaluate the progress and performance of the CO programmes and projects.
Use statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, STATA, or R) to process large datasets and generate insights and trends for decision-making purposes.
Assist in preparing diverse M&E reports based on analyzed data for internal and external stakeholders.

GIS Analytics

Conduct GIS mapping for project locations and intervention to visualize geographical programme and project coverage.
Maintain an up-to-date spatial data set that assists in producing maps for programme and project impact assessment.

Database Management

Capture data and update existing data in the UNDP CO M&E Database, ensuring real-time, accurate data visualization.
Identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the data and suggest solutions for better management.

AI-Based Data Transcription

Transcribe data from hard copy records using AI tools into soft copies to streamline record-keeping and data entry processes.

Reporting and Communication

Contribute to preparing M&E reports, success stories, and data-driven insights to inform project progress and decision-making.
Assist in documenting lessons learned, best practices, and challenges for future program development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
- Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
Field of study: Agriculture Economics, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Social Science, International Relations, International Development, Economics, or equivalent.

Experience:

Proficiency in using statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, or R.
Familiarity with M&E tools and techniques, including designing logical frameworks and KPIs.
Experience or coursework in GIS and mapping tools (ArcGIS or QGIS).
Competence in Power BI or similar data visualization tools.
Familiarity with AI tools for data transcription is a plus.

Language skills:

Fluency in English is required.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, or R) with practical examples of data analysis and visualization.
- Showcase experience with M&E tools and techniques, including logical frameworks and KPIs.
- Highlight GIS and mapping projects to showcase spatial data analysis and visualization skills.
- Include examples of AI-based data transcription to demonstrate familiarity with relevant tools.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide documentation of data management and analysis processes, including data cleaning, validation, and transformation.
- Include examples of M&E reports and presentations to showcase communication and reporting skills.
- Demonstrate understanding of data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in data management and analysis.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The internship is unpaid, but a monthly stipend may be provided in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy.

Benefits:

The internship provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in data management, analysis, and reporting in an international development context.
The intern will have the chance to work with a diverse team and contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of UNDP programmes and projects.
The internship may lead to future employment opportunities within the United Nations system.

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible working hours and remote work options available.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: International development and humanitarian assistance.

Company Size: Medium to large (over 17,000 employees worldwide).

Founded: 1965 (as a part of the United Nations).

Team Structure:

The Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) operates independently and is not under any specific portfolio.
The PMSU team consists of data management and analysis specialists, GIS analysts, and M&E experts.
The team works closely with various UNDP programme and project teams to provide data-driven insights and support decision-making.

Development Methodology:

The PMSU Unit follows Agile project management principles to ensure efficient data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.
The team uses collaborative tools and platforms to facilitate communication, data sharing, and project tracking.
The PMSU Unit adheres to UNDP's data management and reporting standards to ensure consistency and quality in data analysis and reporting outputs.

Company Website: https://www.undp.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: UNDP's culture is characterized by its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. The organization values the contributions of its interns and provides opportunities for professional growth and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Entry-level (Intern).

Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the PMSU Unit Manager or a designated supervisor within the unit.

Technical Impact: The intern will contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of UNDP programmes and projects, ensuring data-driven decision-making and programme adjustments.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: The intern will have the opportunity to develop and enhance their data management, analysis, and reporting skills using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
Emerging Technology Adoption: The intern may be exposed to emerging data analysis and visualization tools and techniques, allowing them to stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Technical Leadership Potential: Successful interns may be considered for future employment opportunities within the United Nations system, providing a pathway for technical leadership and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: UNDP's internship programme provides a structured learning environment that encourages professional growth and development. Interns are provided with regular feedback and mentoring opportunities to support their career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (In-person & Remote) - UNDP Zimbabwe's office is located in Harare, with remote work options available.

Office Location(s): UNDP Zimbabwe, 12th Floor, East Wing, 148 Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe.

Workspace Context:

The PMSU Unit provides a collaborative workspace with access to relevant software, tools, and data resources.
The team encourages knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer learning, and mentoring opportunities.
The workspace is equipped with modern technology and communication tools to facilitate remote work and virtual collaboration.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible working hours and remote work options available.

📝 Enhancement Note: UNDP's hybrid work environment fosters collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. The organization provides the necessary resources and support for interns to succeed in their roles and achieve their professional development goals.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Application Review: Ten shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview based on their CV and motivational letter.
Interview: The interview will assess the candidate's technical skills, communication, and cultural fit with the PMSU Unit and UNDP.
Reference Checks: Successful candidates will be required to provide letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and other supporting documents.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight practical examples of data management, analysis, and reporting projects that demonstrate proficiency in statistical software, GIS, and M&E tools.
Include examples of AI-based data transcription to showcase familiarity with relevant tools.
Emphasize the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Review statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, or R) tutorials and practice data analysis and visualization exercises.
Familiarize yourself with GIS and mapping tools (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS) and practice creating maps and visualizations.
Prepare for questions related to M&E frameworks, logical frameworks, and KPIs.

ATS Keywords: Data Management, Statistical Analysis, GIS Analytics, M&E Frameworks, Data Collection, Data Validation, Data Cleaning, Data Visualization, AI Tools, Communication, Analytical Skills, Teamwork, Organisational Skills, Cultural Sensitivity, Feedback Responsiveness, Positive Attitude, Internship, Entry-level, Hybrid Work, Remote Work, United Nations, International Development, Humanitarian Assistance, Data-driven Decision Making, Programme Monitoring, Project Evaluation, Data Analysis, Data Reporting, Data Transcription, AI Tools, Statistical Software, GIS Tools, M&E Tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: UNDP's internship application process is competitive, and candidates are encouraged to tailor their CV and motivational letter to the specific requirements of the role and demonstrate their relevant skills and experiences.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Statistical Software:

SPSS
STATA
R

GIS Tools:

ArcGIS
QGIS

Data Visualization Tools:

Power BI
Tableau
Google Data Studio

Database Management:

UNDP CO M&E Database
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel

AI Tools for Data Transcription:

Microsoft Azure Form Recognizer
Google Cloud Vision API
Amazon Textract

📝 Enhancement Note: UNDP's technology stack is designed to support data management, analysis, and reporting for international development and humanitarian assistance programmes and projects. The organization uses industry-standard tools and platforms to ensure data quality, consistency, and accessibility.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Data Quality and Integrity: UNDP values accurate, reliable, and up-to-date data to inform decision-making and programme adjustments.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: The organization encourages teamwork, peer-to-peer learning, and mentoring opportunities to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies: UNDP embraces emerging data analysis and visualization tools and techniques to enhance its data management and reporting capabilities.
Data-Driven Decision Making: UNDP emphasizes the use of data to inform programme design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The PMSU Unit works closely with various UNDP programme and project teams to provide data-driven insights and support decision-making.
Code Review Culture: The PMSU Unit encourages peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing, and mentoring opportunities to ensure data quality and consistency.
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Learning: The PMSU Unit fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development, providing interns with opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: UNDP's team culture is characterized by its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. The organization values the contributions of its interns and provides opportunities for professional growth and development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Data Quality and Consistency: Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency across various data sources and platforms.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Develop the ability to analyze and interpret complex datasets to generate insights and trends for decision-making purposes.
Data Visualization and Communication: Create clear, concise, and visually appealing data visualizations to effectively communicate data-driven insights to stakeholders.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging data analysis and visualization tools and techniques to enhance UNDP's data management and reporting capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Enhance proficiency in statistical software, GIS, and M&E tools to support data management, analysis, and reporting activities.
Emerging Technology Adoption: Explore emerging data analysis and visualization tools and techniques to expand knowledge and skills.
Technical Leadership Potential: Develop leadership skills and gain experience in managing data management, analysis, and reporting projects to support UNDP's programmes and projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Data Analysis and Interpretation: Describe a complex dataset you've analyzed and the insights you derived from it. How did you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your analysis?
Data Visualization and Communication: Walk us through a data visualization you've created, explaining the data sources, visualization techniques, and how it effectively communicated the data-driven insights.
Emerging Technologies: How have you stayed up-to-date with emerging data analysis and visualization tools and techniques? Describe a recent tool or technique you've explored and how you plan to apply it in a professional setting.

Company & Culture Questions:

UNDP's Mission and Values: How do you align with UNDP's mission to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable development? Can you provide an example of how you've demonstrated these values in your previous experiences?
Teamwork and Collaboration: Describe a group project you've worked on where you had to collaborate with diverse team members to achieve a common goal. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the project's success?
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Can you share an example of a challenging data management or analysis problem you faced and how you overcame it? What steps did you take to ensure the accuracy and reliability of your data and analysis?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Data Management and Analysis: Highlight practical examples of data management, analysis, and reporting projects that demonstrate proficiency in statistical software, GIS, and M&E tools.
AI-Based Data Transcription: Include examples of AI-based data transcription to showcase familiarity with relevant tools.
Communication and Storytelling: Emphasize the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, and how you've effectively communicated data-driven insights to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: UNDP's internship interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, communication, and cultural fit with the PMSU Unit and UNDP. Candidates are encouraged to tailor their responses to the specific requirements of the role and demonstrate their relevant skills and experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Programme Management Support Unit Database Intern position:

Prepare Your CV and Motivational Letter: Tailor your CV and motivational letter to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and alignment with UNDP's mission and values.
Submit Your Application: Submit your application through the UNDP careers portal, including your CV, motivational letter, and any other required documents.
Prepare for the Interview: Review the job description, research UNDP's mission, values, and programmes, and practice common interview questions and answers.
Gather Supporting Documents: If selected for an interview, be prepared to provide letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and other supporting documents as requested.
Follow Up: After the interview, follow up with the hiring manager to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications and fit for the position.

📝 Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Programme Management Support Unit Database Intern