The Front Office Intern position with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Manila, Philippines offers an entry-level opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on exposure to the operational and coordination functions of a major UN country office. Situated within the Executive Office under the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, the internship plays a vital support role in ensuring smooth communication and coordination between UNDP, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), and other UN agencies. Organizational and Strategic Context UNDP operates in nearly 170 countries and territories, serving as a key development actor focused on poverty reduction, inclusive growth, democratic governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principle of “Leaving No One Behind,” UNDP places strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of its work. In the Philippines, UNDP’s engagement reflects national development priorities and regional commitments, requiring constant coordination across multiple partners and UN entities. The Front Office functions as the nerve center of this coordination, acting as the first point of contact for internal teams, UN counterparts, and external stakeholders. As workloads and operational complexity increase, the need for structured administrative and coordination support has become more pronounced—hence the creation of this internship role. Purpose of the Internship The Front Office Intern is designed to strengthen the efficiency, responsiveness, and professionalism of the Executive Office. Rather than being a purely administrative placement, the internship provides exposure to inter-agency coordination, information management, and executive-level workflows within the UN system. This role is particularly suited for individuals interested in understanding how high-level development institutions operate behind the scenes—how requests are managed, decisions are supported by timely information, and multiple teams are aligned around shared priorities. Key Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities A core responsibility of the intern is supporting UNDP’s inputs to the UN system, particularly in response to requests from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and other UN agencies. The intern will help track incoming requests, clarify requirements, and prepare summaries that enable timely and high-quality responses. This function offers valuable insight into how coordination works across the UN family and how information flows between agencies. The intern will also serve as a liaison with UNDP programme and operations teams, following up on deliverables, clarifying expectations, and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. This requires strong interpersonal skills and provides a unique opportunity to interact with diverse thematic teams working on inclusive growth, governance, climate action, and resilience. Another critical function is deadline monitoring and reporting. The intern will maintain tracking systems for requests and commitments, proactively monitor timelines, and flag potential delays. Through this responsibility, the intern develops practical skills in time management, accountability, and executive reporting. In addition, the role involves documentation and communication support, including drafting notes, background briefs, and analytical summaries. Attention to detail and accuracy is essential, as these materials often inform senior management decisions or inter-agency coordination processes. Finally, the intern will provide general front office and operational support, assisting with meeting coordination, logistics, data management, and other emerging needs. This breadth of tasks ensures a well-rounded learning experience and builds a strong foundation in professional office management. Required Profile The internship is open to candidates who are currently in their final year of a bachelor’s degree, enrolled in a master’s programme, or have graduated from a master’s degree within the past year. Fields such as business administration, office management, or related disciplines are particularly relevant. Fluency in English and Filipino is required, reflecting the bilingual nature of the working environment. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is essential. Beyond technical skills, UNDP is seeking candidates who demonstrate initiative, discretion, strong organizational ability, and a willingness to learn. The ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and to collaborate respectfully across diverse teams is critical. Internship Conditions and Professional Value This is a paid, full-time, locally hired internship with a six-month duration. The intern is expected to work on-site during regular office hours, with the possibility of one remote workday per week, subject to office policy. While interns are not considered UNDP staff members, they gain invaluable exposure to UN systems, standards, and professional culture. Overall, the Front Office Intern role offers a meaningful entry point into international development work. It equips early-career professionals with practical skills in coordination, communication, and executive support, while allowing them to contribute directly to UNDP’s mission of inclusive and sustainable development in the Philippines. 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