Research Intern

Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in more than 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network Phase II (BES-Net II) project in Namibia is implemented under the BES Solution Fund by UNDP, in collaboration with UNEP-WCMC and UNESCO. The project supports the translation of global science-policy knowledge into practical, country-level interventions and builds on the outcomes of the BES-Net Regional Trialogue for East and Southern Africa held in Windhoek in February 2025.

Namibia faces significant biodiversity challenges, including biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and the spread of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). BES-Net II supports the uptake of relevant Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessments, particularly the 2023 IAS Assessment and the 2022 Sustainable Use of Wild Species Assessment. The project contributes to Namibia’s implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and national efforts to strengthen inclusive, evidence-based biodiversity governance.

Under Output 2 of BES-Net II, the project seeks to enhance evidence-based management of invasive alien species through research, mapping, monitoring, restoration, dissemination of data and science-to-policy knowledge products. This internship will contribute directly to this output by generating geospatial evidence on previous invasive cacti control measures and comparing the effectiveness of historical mechanical and biological control interventions in Windhoek and, where feasible, other areas of Namibia.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Research Intern will support the BES-Net II project by undertaking applied research on the control of invasive cacti, with a focus on establishing a geospatial database of previous control measures, compiling and validating historical control information, and producing practical evidence to support future IAS management, restoration and policy uptake. The assignment will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Biodiversity Research Centre (BRC) of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), and the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), under the Directorate of Forestry.

Establishment of a geospatial database on invasive cacti control

• Compile existing information on previous invasive cacti control measures in the Windhoek area and, where feasible, other priority locations in Namibia.
• Develop a structured geospatial database capturing precise geographical locations, targeted cacti species, control method applied, date or period of intervention, responsible institution or stakeholder, available follow-up information and current site condition.
• Digitise and standardise historical information from student research projects, institutional reports, online databases, expert records, field notes and other credible sources.
• Prepare GIS layers, maps, shapefiles and supporting metadata in formats that can be shared with NBRI, UNDP, MEFT and other relevant partners.

Data collection, stakeholder consultation and field verification

• Identify and consult key stakeholders, technical experts, institutions and community actors involved in invasive cacti control and related IAS management.
• Design and maintain stakeholder contact records and data collection templates for interviews, site records and field verification.
• Conduct field visits, subject to approved workplans and safety requirements, to verify selected sites, collect georeferenced observations and document current vegetation and control status.
• Apply appropriate vegetation survey methods and GIS tools, particularly QGIS, to support mapping, field validation and spatial analysis.

Comparative analysis of control approaches

• Compare the effectiveness of historical mechanical control and biological control measures for invasive cacti, using available monitoring records, stakeholder evidence and field observations.
• Identify key factors that influenced control outcomes, including species targeted, level of infestation, follow-up measures, aftercare, accessibility, seasonality, institutional arrangements and stakeholder participation.
• Document lessons learned and practical considerations for future invasive cacti management, restoration planning, monitoring and early detection/rapid response.

Knowledge management, reporting and dissemination

• Prepare concise monthly progress updates for UNDP, BRC/NUST and technical supervisors, highlighting activities undertaken, data gaps, emerging findings, risks and support required.
• Contribute to BES-Net II knowledge products, including maps, summary notes, datasets, presentation materials and science-to-policy inputs related to IAS management.
• Ensure that all datasets, photos, field notes, interview notes and supporting documents are properly filed, referenced and handed over in accessible formats at the end of the assignment.
• Support dissemination of research findings through presentations to relevant technical partners and, where appropriate, inputs to publications, awareness materials, policy briefs or open data platforms.

Contribution to BES-Net II monitoring and coordination

• Contribute to BES-Net II reporting against relevant results framework indicators, particularly IAS research products, spatial datasets and evidence on mapping, monitoring and control.
• Support coordination with UNDP, BRC/NUST, NBRI, MEFT, the Directorate of Forestry and other partners to ensure that the research is aligned with national biodiversity and IAS priorities.
• Participate in relevant technical meetings, workshops or stakeholder engagements as requested by the supervisor and UNDP.
• Perform any other duties within the functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient implementation of the assignment.

Competencies

Expected Demonstration of Competencies
Core
Achieve Results    

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively    

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously    

LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility    

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination    

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner    

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion    

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

       a)  Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a

master’s programme, or higher);

b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

       c) 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;

       d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this                  program.

Education Fields:

A degree in Natural Sciences, Ecological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biodiversity Conservation, Natural Resource Management or a closely related field is required.

Experience:

•    No minimum professional experience is required

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

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