Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Finance and Partnership Intern

at UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries

🏢 About UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries

The UN Technology Bank is unique as the only UN entity dedicated to enhancing science, technology, and innovation specifically in the world's 47 least developed countries (LDCs). Working here means directly contributing to bridging the global digital divide and supporting sustainable development in nations that need it most, within the multilateral UN system.

About This Role

This internship focuses on development finance and partnerships, involving donor research, mapping, and supporting resource mobilization efforts to fund technology and innovation projects in LDCs. It's impactful because securing resources directly enables the Bank's mission to transfer and adapt technology for sustainable development in vulnerable countries.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching potential donor priorities for LDC technology projects, updating a database of funding opportunities, and drafting sections of a concept note for a new innovation initiative. You may also attend virtual meetings to prepare briefs on partnership engagements or review analysis of different financing modalities for Bank programs.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries Is Looking For

  • A student or recent graduate in international development, economics, finance, or a related field with a keen interest in multilateral development finance.
  • Someone with strong research and analytical skills, able to synthesize information on donor priorities and funding modalities for LDCs.
  • Possesses excellent writing and editing abilities for drafting concept notes, proposals, and outreach materials tailored to institutional donors and partners.
  • Demonstrates a genuine passion for the UN's sustainable development goals and the specific challenges facing least developed countries.

📝 Tips for Applying to UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries

1

Explicitly mention 'least developed countries' (LDCs) in your application materials to show you understand the Bank's specific mandate and target beneficiaries.

2

Highlight any academic projects, volunteer work, or coursework related to development finance, resource mobilization, or partnership building, even without formal work experience.

3

Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description like 'donor mapping,' 'funding pipeline,' 'concept notes,' and 'partnership engagement.'

4

If you have language skills, especially French or Portuguese (spoken in many LDCs), or Arabic, mention them, as they are valuable for UN work.

5

Research and reference one of the Bank's current programs or focus areas (e.g., technology access, innovation policy) in your cover letter to demonstrate specific interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your motivation for working specifically with the UN Technology Bank and its mission in LDCs, not just the UN in general.', 'Examples of your research, writing, or analytical skills relevant to donor research and proposal drafting.', 'Your understanding of development finance concepts or the challenges of resource mobilization for technology projects in developing contexts.', 'How your academic background or interests align with science, technology, and innovation for development.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The UN Technology Bank's current Strategic Plan and its key focus areas (e.g., technology access, innovation ecosystems).
  • → The list of 47 least developed countries (LDCs) and their common development challenges related to technology and innovation.
  • → The Bank's major donors and partners (e.g., UN agencies, member states, foundations) from its annual reports or website.
  • → Key UN frameworks relevant to the Bank's work, such as the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs or the Technology Facilitation Mechanism.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Why are you interested in development finance and partnerships within the context of least developed countries?
2 Describe a time you conducted research and synthesized complex information. How would you apply that to donor mapping?
3 What do you know about the UN Technology Bank's current initiatives or key partners?
4 How would you approach drafting a concept note for a potential donor interested in funding technology access in an LDC?
5 What do you think are the biggest challenges in mobilizing resources for technology and innovation projects in LDCs?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention LDCs, technology for development, or the Bank's specific mandate.
  • Focusing only on general UN internship desires without showing knowledge of development finance or partnership roles.
  • Overlooking the importance of writing skills; not providing writing samples or discussing relevant experience if asked.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to UN Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries!

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