Public Health Intern (Vietnamese National)

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 inspiring stories.   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.         
 

Since 1978, UNDP Viet Nam has partnered with the Government of Viet Nam to drive inclusive development, support effective governance, and expand opportunities for all. Its work focuses on building a more just, resilient, and sustainable future.

The Governance and Participation Team (GPT) of UNDP Viet Nam works to promote inclusive, accountable, and transparent governance systems that support sustainable development and empower citizens. GPT includes a growing portfolio of work on Health Governance. 

The Health Governance Portfolio focuses on Inclusive Health Governance, Health System Anti-corruption, Transparency and Accountability, the Governance of Health System Digital Transformation, and Access to Quality Medical Products. The work of the portfolio concentrates on supporting capacity building, development and implementation of digital solutions, and supporting strengthening of relevant laws and policies. The portfolio includes a Joint Programme with WHO Viet Nam on Improving Access to Quality Medical Products in Viet Nam. The portfolio also hosts the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Secretariat. 

The Public Health Intern will support the Health Governance Specialist in providing technical expertise in relevant health governance topics and in management of the Health Governance Portfolio.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Public Health Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Health Governance Specialist at UNDP Viet Nam. The intern will provide support in research, administrative coordination, and the overall management of the health governance portfolio team’s day-to-day operations. Key responsibilities include:

1. Research and Analysis

• Conduct research on public health topics, including medical product regulation and procurement, clinical governance, AI in health, health system digital transformation, health system anti-corruption, and other relevant topics. 
• Analyse data, and draft reports, policy briefs and technical summaries to support the health governance team’s initiatives and decision-making.
• Support the identification of international best practices relevant to project activities. 
• Assist in preparing background materials for meetings, workshops, and other events.

2. Support in Strategic Communications

• Draft and prepare talking points, briefing notes, and presentations to support internal and external engagement. 
• Assist in preparing speeches and written inputs for high-level events, meetings, and workshops.
• Support the development of communication materials related to health governance initiatives.
• Contribute to the preparation of meeting summaries, donor briefs, and advocacy materials related to the portfolio. 

3. Meeting Coordination and Documentation

• Attend and take detailed notes at internal and external meetings, ensuring accurate and timely preparation of minutes and follow-up action points.
• Help maintain document repositories and version control for project deliverables. 

4. Portfolio Operational and Team Support

• Assist in managing the day-to-day operations of the health governance portfolio team, ensuring smooth coordination of activities and adherence to deadlines.
• Support monitoring, evaluation and learning activities for the health governance portfolio team.
• Support reporting, audit and risk management activities of the health governance portfolio.
• Support resource mobilisation efforts for the health governance portfolio. 
• Support the Health Governance Specialist in task prioritisation, team coordination, and tracking progress of ongoing initiatives.
• Contribute to internal team processes, including document management, scheduling, and project coordination.

5. Other Responsibilities

• Provide support with any additional tasks that contribute to the effective functioning of the health governance portfolio and the delivery of its goals.
• Actively participate in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities within the portfolio team and across UNDP Viet Nam.
• Support the Health Governance Specialist in liaising with external partners, including government counterparts, development partners, civil society organizations, and other UN agencies.

 

Competencies

• Fluent English and Vietnamese, both written and verbal.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Familiarity with UNDP’s core principles, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural team setting.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to meet deadlines.
• Excellent ability to use basic computer software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of and interest in public health is required.  

   Required Skills and Experience Intern at the time of application must meet one of the following conditions:

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3. 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;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

   *IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTE: 

Interested candidates should upload their CV and responses to the two screening questions below directly to their duly filled application. Please compile your written responses (maximum 250 words per question) into a single PDF file titled "Written Responses – [Your Name]" and attach it to the cover letter section: 

1. Why are you interested in this internship and in UNDP's Health Governance work in Viet Nam?
2. Choose one: digital health, medical product procurement, care of older persons, or anti-corruption in health. In your own words, explain why this topic matters.

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