ICPSD offers internship opportunities for outstanding graduate-level students. The research internship programme provides direct exposure to ICPSD's work as a center of excellence for the private sector’s role in development and inclusive markets. The programme is designed to provide support to ICPSD’s applied research and policy advisory services as well as to complement the interns’ practical experience in various issues related to private sector engagement, human capital development, impact investing in the achievement of SDGs and other topics of international development.
This assignment is part of UNDP ICPSD’s Skills Development portfolio. ICPSD offers evidence-based knowledge, advisory, and partnership services supporting the expansion of job and livelihood opportunities for the disadvantaged groups through increased engagement of the private sector in skills development. The center analyzes successful cases of private sector-led or public-private partnership skills development initiatives. ICPSD provides advisory services on the private sector engagement in skills development for employment with general and sectoral toolkits.
UNDP’s Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) and Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation partnered for Online Game Development Bootcamp for fostering innovation and skill development within the gaming industry in the UAE. The bootcamp is built upon HP’s online learning initiative “HP Gaming Garage”. It is designed to provide aspiring game developers, designers, and enthusiasts with a skills development platform to enhance their skills, explore new ideas, and create impactful game projects. The objective of the internship is to provide the intern with the opportunity to support the UNDP and Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp.
The main duties that the intern will be expected to carry out are:
1. Programme Outreach and Execution Support
- Provide day-to-day execution support for the UNDP and Al Ghurair Game Development Bootcamp to ensure smooth delivery of programme activities.
- Support outreach, coordination, and follow-up with learners, mentors, trainers, and existing and prospective partners to facilitate effective communication and timely implementation.
- Assist in preparing operational and implementation materials, including session trackers, participant lists, agendas, briefing notes, and coordination documents.
- Provide logistical and administrative support, including scheduling, documentation, and internal coordination.
- Support the organization and delivery of online and in-person sessions, mentoring activities, demo days, graduation ceremonies, and related events.
- Track programme implementation progress by maintaining records and consolidating data related to attendance, engagement, and milestones.
- Support monitoring and reporting processes by compiling implementation information and drafting progress summaries.
- Support the design and implementation of learner engagement initiatives.
- Assist in preparing communication and visibility materials, including success stories, social media content, speeches, and promotional materials.
- Contribute to the development and execution of digital content for online platforms and communication channels.
- Perform other relevant support tasks as required by the supervisor.
2. Event and Activity Delivery
3. Monitoring and Reporting Support
4. Learner Engagement and Project Support
5. Communications and Visibility
6. Other Duties
Note that the internship will be 100% home-based and no travel to the duty station (Istanbul, Türkiye) is required.*
Technical/Functional Competencies:
- Excellent writing skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills;
- Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision and collaborate with a wide range of colleagues while meeting deadlines;
- Excellent interpersonal skills: being able to listen and collaborate with a wide range of players, being able to work independently, being pro-active and taking initiative;
- Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Computer proficiency: MS Office
- Strong editing and visual design skills, including for social media are required; knowledge of web publication tools and photo editing tools is an asset.
Personal Competencies:
- Commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;
- Sensitivity to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age differences;
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Education:
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
- be enrolled in a second university degree programme (Master Degree)
- be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (Bachelor Degree)
- have graduated with a university degree in fields such as Computer science, ICT, IT engineering, game development, STEM, data science, AI or a related field.
Required Experience:
- Solid experience in working with youth, students, or learning communities.
- Experience with game development engines , digital learning environments, or creative technology ecosystems is an advantage.
- Social media account management and content development skills are desirable.
- Previous experience (can be academic, volunteer, or professional) supporting programme execution, training delivery, bootcamps, or educational activities is desirable.
- Excellent digital literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Canva, Power BI online tools and applications is an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English with excellent reading and writing skills is required.
- Fluency in Arabic with excellent reading and writing skills is required.
Financial Issues
Internships within the UN system are subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement.
Starting from January 2020 interns will receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations.
Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs.
Application Procedure
The application should contain:
- Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
- Current and complete CV in English;
- Please group all your documents into one single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.
Candidates who are selected for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:
- Official document(s) confirming your education status;
- Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.
UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship. Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
Subsequent Employment:
The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. More information available at: http://www.undp.org/internships/. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Stipend
Interns will be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies, if they are not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme.
The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.