Research Intern

Background

Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD) is one of UNDP’s six Global Policy Centres. IICPSD supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy for inclusive business, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. IICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices all over the world.

IICPSD offers internship opportunities for outstanding graduate-level students. The research internship programme provides direct exposure to IICPSD's work as a center of excellence for private sector in development and inclusive markets. It is designed to provide support to IICPSD’s applied research and policy advisory services and to complement the interns’ practical experience in various issues related to private sector engagement, human capital development, impact investing in the achievement of SDGs as well as other topics of international development.

More information about UNDP’s private sector related work can be found online at www.iicpsd.org.  The Programme operates under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship Policy.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties that the intern will be expected to carry out are:

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on private sectors role in achieving the sustainable development goals;
• Provide research, writing and editing support on issues related to the role of private sector in skills development;
• Assist the organization of conferences, workshops or other events;
• Contribute to designing and implementation of initiatives, projects or programmes;
• Prepare relevant communications materials (speeches, brochures, success stories, social media materials etc.);
• Collaborate on the development and execution of online content (images, infographics, videos, blogs etc.) and campaigns delivered across various social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. 
• Provide administrative support on an as-needed basis;
• Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Competencies

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;

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Required Skills and Experience:

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 economics, finance, business administration, international relations, public administration or similar and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation.

Language:

• Fluent in English with excellent reading and writing skills. 

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Financial Issues

Internships within the UN system are unpaid and subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with prior to signing his/her internship agreement. The 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 own arrangements for travel, accommodation etc.

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;
• One relevant writing sample.

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

It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents and need to plan for these well in advance.

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.