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.

CORPORATE BACKGROUND:

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND: 

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is one of UNDP’s six Global Policy Centers. ICPSD supports governments, the private sector, and foundations to become transformative partners in sustainable development through applied research, policy advisory, advocacy, and the facilitation of public–private dialogue and partnerships. The Centre leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundation engagement and provides technical support to UNDP Country Offices across all regions.

ICPSD’s work is structured around four interlinked thematic pillars:

  1. AI, digital transformation and skills development;
  2. SDG finance and private sector development;
  3. Islamic SDG finance; and
  4. Crisis and resilience.

Through these pillars, ICPSD generates evidence, convenes partners, and supports innovative solutions that mobilize private capital, expertise, and innovation in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.

ICPSD offers internship opportunities for outstanding graduate-level students. The Programme operates under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship Policy.

ICPSD is seeking a dedicated and proactive Information Technology and Communications Intern to join its team in Istanbul, Türkiye. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Centre’s internal and external information technology and communications activities, contributing to the effective management of digital tools, communication platforms, and internal systems that facilitate the visibility and outreach of ICPSD’s work across its four thematic pillars. 

Under the supervision of the Administrative Associate, the intern will assist in maintaining digital communication channels, supporting the preparation of communication materials, and providing ICT support for the that showcase ICPSD’s global partnerships, knowledge products, and country-level engagement. 

The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in strategic communications within an international development organization, digital communications, social media management, editorial content, and knowledge dissemination. The internship provides practical exposure to UNDP’s standards and workflows, while offering the opportunity to work closely with a multicultural team and contribute meaningfully to UNDP’s mission of sustainable development.
 

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of Programme Analyst on Knowledge Management and Partnerships and the direct supervision of Administrative Associate, the Information Technology and Communications Intern will support ICPSD’s management activities. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Communications and Digital Media

  • Support the planning, drafting, and scheduling of content for ICPSD’s social media channels (including LinkedIn, X, and other relevant platforms), in line with UNDP branding and communications guidelines.
  • Assist in monitoring and analyzing social media performance and engagement metrics and contribute to periodic analytics summaries and insights.
  • Contribute creative ideas for digital storytelling and visual content (using tools like Canva) to promote ICPSD initiatives, events, and publications.
  • Extract and organize data from various sources to support the team’s communication outreach.
  • Conduct research and retrieve news updates from multiple media outlets to keep the unit informed.
  • Maintain and update the organization’s information database and digital archives.

Information Technologies 

  • Assist in ensuring compliance with corporate information management and technology standards within the office environment.
  • Assist in the administration of SharePoint sites by organizing files, managing permissions, and ensuring a streamlined internal knowledge management flow.
  • Support the development of basic PowerApps or digital forms to automate routine office tasks and improve data collection efficiency.
  • Assist with routine technical tasks, such as backup procedures and inventory updates.
  • Assist in ensuring compliance with corporate information management standards across all digital platforms used by the team.

Editorial and Content Development

  • Assist in drafting and editing basic communications materials, such as short articles and web content.
  • Support the preparation of products highlighting ICPSD research, partnerships, events, and country-level work.
  • Provide administrative support for the development of multimedia content, basic scripts, storyboards, as needed.

Knowledge Management and Coordination

  • Support the curation and archiving of digital assets (images, videos, etc.) using internal management systems.
  • Collect and properly archive knowledge products from different programs and projects.
  • Assist with communications support for events, workshops, including the dissemination of materials.
  • Coordinate with colleagues to gather inputs for progress reports and advocacy activities.
     
Competencies

Technical Competencies:
  • Proficiency Microsoft 365 tools is required.
  • Familiarity with SharePoint and its core functionalities is required.
  • Familiarity with PowerApps and its core functionalities is required.
  • Understanding of web development practices is an advantage.
  • Digital literacy, including Microsoft Suite, Canva, online tools and applications is an asset.
  • Excellent writing skills, as well as strong analytical attitude and strong communication skills are required.
  • Ability to support users on IT-related issues and respond timely to user needs regarding network access or software.
  • Editing and visual design skills, including social media are required; knowledge of web publication tools and photo editing tools is an asset.
  • Strong attention to detail in drafting and editing written content.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work in an organized and disciplined manner.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural, team-based environment, while also demonstrating initiative and willingness to learn.
  • Openness to feedback and capacity to adapt content based on guidance and institutional requirements.

Functional Competencies:

  • Being a pragmatic problem solver and open to creative ideas/known risks;
  • Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, and delivers quality work by the deadline;
  • 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;
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 

Other Competencies and Attitude:

  • 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

Education:

Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree programme in Development Studies, Communications, Information Technology, Information Management, Computer Science, Journalism, Digital Marketing, Media Studies, Visual Arts, International Relations, or a related field.

Eligibility:

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

  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.

Experience:

  • Demonstrated interest or prior experience in communications, digital media, social media management, content creation or ICT support (academic, volunteer, or professional).
  • Familiarity with social media platforms and digital content trends; experience drafting content for online audiences is an asset.
  • Interest in international development and a basic understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages and choose methods depending on the audience.
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with web-based platforms, content-management systems, or basic design.

Language:

  • Strong spoken and written English is required;
  • Strong spoken and written Turkish is required;
  • Knowledge of French, Arabic, Russian another UN language is an asset.

Financial Issues

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.

Application Procedure

Candidates who are selected must submit 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 insurance.

UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. 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 need to plan for these well in advance.

Main Internship Conditions

  • Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed
  • Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan
  • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship
  • Interns may be given a stipend according to UNDP Internship Policy: the stipend is to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station
  • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.

More information about the internship is 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.

Disclaimer  
 
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.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters  
 
Note: 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.  
 
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
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.   
 
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