Apply for UNDP Paid Research Intern (Part-time) — 6-month internship with home-based/Istanbul placement. Contribute to SDG financing, impact investing and communications. Fluency in English & French required. Apply with CV, cover letter and writing sample.
Overview
UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) at the Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is recruiting a Research Intern (Part-time / Home-based / Istanbul) for a 6-month assignment. The role supports research, knowledge products, communications and digital content on impact investing, SDG financing and private-sector engagement. The internship is stipend-supported for candidates who are not sponsored and aims to strengthen candidate skills in policy research, program design and digital communications while contributing to UNDP’s global SDG financing agenda.
Detailed sections
About the Unit & Context
The Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) is UNDP’s finance and innovation platform to mobilize financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ICPSD in Istanbul is one of UNDP’s global thematic centres, focusing on private sector engagement, impact investing, digital transformation, and resilience. The Research Intern will work within SFH/ICPSD to support policy research, knowledge management, and public engagement that promote SDG-aligned finance solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct desk research and produce written analysis on impact investing and SDG financing.
- Draft and edit knowledge products: policy briefs, success stories, case studies and blog posts.
- Support design and publication of communications materials: speeches, brochures, social media assets, infographics and short videos.
- Contribute to project design and programme implementation tasks as requested.
- Collaborate on online content development and social media campaigns (Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn).
- Provide administrative and coordination support when needed.
- Assist with stakeholder mapping and knowledge dissemination activities.
Supervision & Working Arrangement
- Line supervision provided by the SFH/ICPSD programme manager.
- Home-based with possible coordination from Istanbul; flexible hours but must meet agreed deadlines and deliverables.
- Part-time or full-time options subject to UNDP internship policies (posting lists as “Full time”; stipend is prorated for part-time).
Eligibility
Academic
At time of application one of the following must apply:
- Enrolled in a Master’s programme, or
- In final academic year of a Bachelor’s programme, or
- Graduated with a university degree and able to start within one year of graduation.
Preferred fields: economics, finance, development, international relations, public administration, law, business or related disciplines.
Experience & Skills
- Proven research and academic writing capability (required writing sample).
- Knowledge or interest in SDG financing, impact investing and private sector development (asset).
- Comfortable with digital content development and social media management (desirable).
- Computer literacy in standard office applications.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and collaborate across teams.
Languages
- Fluency in English and French (spoken & written) — required.
- Knowledge of Arabic or other UN languages is an asset.
Additional
- Commitment to UN values and to UNDP’s standards (no tolerance for SEA/harassment).
- Interns must arrange and hold valid medical and life/accident insurance for the internship location.
- Visa/residence documents are the candidate’s responsibility.
Benefits
- Stipend: Interns not sponsored by other institutions will receive a monthly stipend per UNDP policies; amount is duty-station specific and prorated for part-time.
- Hands-on experience with SDG financing and impact investing initiatives.
- Mentorship from UNDP policy and private-sector experts.
- Portfolio development: policy briefs, publications and digital content credit.
- Exposure to UNDP global networks and potential rosters for future opportunities.
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Prepare a single PDF containing:
- Brief cover letter (English) stating interest and qualifications;
- Current CV (English);
- One relevant writing sample (research paper, policy brief, published article).
- Upload the single PDF via the UNDP online application system for Job ID 30466 (Research Intern – SFH / ICPSD).
- Selected candidates must provide official proof of educational status and valid medical/life insurance.
- Successful applicants will be contacted for assessment; shortlisted candidates may undergo reference checks and background screening.
Note: UNDP accepts interns for minimum 6 weeks and maximum 6 months. Ensure availability for the full duration you apply for.
Summary table | UNDP Paid Research Intern
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Intern — Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) / ICPSD |
| Job ID | 30466 |
| Duration | Up to 6 months |
| Location | Home-based / Istanbul, Türkiye |
| Type | Internship (part-time / full-time per posting) |
| Education | Bachelor (final year) or Master enrolment or recent graduate |
| Languages | English & French (required) |
| Key tasks | Research, knowledge products, communications, content development |
| Stipend | Yes (per UNDP rates; prorated if part-time) |
| Apply by | 01 April 2026 (Apply Before date on posting) |
FAQ
Q: Is this internship paid?
A: Yes — interns who are not externally sponsored receive a monthly stipend determined by UNDP policy and the duty station; part-time rates are prorated.
Q: Can I work remotely from my home country?
A: The posting indicates home-based/Istanbul. Remote arrangements may be considered per manager approval but visa and local regulations must be satisfied for any in-country placement.
Q: What documents are required if shortlisted?
A: Official education proof and valid medical/life insurance documentation; references may also be requested.
Q: Is prior UN experience required?
A: No. Candidates with strong research skills and an interest in SDG financing are encouraged to apply.
Q: Will this lead to a UNDP job?
A: Internships are primarily learning opportunities; they do not guarantee subsequent employment, though strong performance may lead to consideration for rosters or other openings.
Conclusion
This Research Intern post at UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub offers a practical pathway for emerging policy practitioners to gain subject-matter experience in impact investing and SDG financing while building communications and research portfolios. Applicants fluent in English and French with strong writing skills and an interest in private sector engagement for development are strongly encouraged to apply.
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