Call for Research Intern – Partnerships Team

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Type of Contract: Internship

Starting Date: 15-Apr-2024

Application Deadline: 30-Apr-24 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level: Intern

Duration of Initial Contract: 3 months

Languages Required: English

Expected Duration of Assignment: 3 months

Introduction:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is at the forefront of global efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience across approximately 170 countries and territories. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP Regional Hub for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), based in Istanbul, Turkey, serves as a primary knowledge and advisory hub for countries in the region. The Partnerships Team within the Hub is dedicated to expanding UNDP’s donor portfolio, fostering partnerships with emerging donors, international financial institutions (IFIs), the private sector, and partner governments to support the achievement of the SDGs.

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The global pursuit of sustainable development is at the heart of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s mission. With operations spanning approximately 170 countries and territories worldwide, UNDP plays a pivotal role in facilitating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and foster resilience in communities worldwide. In line with its commitment to advancing these goals, UNDP operates Regional Hubs strategically positioned to provide tailored support and expertise to countries within specific regions. The UNDP Regional Hub for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey, serves as a vital nexus for knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and partnership development in the Europe and CIS region.

Calling Graduates and Final-Year Students: Apply for the UNDP Research Internship

Context:

Within the framework of the Regional Hub’s mandate, the Partnerships Team plays a central role in expanding UNDP’s donor base, forging strategic alliances with emerging donors, international financial institutions (IFIs), the private sector, and partner governments. By leveraging these partnerships, the Partnerships Team aims to mobilize resources and expertise to support sustainable development initiatives across the region. As part of its efforts to enhance organizational effectiveness and maximize impact, the Partnerships Team is seeking to recruit a Research Intern who will provide valuable support in research, knowledge management, and event organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Research Intern will be responsible for providing research, analytical, reporting, and technical support to the Partnerships Team under the direct supervision of the Knowledge Management and Partnerships Specialist. Key duties and responsibilities include:

1. Research and Knowledge Management:
   • Assisting the Partnerships Team in identifying partnership and resource mobilization opportunities for UNDP in the Europe and CIS region through research and organization of events.
   • Supporting the development of outreach materials on key thematic development areas and preparing informational briefs and notes.
   • Contributing to the team’s flagship products and services, such as regular newsletters and donor mappings, through knowledge management efforts.
2. Event Organization:
   • Supporting the organization of workshops, regional events, meetings, and learning activities to facilitate knowledge sharing and partnership-building initiatives.
3. Other:
   • Providing support for other ad hoc activities as deemed relevant and necessary by the Partnerships Team.

Competencies:

The ideal candidate for this role should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization.
• Strong analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation.
• Proactive and initiative-taking with a goal-oriented mindset.
• Effective communication skills, both within teams and independently.
• Excellent organizational abilities and the capacity to manage various tasks and responsibilities.
• Cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in diverse settings.
• Positive attitude, responsiveness to feedback, and openness to differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Education: Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate-level degree program (second university degree or higher), or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s level) in relevant fields such as business administration, international relations, development studies, or political science.
• Experience: Experience working on sustainability initiatives with the private sector is considered an asset.
• IT Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams), and knowledge of graphic design software such as Canva is desirable.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Russian is advantageous.

Application Procedure:

• Interested candidates are invited to visit the UNDP recruitment website and complete their online profile.
• A brief cover letter stating the candidate’s interest in and qualifications for the position, along with a current and complete CV in English, should be attached to the online profile.
• All documents should be grouped into a single PDF document for upload.
• Selected candidates will be required to submit official proof of enrollment in a graduate-level degree program from their university and proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the internship location.

Conditions:

• The internship duration is for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.
• Interns are responsible for their own visa and residence documents and should plan accordingly.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness, or death during the internship.
• The internship program is designed to complement the intern’s studies, and there should be no expectation of further employment with UNDP upon completion.

Conclusion:

The Research Intern position within the Partnerships Team presents a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to contribute to UNDP’s efforts in fostering sustainable development partnerships in the Europe and CIS region. By supporting research, knowledge management, and partnership-building initiatives, the intern will play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission to achieve the SDGs and reduce inequalities worldwide.

The Research Intern position within the Partnerships Team offers an exciting opportunity for motivated individuals to contribute to UNDP’s efforts in promoting sustainable development and fostering strategic partnerships in the Europe and CIS region. By supporting research, knowledge managment, and event organization activities, the intern will play a crucial role in advancing UNDP’s mission to achieve the SDGs and create positive change in communities worldwide.

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