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:

As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

As outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029, UNDP’s work is guided by four strategic objectives that together define our contribution to human development: expanding prosperity for all, strengthening effective governance, safeguarding a healthy planet and building crisis resilience. These objectives are enabled by three accelerators that drive transformative impact across our portfolio: digital and AI innovation, gender equality and sustainable finance. Through this integrated approach, UNDP supports countries to deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives and to advance sustainable development at scale.

UNDP, through its Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) (https://sdgfinance.undp.org/), supports partners in promoting financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an accelerator of the UNDP Strategic Plan, sustainable finance strengthens countries’ ability to mobilize, align and deploy finance at scale for national priorities. UNDP supports international and country level policy reform as a catalyst for system-wide change, stronger policy environments, better-functioning markets and more coherent financing strategies for sustainable development. SFH work is delivered through three interconnected portfolios: 1) Public Finance for the SDGs; 2) Private Finance for the SDGs; and 3) Global & Country Financing Policy Frameworks.

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:

AI, digital transformation and skills development
SDG finance and private sector development
Islamic SDG finance and
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 Administrative Intern to join its team in Istanbul, Türkiye. This internship offers a unique opportunity to support the Centre’s information technology infrastructure and administrative operations, contributing to the effective management of digital tools, internal systems, and knowledge management platforms that support ICPSD’s work across its four thematic pillars.

The intern will provide ICT support, assist in the administration of internal digital platforms, and contribute to knowledge management activities, including supporting website updates and social media channels to showcase ICPSD’s global partnerships, knowledge products, and country-level engagement.

The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in information technology support, digital platform administration, and knowledge management within an international development organization. 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 Administrative Intern will support ICPSD’s management activities. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Information Technologies

With the direct supervision and guidance of Administrative Associate;

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.

Knowledge Management and Coordination

With the direct supervision and guidance of Programme Analyst on Knowledge Management and Partnerships;

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.
Maintain and update the organization’s information database and digital archives
Assist in managing website content updates and maintaining ICPSD’s social media channels, ensuring timely and accurate information is published.
Support communications-related activities by preparing basic digital content and coordinating the dissemination of knowledge products through online platforms.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree programme in Information Technology, Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, Development Studies, 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:

Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
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;
Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Experience:

Demonstrated interest or prior experience in ICT support, digital platform administration, or information management (academic, volunteer, or professional).
Familiarity with digital tools, content management systems, and social media platforms; experience with website updates or basic content publishing is an asset.
Interest in international development and a basic understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Technical Competencies:

Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools, including MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), is required
Familiarity with SharePoint and its core functionalities (file organization, permissions management) is required.
Familiarity with PowerApps and its core functionalities (basic form/app development) is required.
Understanding of basic IT troubleshooting and user support (e.g., network access, software configuration, backup procedures) is an asset.
Understanding of web development practices is an advantage; experience with web-based platforms or content management systems is an asset.
Basic digital literacy, including familiarity with Canva or similar applications for preparing simple visual content, is an asset.
Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical processes clearly.

Functional Competencies:

Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in managing data, documents, and digital records.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate and collaborate across diverse, multicultural stakeholders.
Ability to work independently while demonstrating initiative and accountability.
Pragmatic problem-solver with openness to innovation and willingness to explore new digital solutions.
Adaptability, openness to feedback, and willingness to learn in a dynamic team environment.

Language:

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

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.

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 interns 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

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

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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Information Technology and Administrative Intern - Turkish Speaking - Office Based - Full Time