Background

The Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) is UNDP’s main knowledge and advisory hub for the 19 countries and territories serviced by UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Europe and CIS (RBEC). The Regional Innovation Team at the UNDP IRH is the leading innovation advisory resource in the region and supports Country Offices, Governments, and other partners to navigate complex development challenges by harnessing the power of innovation and experimentation. The work is centered around three strategic pillars:

• Urban Transformation: We reimagine urban development and governance challenges by working with cities to develop portfolios of diverse, innovative, and context-specific interventions and experiments with impact. Using an approach at the intersection of sectors, technologies, and city realms, we provide both tools and funding to prepare for the future.
• Innovative Finance: To bridge the $2.5 trillion funding gap for the sustainable development goal agenda by 2030, we support UNDP country offices and partners in understanding and using new types of financing solutions and mechanisms to scale high-impact interventions. Examples include crowdfunding, social or green impact bonds, and blockchain-based tokens and cash-transfer systems.
• Impact Acceleration: In collaboration with other innovation ecosystem players in the region, we work to identify, support, and accelerate high-impact solutions and innovations that address current and emerging development challenges. We do this through innovation challenges, impact acceleration/capacity development programs, and matchmaking initiatives.

To learn more about our work, visit https://innovation.eurasia.undp.org/

Duties and Responsibilities

The innovation intern will work closely with the Reginal Innovation Team on the following key areas:

• Research and Analysis: Research, compile, organize, and visualize data concerning partnerships, resource mobilization, innovative finance, trends and signals, etc.
• Communications and Knowledge Management: Assist in communications and visibility efforts, focusing on drafting articles, newsletters, social media content, presentations, and other communications materials, as well as preparing knowledge products such as tools and user guides.
• Portfolio Development & Management: Support the dynamic development and management of our urban transformation portfolios, working closely with country offices and their partners in the region.
• Capacity Building and Impact Acceleration Programs: Contribute to the design and implementation of tailored capacity-building programs and alumni network initiatives that equip innovators and ecosystem builders with the necessary skills and connections to scale their impact.

Competencies

• Originality in thought and a penchant for innovation
• Strong research skills, writing, editing, and verbal presentation
• Strong analytical, coordination, and organizational skills
• Ability to work and interact with individuals in a multicultural environment, independently and deliver with tight deadlines
• Self-motivated with the ability to multitask and engage in multiple assignments and pay attention to details
• Demonstrates integrity by upholding the United Nations’ values and ethical standards
• Appreciates differences in values and learning from cultural diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• 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:

• Knowledge and experience in international development, sustainable development, systems thinking, innovation, and/or design-led approaches to development
• Experience in research, analyzing, synthesizing, and visualizing data, and producing knowledge products – briefs, research papers, and other materials
• Experience in communications – preparing and executing communications & social media plans, writing articles/blogs and other materials
• Experience with using WordPress platforms and content management, as well as ability to use Canva or other programs for content creation is desirable.
• Relevant experience in strategic analysis, fundraising, partnership, foresight, Web3 technologies, and innovative finance is desirable.

Language skills:

• Fluency in English is a requirement for this internship
• Knowledge in Arabic, French, Russian or other languages spoken in the region is an advantage.

5. Notes:

Financial Issues

Internships within the UN system are subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement.

Starting from January 2020 interns will receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations.

Any further 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 arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs.

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;

Please group all your documents into one (1) 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 letter from the University confirming enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme;
• 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 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 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/.