Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Duration: 6 weeks to 6 months
Application Deadline: 5 August 2025, 16:22 (CEST)
Start Date: Flexible, subject to agreement
Job ID: 28003
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Job Schedule: Full-time
Overview
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN’s leading development agency, is offering an internship opportunity at its Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) for the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. This internship will support UNDP’s Youth Engagement efforts, with a specific focus on governance, peacebuilding, and green transition across 19 countries and territories in the ECA region.
The selected intern will contribute to advancing the UNDP Strategic Plan (2022–2025), the UN Youth2030 Strategy, and the broader 2030 Agconcludea for Sustainable Development by supporting youth-led initiatives that tackle climate alter, governance reform, economic inclusion, and digital transformation.
Background
Although many countries in the ECA region have achieved middle-income status, they face persistent development challenges such as youth unemployment, climate vulnerability, and political instability. While youth unemployment in the region declined to 15.16% in 2023, transitions from education to employment remain uneven. Moreover, climate alter, automation, and demographic shifts are transforming labor markets, creating both risks and opportunities for young people.
Despite the green economy’s potential to create 24 million jobs globally by 2030, youth remain underrepresented in green sectors. In response, UNDP launched the Generation Nexus network in 2022—a regional platform that empowers youth to engage in climate action, peacebuilding, skills development, and cross-sectoral collaboration. This internship will support Generation Nexus and related initiatives aimed at enhancing youth participation and resilience.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Youth Engagement Specialist within the Governance and Peacebuilding (GPB) Team, the intern will:
- Conduct research and analysis on youth empowerment, governance, and development trconcludes.
- Contribute to drafting concept notes, analytical briefs, and strategic background documents.
- Assist in the design and implementation of regional youth strategies and initiatives.
- Support the organization of meetings, workshops, and consultations involving youth networks and development partners.
- Perform donor mapping and identify opportunities for resource mobilization in support of youth and governance initiatives.
- Draft communication materials including blog posts, social media content, and newsletters to disseminate key findings and success stories.
- Support day-to-day tinquires related to regional youth engagement activities under the GPB portfolio.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions at the time of application:
- Be enrolled in a graduate programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);
- Be in the final year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level);
- Have graduated from a university-level programme and, if selected, must commence the internship within one year of graduation;
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme.
Fields of study should relate to public administration, governance, development, environmental studies, international relations, or similar disciplines.
Experience and Skills:
- Demonstrated interest in youth empowerment, local governance, climate resilience, and just transition.
- Experience with analytical writing and drafting is considered an asset.
- Familiarity with the ECA region or experience working in multicultural environments is desirable.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including respect for diversity and cross-cultural sensitivity.
- Excellent command of spoken and written English is required.
Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- High-quality writing and editorial skills
- Adaptability and openness to feedback
- Teamwork and collaborative spirit
- Sensitivity to cultural, gconcludeer, and generational diversity
Internship Conditions
- Interns may receive a stipconclude in accordance with UNDP policies. If the intern receives financial support from another institution, UNDP may supplement the amount to meet the standard stipconclude rate.
- All interns must arrange and provide proof of medical and life insurance valid for Türkiye.
- Interns are responsible for arranging their own visa and residence permits.
- UNDP does not provide employment after the internship concludes.
- Interns are not UN staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
Required Documents
To apply, candidates must submit the following in one single PDF file:
- A brief cover letter (in English) expressing interest and qualifications
- A current and complete CV
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide:
- Official proof of education status (enrollment or graduation documentation)
- Proof of valid insurance coverage for the duration and location of the internship
Application Deadline:
All applications must be submitted no later than 5 August 2025 at 16:22 CEST.
About UNDP
UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience. It is committed to gconcludeer equality, inclusive governance, and environmental sustainability. UNDP upholds a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination, harassment, and abutilize of authority.
For more information and to apply, visit UNDP careers page.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the internship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the UNDP organization directly. Please do not sconclude your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
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