Project Operations Intern - Turkish Speaking - Office Based - Full Time

Better Than Cash; Şile; On-site; TRY 28,000 - 50,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend

UNDP Internship Policy

Job summary

UNDP ICPSD in Istanbul, Türkiye, offers an internship for graduate students to support administrative functions, procurement and human resources. The role provides hands-on experience with UNDP procedures and a multicultural team environment.

Under supervision, the intern will engage in archival tasks, document processing, and logistics for meetings and conferences, while gaining exposure to international development operations.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (master’s or higher).
• Final year of bachelor’s degree or equivalent is acceptable for eligibility.
• Must start internship within one year of graduation or be in a traineeship.
• Experience in administration or operations is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support development of operational procedure guidelines.
• Track payment requests and prepare documentation.
• Support budget preparation and financial reports.
• Assist in procurement, archiving and knowledge management.
• Arrange meetings, travel, and visa/residence issuances as needed.
• Maintain filing systems and organize records.

Skills

Excellent writing

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Postgraduate degree in Public Administration, Business, IR, Tourism Management, Library/Archive

Tools

Microsoft 365

SharePoint

Canva

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND

Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is one of the UNDP’s six Global Policy Centers. ICPSD supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. ICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices all around the world.

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 intern to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse and dynamic team in Istanbul, Türkiye. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting Administrative associate in administrative tasks and organizing archive.

Under the supervision of the Administrative Associate, the intern will provide operational support in administrative functions, procurement, and human resources areas.

The successful candidate will gain hands‑on experience with UNDP’s operational procedures and systems and will have the opportunity to contribute to UNDP’s mission of promoting sustainable development, while also deepening their understanding of procurement, human resources, finance, and administrative functions in an international development context. Additionally, the internship will offer valuable experience working in a multicultural team within the UN system.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibility of the intern will be to support the implementation of various administrative functions at UNDP ICPSD. The main duties will include the following:

• Support the development of operational procedure guidelines to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance with internal standards.
• Ensure follow-up and status tracking of payment requests, support timely preparation of documentation.
• Contribute to the corporate planning, monitoring, and reporting exercises as may be required.
• Provide support in the preparation of project budgets and related financial reports for internal use.
• Contribute to the project’s knowledge management, strategic communications and partnership development efforts as may be required. Assist with the preparation and processing of administrative documents and correspondence.
• Assist in arranging shipment of goods, publications and correspondence as may be required.
• Support asset inventory updates and filing.
• Help maintain organized digital and physical filing systems.
• Support meeting arrangements, including scheduling, room bookings, preparation of materials, and note‑taking as needed.
• Maintain files and records related to the day‑to‑day office management.
• Assist in the preparation of informal translations and acting as interpreter when necessary.
• Assist in the facilitation of timely documents submission for visa and residence permit issuance by the Turkish MFA.
• Support with the mail correspondence with travel agencies on the ticket reservations, issuance, amendment, and cancellation as may be required.
• Assist in the organization of national and international conferences, workshops, retreats, missions as well as high‑level and working level meetings, including venue reservation, arrangement of catering, ICT and interpretation services, etc.
• Support the procurement of basic goods and services by conducting market research and collecting quotations and proposals.
• Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Field of study required:

Public Administration, Business, International Relations, Tourism Management, Library, Archive and Information or similar fields.

Eligibility

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3. 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;
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Experience

• Previous experience in administration or operations is an asset. Experience within a national or international non‑profit organization is an asset.
• Social media account management and content development skills are desirable.

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency Microsoft 365 tools is required.
• Digital literacy, including Microsoft Suite, Canva, online tools and applications is an asset.
• Familiarity with SharePoint and its core functionalities is required.
• Understanding of web development practices is an advantage.
• Strong editing and visual design skills, including for social media are required; knowledge of web publication tools and photo editing tools is an asset.
• Excellent writing skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills;

Functional Competencies

• Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision and collaborate with a wide range of colleagues while meeting deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills: being able to listen and collaborate with a wide range of players, being able to work independently, being pro‑active and taking initiative;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail

Language

• Strong spoken and written English is required;
• Strong spoken and written Turkish is required;
• Knowledge of French, Arabic, Russian 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

• 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 intern 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.