The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is looking for a Project Operations Intern at its Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD). The internship is full time, office based, runs for 6 weeks to 6 months and includes a stipend. Applications close on 09 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we read the full vacancy and set out every detail below.
Vacancy Details
🆔 Job Identification: 37401
⏰ Apply Before: 09 November 2026, 09:00 AM
🕘 Job Schedule: Full time
🏢 Work Arrangement: Office based
📍 Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
🇺🇳 Agency: UNDP
🏷️ Grade: IN
⏱️ Internship Length: 6 weeks to 6 months
🔤 Required Languages: English and Turkish
💵 Stipend: Yes, according to the UNDP Internship Policy
About UNDP
The 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).
The Host Office: UNDP ICPSD
The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is one of UNDP's six Global Policy Centers. It supports the private sector and foundations in becoming transformative partners in development through:
🔬 Research
📣 Advocacy
🗣️ Facilitation of public-private dialogue
🤝 Brokering partnerships
ICPSD leads UNDP's global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP's offices all around the world.
How the ICPSD Internship Programme Works
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 its team. It is an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse and dynamic team in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The Role: Supporting Administration and the Archive
The intern plays a crucial role in supporting the Administrative Associate in administrative tasks and organizing the archive. Under the supervision of the Administrative Associate, the intern provides operational support in three areas:
🗃️ Administrative functions
🛍️ Procurement
👥 Human resources
What You Will Learn
The successful candidate gains hands-on experience with UNDP's operational procedures and systems and has the opportunity to contribute to UNDP's mission of promoting sustainable development. The internship also deepens understanding of procurement, human resources, finance and administrative functions in an international development context, and offers valuable experience in a multicultural team within the UN system.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the intern is to support the implementation of various administrative functions at UNDP ICPSD. The main duties 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, and support the 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 the 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 act as an interpreter when necessary
🛂 Assist in the facilitation of timely document submission for visa and residence permit issuance by the Turkish MFA
✈️ Support the mail correspondence with travel agencies on ticket reservations, issuance, amendment and cancellation as may be required
🎪 Assist in the organization of national and international conferences, workshops, retreats and missions, as well as high-level and working-level meetings, including venue reservation, arrangement of catering, ICT and interpretation services
🛒 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
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Field of Study and Eligibility
Field of study required:
🏛️ Public Administration
💼 Business
🌐 International Relations
🧳 Tourism Management
📚 Library, Archive and Information
🔎 Similar fields
Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements:
1️⃣ Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master's programme, or higher)
2️⃣ Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as a bachelor's degree or equivalent)
3️⃣ Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in the first two requirements) and, if selected, start the internship within one year of graduation
4️⃣ Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program
Experience That Helps
⭐ 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 Skills
💻 Proficiency in 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
Working Style and Functional Skills
⚙️ 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 Requirements
🇬🇧 Strong spoken and written English is required
🗨️ Strong spoken and written Turkish is required
🈺 Knowledge of French, Arabic and Russian is an asset
Values 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
Is This UNDP Internship Paid?
Yes, with a condition. Interns are 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 is determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend is paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly. The vacancy does not state the amount. The stipend helps cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station. For a wider look at how funded placements work, read our guide to paid internships abroad for students.
Documents Selected Candidates Must Submit
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. The selected intern must have medical insurance
Internship Length, Visa and Responsibility
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. Interns are responsible for arranging their own visa and need to plan for it well in advance.
Main Internship Conditions
🛫 Interns are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship is performed
🏥 Interns must provide proof of enrolment in a 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 the UNDP Internship Policy, to help cover basic daily expenses such as meals and transportation at the duty station
🚫 Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at UNDP
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP. The organisation values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where it operates, fosters inclusion so that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission, and ensures equity and fairness in all its actions. Taking a "leave no one behind" approach means increasing representation of underserved populations, and people who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
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 are treated with the strictest confidence.
Note for US Permanent Residents
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 before commencement of employment. UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship, so applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers.
How UNDP Handles Applications After the Selection
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. It 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.
Zero Tolerance and Non-Discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment and abuse of authority. All selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks and are 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the UNDP ICPSD Project Operations Intern vacancy?
Applications close on 09 November 2026 at 09:00 AM. The vacancy is listed as job identification 37401.
Where is the internship based and is it full time?
The internship is based at the UNDP Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) in Istanbul, Türkiye. It is a full-time, office-based position at grade IN.
How long does the internship last?
UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. Part-time arrangements are possible, and the stipend is prorated accordingly.
Is the internship paid?
Interns are 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 vacancy does not state the amount.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in a master's or higher programme, be in the final academic year of a first university degree, have recently graduated and start within one year of graduation, or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program. The required fields are Public Administration, Business, International Relations, Tourism Management, Library, Archive and Information, or similar fields.
Which languages are required?
Strong spoken and written English and strong spoken and written Turkish are required. Knowledge of French, Arabic and Russian is an asset.
Is previous experience required?
No fixed experience is stated. Previous experience in administration or operations and experience within a national or international non-profit organization are an asset, and social media account management and content development skills are desirable.
Which technical skills are required?
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools and familiarity with SharePoint and its core functionalities are required. Strong editing and visual design skills, including for social media, are also required, while web development knowledge, Canva, web publication tools and photo editing tools are an asset or advantage.
Who supervises the intern?
The intern works under the supervision of the Administrative Associate. The role supports the Administrative Associate in administrative tasks and in organizing the archive.
What must selected candidates submit?
Selected candidates must submit official document(s) confirming their education status and proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location of the internship. The selected intern must have medical insurance.
Who arranges the visa and travel?
Interns are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and for arranging travel to and from the duty station. They should plan well in advance.
Is an intern a UNDP staff member?
No. Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity. UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness or death incurred during the internship.
Find more placements like this one in the Internship category on Youth Works Hub.
Deadline
⏳ 09 November 2026 (09:00 AM)
Links
📝 Online application: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/37401
ℹ️ More information on UNDP internships: http://www.undp.org/internships/
💼 Working at UNDP, values and inspiring stories: https://www.undp.org/careers
🗽 Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders): https://jobs.undp.org/cj_us_permanent_card_holders.cfm
