Internship at Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD)

Job Posting Organization:
The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is a part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It serves as a center of excellence for private sector engagement in development, focusing on mobilizing the private sector to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs). The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. UNDP operates globally, with a commitment to fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing among stakeholders from public and private sectors, as well as foundations. The ICPSD aims to enhance economic resilience and recovery in fragile settings through innovative financing models and strategic interventions in agricultural market systems.

Job Overview:
The internship at ICPSD is designed for outstanding graduate-level students to gain direct exposure to the center's work in private sector development. Interns will support applied research and policy advisory services, focusing on various issues related to private sector engagement, skills generation, and impact investing. The internship provides an opportunity to complement academic learning with practical experience in international development, particularly in enhancing economic opportunities and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Interns will engage in research activities, data analysis, and report writing, contributing to the center's mission of mobilizing the private sector for development and supporting comprehensive economic recovery in fragile contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for gathering and synthesizing information from various reports and data sources related to agricultural systems and value chain development. They will prepare comprehensive written research outputs and summaries on assigned topics, focusing on agricultural economics or development. The role includes providing writing and editing support for reports, conducting quantitative analysis, and managing data, including collection, cleaning, and statistical analysis. Interns will develop and maintain databases, ensuring data integrity and accessibility, and assist in creating data visualizations to communicate research findings effectively. Additional responsibilities may include providing administrative support and undertaking other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements: be enrolled in a second university degree program (Master's Degree), be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (Bachelor's Degree), or have graduated with a university degree in fields such as agricultural economics, agricultural development, or general economics with an emphasis on private sector engagement at least one year prior to application. Candidates should possess solid knowledge in agricultural economics and development, a clear understanding of economic concepts, and the ability to apply them to developmental challenges. Experience in academic writing, research, and quantitative analysis is essential, along with familiarity with sustainable development and fragile contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being enrolled in or having completed a university degree in relevant fields such as agricultural economics, agricultural development, or general economics. Candidates should ideally have a focus on private sector engagement and possess strong analytical and research skills. A Master's degree or being in the final year of a Bachelor's degree program is preferred, along with a solid foundation in economic theories and models.

Experience:
Candidates should have a solid understanding of agricultural economics and development, with experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods. Familiarity with data collection, cleaning, and analysis is crucial, as is experience in sustainable development, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected situations. Previous involvement in project design and implementation, especially in innovative contexts, is considered an asset. Demonstrated ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds is also important.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication and documentation purposes. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the regions where UNDP operates, but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The internship is governed by the UNDP Internship Policy, with a minimum duration of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. Interns will receive a stipend based on UNDP policies, provided they are not financially supported by any other institution. The stipend amount varies by duty station and is paid monthly. Interns are responsible for arranging their own visa and residence documents and must have medical and life insurance. The internship does not guarantee further employment with UNDP, and candidates should not expect a job offer upon completion. UNDP is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals of minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities.