Islamic Finance and Impact Investing Research Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the lead United Nations agency on international development, established to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality across the globe. Operating in 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships, and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's mission is guided by four strategic objectives that define its contribution to human development: expanding prosperity for all, strengthening effective governance, safeguarding a healthy planet, and building crisis resilience. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission and that underserved populations are represented. UNDP's Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) promotes financing for the SDGs and supports countries in mobilizing and deploying finance for national priorities. The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is one of UNDP's six Global Policy Centers, focusing on private sector engagement in sustainable development through research, policy advisory, and public-private partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Islamic Finance and Impact Investing Research Intern will play a crucial role in supporting UNDP's initiatives related to Islamic finance and impact investing. This internship aims to provide research, writing, and editing support on various issues and knowledge products within these fields. The intern will assist in publishing knowledge stories and best practices, contributing to the design and implementation of initiatives, projects, or programs, and preparing relevant communication materials such as speeches, brochures, and social media content. The role requires excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as strong communication abilities. The intern will be expected to manage their workload with minimal supervision while working both independently and collaboratively. A high standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness, and professionalism is essential, especially when handling sensitive information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing research, writing, and editing support on issues and knowledge products related to Islamic finance and impact investing.
• Supporting the publication of knowledge stories and best practices in these fields.
• Contributing to the design and implementation of initiatives, projects, or programs.
• Providing administrative support as needed.
• Preparing relevant communication materials, including speeches, brochures, success stories, and social media content.
• Collaborating on the development and execution of online content, such as images, infographics, videos, and blogs, and campaigns across various social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
• Performing other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible for the UNDP internship program:

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a master’s program or higher).
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (such as a 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. Additionally, candidates should have experience in academic writing, research, and analysis related to sustainable development and impact investing, with knowledge of SDG financing and Islamic finance being an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes enrollment in a postgraduate degree program or being in the final year of a bachelor's degree program. Recent graduates who meet these criteria are also eligible to apply, provided they can start the internship within one year of graduation. The internship is designed for individuals who are pursuing or have completed higher education in fields relevant to the work of UNDP, particularly in areas related to finance, economics, or sustainable development.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in academic writing, research, and analysis, particularly in the context of sustainable development and impact investing. Familiarity with SDG financing and Islamic finance is considered an asset, as is knowledge of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. Previous experience in economics and finance research, especially with a focus on Islamic finance, is advantageous. Experience in project design and implementation, as well as skills in social media account management and content development, are also desirable.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of UNDP's work. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions where UNDP operates, may be considered beneficial but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This internship is likely to be part-time or full-time, though specific details regarding contract duration and seniority level are not provided in the job ad. The position is open to candidates from various backgrounds, and UNDP encourages applications from individuals belonging to marginalized or excluded populations. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, ensuring that all selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion, and applicants are advised to be aware of the organization's values and principles.