SDG Finance and Private Sector Development Research Intern - 36124 (Home Based)

Background:

As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

As outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029, UNDP’s work is guided by four strategic objectives that together define our contribution to human development: expanding prosperity for all, strengthening effective governance, safeguarding a healthy planet and building crisis resilience. These objectives are enabled by three accelerators that drive transformative impact across our portfolio: digital and AI innovation, gender equality and sustainable finance. Through this integrated approach, UNDP supports countries to deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives and to advance sustainable development at scale.

UNDP, through its Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) (https://sdgfinance.undp.org/), supports partners in promoting financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an accelerator of the UNDP Strategic Plan, sustainable finance strengthens countries’ ability to mobilize, align and deploy finance at scale for national priorities. UNDP supports international and country level policy reform as a catalyst for system-wide change, stronger policy environments, better-functioning markets and more coherent financing strategies for sustainable development. SFH work is delivered through three interconnected portfolios: 1) Public Finance for the SDGs; 2) Private Finance for the SDGs; and 3) Global & Country Financing Policy Frameworks.

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is one of UNDP’s six Global Policy Centers. ICPSD supports governments, the private sector, and foundations to become transformative partners in sustainable development through applied research, policy advisory, advocacy, and the facilitation of public–private dialogue and partnerships. The Centre leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundation engagement and provides technical support to UNDP Country Offices across all regions.

ICPSD’s work is structured around four interlinked thematic pillars:

• AI, digital transformation and skills development
• SDG finance and private sector development
• Islamic SDG finance
• Crisis and resilience

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.

The purpose of this specific internship is to contribute to the UNDP's efforts in SDG financing and impact investing. Located within the UNDP Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) and the Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), the intern will primarily provide research, writing, and editing support on issues and knowledge products related to impact investing and SDG financing, and support the publication of related knowledge stories and best practices. Key responsibilities also include contributing to the design and implementation of initiatives, projects, or programmes, and supporting preparation of relevant materials (e.g., speeches, brochures, success stories, social media content) and the development and execution of online content and campaigns across various social media channels. Additionally, the intern will offer administrative support as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties that the intern will be expected to carry out are:

• Provide research, writing and editing support on issues related to impact investing, SDG financing;
• Support publishing knowledge stories/best practices on impact investing, SDG financing and;
• Contribute to designing and implementation of initiatives, projects or programmes;
• Provide administrative support on an as-needed basis;
• Prepare relevant communications materials (speeches, brochures, success stories, social media materials etc.);
• Collaborate on the development and execution of online content (images, infographics, videos, blogs etc.) and campaigns delivered across various social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
• Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Competencies

• Excellent research and writing skills as well as strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills;
• Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision and collaborate with a wide range of colleagues while meeting the deadlines;
• Ability 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;
• Demonstrates and promotes the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness and incorruptibility in all matters affecting his/her work and status;
• Demonstrates a high level of responsibility and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.