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.

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 and
Crisis and resilience.

The purpose of this specific internship is to provide research, writing, and editing support on issues and knowledge products related to Islamic finance and impact investing. This role also involves supporting the publication of knowledge stories and best practices within these fields. The intern will contribute to designing and implementing initiatives, projects, or programs, and prepare relevant communications materials like speeches, brochures, and social media content. Additionally, they will collaborate on the development and execution of online content and campaigns across various social media platforms. To achieve these goals, the intern is expected to possess excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, demonstrate strong communication abilities, and be capable of managing their workload with minimum supervision while working both independently and collaboratively. A high standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness, and professionalism in handling sensitive information is also essential. high standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness, and professionalism in handling sensitive information is also essential.

Duties and Responsibilities

This intern will be responsible for the following duties:

Provide research, writing and editing support on issues and knowledge products related to Islamic finance and impact investing;
Support publishing knowledge stories/best practices on Islamic finance and impact investing;
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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as 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.

Experience:

Experience in academic writing, research, and analysis on sustainable development, and impact investing.
Knowledge of SDG financing and Islamic finance is an asset;
Knowledge of the OIC countries is desirable;
Computer literate in standard software applications;
Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN, and of UNDP in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNDP's Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter;
Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs;
Previous experience on economics and finance research, preferably with a perspective on Islamic finance is an asset;
Previous experience on project designing and implementation is an asset;
Social media account management and content development skills are desirable.

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.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Islamic Finance and Impact Investing Research Intern (Home Based)

Key skills

About this role