Research Intern

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.

The purpose of the UNDP Internship Programme is to provide students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds exposure to development issues and a first-hand experience with the day-to-day working environment of UNDP.

Interns are subject to the relevant rules and policies of the UN and UN Development Programme (UNDP).

The intern is not permitted to provide any work-related information to any person and/or entity formally and/or informally without the consent of the UNDP. 

In February 2023, Turkey experienced a series of devastating earthquakes that surpassed the typical seismic activity in the region. The scale and magnitude of the disaster were unprecedented, resulting in widespread destruction. The current toll stands at 50,000 fatalities, with 3.3 million people displaced, and 2.3 million individuals seeking shelter in tent camps and container settlements.

Among the profound impacts, over 200,000 people find themselves grappling with paralysis, either due to amputation or injuries to the brain and spinal cord. The aftermath has left urban and rural structures in ruins, spanning across 11 provinces: Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Adana, Adıyaman, Osmaniye, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, and Elazığ. This vast area, home to over 15 million people, not only lags in economic prosperity compared to the rest of the country but also harbors half of the 3.7 million displaced Syrians seeking refuge in Turkey over the past decade.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Turkey ISG Inclusive and Sustainable Growth (ISG) Portfolio/ Earthquake Response and Recovery Programme, the intern will:

• Collect and compile post-earthquake data on the impact of February 2023 Earthquake in the Southern Eastern Region of Turkey on people with disabilities.
• Conduct research via leveraging various sources, including official statistics, input from local institutions, media releases, individual accounts, contributions from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and data platforms.
• Write a report/recommendation on how to transfer/apply this data to UNDP projects.
• Assist to Provide research, writing and editing support on issues related to program areas of ISG Portfolio
• Support to draft short reports and prepare documentation.
• Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisors.

The intern will report to the ISG Portfolio/Earthquake Response and Recovery Programme and work under team guidance.

Competencies

• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams
• Ability to work under pressure against strict deadlines
• Ability to think out-of-the-box
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds

Required Skills and Experience

• Fluency in English and Turkish
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Excellent drafting and written and verbal communication skills in both English and Turkish
• Excellent computer literacy in standard software applications (MS Office Suite).
• Sensitivity to political, cultural and national differences and adaptability to multicultural environments.
• Applicants at the time of application are expected to meet one of the following requirements:

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

(c) 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;

(d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Eligibility: 

A person who is the child or sibling of an UNDP staff member is not eligible to apply for an internship at UNDP. An applicant who bears any other family relationship with a UNDP staff member may be engaged as an intern, provided that they must neither be assigned to the same work unit of the staff member nor be placed under the direct or indirect supervision of the staff member.

For purposes of this policy, “child” means (i) the adult child of a staff member; (ii) the adult child of the spouse of a staff member (stepchild); and (iii) the spouse of an adult child of a staff member or the child of a staff member’s spouse (son- or daughter-in-law). “Sibling” includes the adult child of both or either parent of a staff member and the adult child of the spouse of a parent of a staff member (that is, also half- and stepsibling).

Remuneration and Insurance

Internships within the UN system are subject to conditions the applicant must get familiar with before signing his/her internship agreement.

Starting from January 2020 interns will receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations which is monthly in person internship is USD 279,16 monthly remote internship is USD 139,58. 

Any further costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her arrangements for travel, accommodation and other costs.

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. 

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