UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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.

Background

The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region covers a vast geographic area that is diverse in terms of ethnic, religious and cultural makeup. It consists of 18 countries and territories in Central Asia, South Caucasus, Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Turkey, many of which (re)emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. Although the region has achieved middle-income status and relatively high levels of human development, persistent challenges to sustainable peace, effective and inclusive governance, and human rights remain. Challenges to sustainable peace include active and protracted conflicts, violent extremism, lack of social cohesion based on identity divides, persistent polarization, repressive and discriminatory practices of duty bearers, elite capture and political exclusion, weak rule of law and national human rights protection systems, among others. The ECA region features prominently in the mosaic of global human mobility, acting as a source, destination, and transit pathway for regular and irregular migration and forcefully displaced populations. The drivers of migration and displacement are multiple and complex, ranging from economic and social to conflict-related and political. The scope of human mobility has also increased significantly over the recent years. Out of over 250 million of people, at least 10 percent are emigrants. People leave their homes for many reasons, ranging from economic and social to conflict-related and political. While many go to Europe, 80 percent of migrants in the ECA actually choose to move within the region itself, with Turkey, Kazakhstan and Russia being main destinations. The region is also experiencing the highest share of remittances as proportion of GDP, reaching a historic high in 2021 of US$74 billion.

As part of its mandate, UNDP works for a world where migration is a choice, a migrant’s journey is safe and legal, and human mobility is an opportunity for sustainable development. Our key priorities include: (i) mainstreaming human mobility into national and local development policies, (ii) protecting human rights and mitigating the adverse drivers of irregular migration and forced displacement, (iii) harnessing the contribution of diasporas and remittances in countries of origin, (iv) fostering socio-economic (re)integration and (v) promoting social cohesion and prevention approach. Framed by UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025, UNDP’s work on human mobility has been expanding in response to country/regional demands and situations. UNDP has a long-standing tradition of supporting human mobility interventions in the Europe and Central Asia region. Up to date, this includes over 25 ongoing or planned projects, with an estimated budget of over USD 180 million and spanning across 10 countries and significant synergies with projects in related areas.

The Governance and Peacebuilding (GPB) Team of UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, covering ECIS region, provides advisory services to the countries in the areas of governance, anti-corruption, public sector transformation, digitalization, human rights, security, rule of law, human mobility, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding. As part of its human mobility support, it works to build resilient host and home communities, empower migrants and displaced people, build social cohesion, strengthen the capacities of national and local authorities, raise their awareness, mainstream human mobility at policy and institutional levels, offer evidence-based analysis and facilitate sharing of experience on implementation of human mobility related programming. The intern is expected to support Governance and Peacebuilding (GPB) cluster, and specifically the Governance and Peacebuilding Team Leader, in coordination with the  Regional Human Mobility Specialist, in the planning and implementation of existing policy and programmatic work and support functions in the region.

Under the direct supervision of the Governance and Peacebuilding Team Leader, and working closely in coordination with the Regional Human Mobility Specialist, the Intern will:

• Contribute to the development of research and knowledge products in the field of human mobility;
• Support the organization of meetings and workshops relevant for the GPB cluster and specifically for the human mobility agenda;
• Support day to day activities related to regional human mobility activities, particularly on migration and development, internally displaced population, remittances, Diaspora engagement, return and reintegration, socio-economic inclusion, digitalization, rule of law, local governance and mainstreaming migration;
• Draft concept notes, background notes and analytical pieces as needed to serve as background for the development of new programmatic initiatives under human mobility portfolio;
• Prepare talking points, issue briefs and communication pieces to convey the results of the human mobility portfolio.

• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities;
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills;
• Demonstrated cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to work in a team;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to plan and produce quality results to meet established goals in a timely manner;

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

• 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 in gender studies, international affairs, conflict resolution, political sciences, international law, social sciences or relevant development (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
• Demonstrated strong interest and academic background in human mobility (migration and development, internally displaced population, remittances, Diaspora engagement, return and reintegration, socio-economic inclusion, digitalization, rule of law, local governance and mainstreaming migration at institutional and policy level).
• Experience in writing analytical products, drafting and editorial work is an asset.
• Prior research or programmatic experience in the ECA region is an asset.
• Written and spoken proficiency in English is a requirement; knowledge of Russian is an asset.
• A desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds
• Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.

Financial Issues

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 may receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations. Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.

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.

Application procedure

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating interest in and qualifications for the post;
• Current and complete CV in English;

Please group all your documents into one (1) single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

Candidates who are selected for must submit prior to the interview the following documents:

• Official document(s) confirming your education status stated in Section 4;
• Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the location in which the internship will be carried out. Selected intern must have medical and life insurance.

Conditions:

• UNDP only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship.
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity.
• It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents, and need to plan for these well in advance.

Subsequent Employment

The purpose of the Internship Programme is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of an internship. It is important to note that interns are responsible to arrange for their own visa and residence documents and need to plan for these well in advance.

More information available at: http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/about_us/jobs/internships/