Background
Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is one of the UNDP’s six Global Policy Centers. ICPSD supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. ICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices all around the world.
ICPSD offers internship opportunities for outstanding graduate-level students. The research internship programme provides direct exposure to ICPSD's work as a center of excellence for the private sector’s role in development and inclusive markets. The programme is designed to provide support to ICPSD’s applied research and policy advisory services as well as to complement the interns’ practical experience in various issues related to private sector engagement, human capital development, impact investing in the achievement of SDGs and other topics of international development.
This assignment is part of UNDP ICPSD’s recent initiative SDG AI Lab, which is aimed to harness the potential of frontier digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and GIS for sustainable development. The lab combines UN values and commitment to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals with the best industry practices of the leading technological companies. Currently, the lab through its partnerships, is exploring and developing digital solutions for sustainable development in 17 countries around the world.
The objective of this Internship is to provide the intern with the opportunity work on how to develop software products from scratch with a developer team; and get experienced on API development. In particular, the intern will contribute to web development, API development and product deployment.
More information about UNDP’s private sector related work can be found online at www.ICPSD.org and sdgailab.org. The Programme operates under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship Policy.
Duties and Responsibilities
The intern will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the technical specialist. The intern will perform the following functions:
Develop and implement software projects
Support the team in identifying partners’ needs and translating into technical requirements.
Continuously support the wed development projects and their deployment
Contribute to web application API development processes
Keep up to date on UNDP guidelines regarding web content, design, and initiatives, particularly guidelines relating to accessibility for people in developing countries and people using assistive technologies
Monitor new technological developments and share innovations with the team
Ensure that the Lab uses technology and procedures meeting industry best practices
Provide as needed support to the Technical Specialist as required for, amongst others, participating in meetings, conferences, providing administrative support, drafting meeting minutes and performing other functions and duties
Note that the internship will be 100% home-based and no travel to the office premises in Istanbul is required.
Competencies
Strong knowledge of Django Framework
Familiarity with JavaScript/Typescript, HTML, CSS HTTP/2, Web Sockets, and writing RESTful APIs and services
Strong knowledge of Github actions and git workflow
Familiarity with Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD)
Familiarity and skills in Python, SQL Server, Linux
Experience with using Docker Containers to run and deploy web applications would be an asset
Ability to effectively use cloud service(s) such as AWS or Microsoft Azure would be an asset
Interest in International Development and application of technologies for the common good;
Excellent ability to write and communicate with accuracy and professionalism;
Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision and collaborate with a wide range of colleagues while meeting deadlines;
Excellent interpersonal skills: being able to listen and collaborate with a wide range of players, being able to work independently, being pro-active and taking initiative;
Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Personal Competencies:
Commitment to UNDP's mission, vision and values;
Sensitivity to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age differences;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
be enrolled in a second university degree programme (Master’s Degree)
be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (Bachelor Degree)
have graduated with a university degree
in fields such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Web Development or similar and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
Language:
Fluent in English with excellent reading and writing skills.
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 will receive stipends according to UN rules and regulations.
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;
Preferably a link to code portfolio such as GITHUB code repository and/or one relevant recent writing sample showing your understanding in the field of web development.
Please group all your documents into one 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;
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.
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. More information available at: http://www.undp.org/internships/.
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.
Stipend
Interns will be given a stipend according to the UNDP Internship Policies, if they are not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation or scholarship programme.
The monthly amount of the stipend will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.