UNDP Turkey aims to find practical solutions to Turkey's development challenges and manages projects together with the Turkish Government and other partners to address them. UNDP Turkey's strategy for 2016-2020, formulated with and agreed by the Turkish Government, highlights three core areas, through which UNDP supports the implementation of Turkey's development agenda through project implementation and policy advice. UNDP Turkey has repositioned to contribute through four core areas: 1) Inclusive and Democratic Governance (IDG); 2) Inclusive and Sustainable Growth (ISG); 3) Climate Change and Environment (CCE).

The overall objective of the Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Portfolio (ISGP) is to contribute to inclusive and sustained growth of the national economy. As such, the ISGP is about the pace, pattern and most importantly the quality of growth. Inclusiveness is a concept that encompasses equity, equality of opportunity, and protection in market and employment transitions, such as the one Turkey is going through.

Technical Assistance for the Establishment and Operationalization of Adana Vocational Training Centre Project’s overall objective is to provide Adana Chamber of Industry (ADASO) with high caliber technical assistance and consultancy services for the establishment and operationalization of Adana Vocational Training Centre. Once established; the Centre will both target the demand and supply side of local economy through well-established business model, a viable business plan and an impact and client-oriented service delivery. The Centre will be designed in a way to have strong functional linkages with other complementary initiatives that UNDP and ADASO is currently implementing such as the Innovation Centre and the SME Capability Centre to be established in the economic geography of Adana and Mersin. The components of the project are listed below:

Component #1: Sectoral and Field Level Analyses: Component #1 aims at developing the analytical basis of the initiative upon which other Components will be developed and implemented.

Component #2: Business Modelling and Planning: The overall objective of Component #2 is to conceptualize the tailor-made business model of the VET Centre and develop its business plan through which the service packages of the Centre will be delivered.

Component #3: Design and Customization of VET Modules: Based on the needs of the local labor market as well as the demand arising from the local SMEs, Component #3 aims to design and where applicable customize the VET modules to be delivered by the Centre. The project will benefit from the existing VET modules which have already been developed by the UNDP w/in the scope of other projects/initiatives implemented the UNDP as well as will cooperate with local ISKUR and KOSGEB offices in delivery of VETs, including entrepreneurship trainings etc. 

Component #4: Capability Development and Mentorship: The ultimate objective of Component #4 is to provide Adana Chamber of Industry with the required capabilities and competencies to best operate the VET Centre and deliver its services effectively. The sustainability of the Centre is another critical issue that Component #4 will be addressing.

Component #5: Technical Assistance for Certification: Component #5 aims to support Adana Chamber of Industry and Adana VET Centre in accomplishing necessary procedures in compliance with the certification and accreditation processes for functioning as a VOC Test Centre.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Turkey ISG Inclusive and Sustainable Growth (ISG) Portfolio and the AVTC Project Management Team, the intern will:

• Providing research, writing and editing support on issues related to program areas of the Project
• Assist the preparation of minutes of meetings in Turkish/English and translate short documents from English to Turkish and vice versa and provide interpretation at the meetings when necessary
• Assist in the administration and implementation of the daily activities of related Project
• Provide administrative and logistical support for the organization of events, workshops, meetings, trainings, and conferences
• Prepare lists and draft short reports and prepare documentation
• Support vocational course events and training workshops
• Support liaison and coordination activities with partner organizations and their counterparts
• Support the visibility of the Project on social media and communication related activities
• Support the preparation of newsletters, blogs, e-Discussions or any other knowledge products
• Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisors

Required Qualifications

• 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)
• Proficiency in the use of digital and social media platforms
• 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:

1. Education: Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements: a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or c) have graduated and be within one-year of graduation of any of the above, in fields such as international relations, public administration, business administration, public policy, international development, civil engineering or other relevant field;
2. Experience: Previous related work experience in a national or an international entity would be an asset but is not a requirement;
3. Language skills: Proficiency in written and spoken English and Turkish;
4. Learning: The intern will acquire a good overview and practical experience on project management, quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation and communication related work. Acquaintance with UNDP rules and procedures is an asset.

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

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 are receiving 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.