Title: Fellowship for Partnerships and Research – Entrepreneurial Skills Enhancement

Location:

Istanbul, Turkey

Contract Type:

Specialized Fellowship

Start Date:

January 20, 2025

Application Deadline:

January 10, 2025 (Midnight, New York Time)

Duration:

6 months

Languages Required:

English

Overview

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is dedicated to fostering inclusive and sustainable development across 170+ countries. As a key driver of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP partners with public and private sectors to reduce poverty and inequalities while promoting resilience.

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), one of UNDP’s five global policy hubs, focuses on mobilizing private sector contributions toward achieving development objectives. It actively supports partnerships, facilitates dialogues, and develops strategies to empower entrepreneurial ecosystems globally.

In collaboration with the HP Foundation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), ICPSD has launched initiatives such as the Entrepreneurial Skills Development Initiative for the SDGs (E-SDG) and the Skills for an Inclusive Future (S4IF) network. These projects prioritize digital skills, green economy transitions, and equitable growth through mentorship, research, and capacity-building.

The Partnerships and Research Fellow will play a pivotal role in advancing ICPSD’s goals by fostering collaborations and supporting innovative strategies in entrepreneurial skills development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Expanding Outreach and Partnerships (50% focus)

•Conduct in-depth research to bolster mentorship and coaching under E-SDG.

•Identify potential collaborators for the S4IF network.

•Assist in communications strategies to elevate project visibility globally.

2. Research and Knowledge Contribution (30% focus)

•Explore emerging trends and challenges in entrepreneurship and skills development.

•Develop knowledge products like policy papers and research briefs for ICPSD’s initiatives.

•Support quantitative and qualitative research efforts in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

3. Event and Administrative Support (10% focus)

•Coordinate logistics for workshops, conferences, and retreats.

•Contribute to internal documents, reports, and summaries.

•Track deliverables and deadlines for ongoing programs.

4. Strategic Coordination and Management (10% focus)

•Assist in crafting concept notes and presentations for external engagements.

•Provide administrative assistance, including preparing meeting minutes.

•Support ad hoc tasks aligned with program objectives.

Core Competencies

•Strong analytical abilities and adaptability in consolidating research into actionable strategies.

•Proactive learner, capable of implementing newly acquired insights.

•Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage across diverse platforms and audiences.

•A results-oriented mindset with resilience under pressure and adherence to deadlines.

•Sensitivity to cultural, gender, and social diversity, with an inclusive approach to team collaborations.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements:

•Enrollment in or recent completion of a postgraduate program in economics, business, social sciences, or related disciplines.

Experience:

•Proven skills in creating reports or academic papers.

•Background in entrepreneurship or private-sector research preferred.

•Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Languages:

•Proficiency in English (mandatory).

•Turkish language skills (advantageous).

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. All applications will undergo rigorous confidentiality checks.

The UNDP is an equal-opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, including minority and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities.

Scroll down below for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity