UNDP is offering a six-month Security Analysis and Operations Internship in Istanbul, Türkiye, with stipend support under UN rules and practical experience in security research, risk analysis and crisis management. Apply by 2 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for its Security Analysis and Operations Internship in Istanbul, Türkiye. The six-month opportunity is designed for students and recent graduates interested in international security, political analysis, conflict monitoring and security risk management.
The intern will work under the Regional Security Advisor’s office for Europe and Central Asia, supporting research and monitoring of security developments that could affect UNDP personnel, assets and operations.
The internship offers exposure to security risk assessment, international security frameworks, crisis preparedness and the preparation of security reports and advisories. UNDP also identifies promoting female talent and professional development in the traditionally male-dominated international security field as part of the office’s objectives.
Applications close on 2 November 2026 at 2:00 PM, according to the vacancy announcement.
Internship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Internship | Security Analysis and Operations |
| Location | Istanbul, Türkiye |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Bureau | Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS |
| Reference number | 37722 |
| Stipend | Provided according to UN internship rules; amount not specified |
| Application deadline | 2 November 2026, 2:00 PM |
| Required language | English |
| Official application | UNDP Careers |
Tasks and Internship Benefits
The intern will support the Regional Security Advisor’s office through research, security monitoring and operational coordination.
Security Research and Analysis
Approximately 50% of the work focuses on knowledge management and research. Activities may include reviewing open-source information, monitoring current conflicts, analysing security incidents, preparing situation reports and drafting security advisories.
The intern may also contribute to assessments of emerging security threats and provide timely information to decision-makers.
Security Operations Management
Approximately 30% of the work involves monitoring security incidents and trends that could affect UNDP personnel, assets and operations. Responsibilities may include supporting crisis preparedness, emergency response activities, operational reporting and documenting lessons learned.
Security Coordination
The remaining 20% focuses on coordination and related activities. These may include liaising with partner organisations, preparing meeting notes and briefings, supporting training workshops and assisting with other duties assigned by the supervisor.
The experience can help participants strengthen their research, analytical writing, communication and understanding of security risk management in an international organisation.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet at least one of the following educational conditions:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, such as a master’s degree or higher, in a relevant field.
- Be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme.
- Have recently graduated with a relevant university degree and, if selected, start the internship within one year of graduation.
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of that programme.
Relevant disciplines include European or Eurasian Studies, International Political Economy, Politics and International Relations, Peace and Security, International Security Studies, Strategic Studies, Military Studies, Police Studies and equivalent fields.
Essential Skills and Experience
Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and research abilities, an interest in international affairs and the capacity to communicate complex information clearly.
Experience in social science data collection and analysis or working in a multicultural team is an advantage. Applicants should also be comfortable using Microsoft Office tools, including Excel. Knowledge of mapping tools, geographic information systems and information management databases is beneficial.
Excellent English writing and communication skills are required. Knowledge of Russian or another UN language is an advantage.
Additional Information
The internship lasts six months. UNDP states that interns receive stipends in accordance with applicable UN rules and regulations, but the vacancy information provided does not specify the amount.
Applicants or their sponsoring institutions may need to cover additional costs, including travel and accommodation. Selected candidates must also provide proof of medical and life or accident insurance valid for the internship location.
Required Application Documents
Applications should include:
- A brief cover letter in English explaining the applicant’s interest and qualifications.
- A current and complete CV in English.
Important: UNDP’s application instructions state that all application documents must be combined into one PDF file, as the system permits only one document upload.
Selected candidates will also need an official university letter confirming enrolment in a graduate-level programme and proof of the required insurance.
How to Apply
Visit the official UNDP Careers website, locate the Security Analysis and Operations Internship in Istanbul using vacancy reference 37722, and follow the application instructions.
Submit your application before 2 November 2026 at 2:00 PM. UNDP does not charge applicants fees at any stage of its recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNDP Security Analysis and Operations Internship?
It is a six-month internship supporting security research, threat monitoring, risk analysis and operational coordination within UNDP’s Regional Security Advisor office for Europe and Central Asia.
2. Where is the internship based?
The position is based in Istanbul, Türkiye.
3. Is a stipend provided?
Yes. UNDP states that interns receive stipends in accordance with UN rules and regulations. The exact amount is not stated in the supplied vacancy information.
4. What is the application deadline?
The advertised deadline is 2 November 2026 at 2:00 PM.
5. Which degrees are accepted?
Relevant disciplines include international relations, international security, political economy, European or Eurasian studies, peace and security, strategic studies and equivalent fields. Applicants must meet one of the stated educational eligibility conditions.
6. Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. Recently graduated candidates may qualify if they start the internship within one year of graduation and meet the other requirements.
7. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a cover letter and a complete CV in English, combined into one PDF file. Selected candidates must provide additional university enrolment and insurance documentation as applicable.
8. Does the internship cover travel and accommodation?
The supplied vacancy information states that additional costs may need to be covered by the applicant, sponsoring institution or government. Applicants should not assume that all travel and accommodation expenses will be funded.
9. What skills are beneficial?
Strong research, analytical writing, communication and knowledge of international security developments are important. Microsoft Office proficiency is required, while GIS knowledge and additional UN languages are advantages.
10. How can I apply?
Visit the UNDP Careers website and search for vacancy reference 37722.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNDP Security Analysis and Operations Internship may suit students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in international security, conflict monitoring and risk analysis. Its research and coordination responsibilities offer exposure to the work of a UN security office, while the stipend is governed by UN internship rules rather than a stated fixed amount.
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully and budget for potential travel, accommodation and other expenses not covered by the internship.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNDP and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify eligibility, stipend arrangements and submission instructions through the official UNDP recruitment system.
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