Apply for the UNDP Project Operations Internship in Istanbul, Türkiye. Eligible graduate students and recent graduates can gain international development experience in administration, procurement, finance, human resources, and project operations, with a stipend available subject to eligibility.
Introduction
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for its Project Operations Intern position in Istanbul, Türkiye. This full-time internship offers eligible graduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience supporting administrative functions, procurement, human resources, finance, and project operations within the UN system.
The internship is based at the Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), one of UNDP’s Global Policy Centres. Participants will work with an international team and contribute to administrative processes, financial documentation, data organization, meetings, procurement activities, and project coordination.
Applicants must demonstrate strong written and spoken English and Turkish, alongside relevant academic qualifications and digital skills. A stipend may be provided under UNDP’s internship policy to eligible interns who are not financially supported by another institution or programme.
The vacancy is listed as full-time and office-based in Istanbul, with applications closing on 9 November 2026, according to the supplied recruitment listing.
Opportunity Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Position | Project Operations Intern – Turkish Speaking |
| Job Identification | 37401 |
| Duty Station | Istanbul, Türkiye |
| Contract Type | Internship |
| Work Arrangement | Full-time, office-based |
| Target Applicants | Eligible university students and recent graduates |
| Relevant Fields | Public Administration, Business, International Relations, Tourism Management, Library, Archive and Information Studies, or similar |
| Language Requirements | Strong spoken and written English and Turkish |
| Financial Support | Stipend may be available under UNDP policy |
| Application Deadline | 9 November 2026, as displayed in the vacancy |
| Application Method | Online through UNDP Careers |
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme works in approximately 170 countries and territories to reduce poverty, inequalities, and exclusion while helping countries build resilience and achieve sustainable development.
As the UN’s development agency, UNDP supports countries in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through policy advice, partnerships, research, and programme implementation.
The organization works with governments, businesses, foundations, civil society, and other partners to address development challenges and support inclusive growth.
About the Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development
The internship is hosted by UNDP’s Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD).
ICPSD supports the private sector and foundations in becoming partners in sustainable development. Its work includes research, advocacy, public-private dialogue, and partnership development.
The centre also supports UNDP offices around the world in engaging businesses and foundations to contribute to development goals.
The Project Operations Intern will help the centre’s team with administrative and operational activities that support its wider development work.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the Administrative Associate and other colleagues with day-to-day operational tasks.
Administration and documentation
- Help develop operational procedure guidelines.
- Prepare and process administrative documents and correspondence.
- Maintain organized digital and physical filing systems.
- Update asset inventories and maintain records.
- Assist with the shipment of goods, publications, and correspondence.
Finance and budgeting
- Follow up on payment requests and track their status.
- Help prepare supporting financial documentation.
- Assist with project budgets and internal financial reports.
- Contribute to corporate planning, monitoring, and reporting exercises.
Procurement and supply chain support
- Conduct market research for basic goods and services.
- Collect quotations and proposals from suppliers.
- Support procurement documentation and administrative procedures.
Meetings and event coordination
- Arrange meetings, including scheduling, room bookings, and preparation of materials.
- Assist with note-taking and meeting documentation.
- Help organize workshops, conferences, retreats, missions, and other events.
- Coordinate arrangements for catering, ICT, interpretation, and venues when required.
Human resources and operational support
- Assist with administrative activities related to human resources.
- Help facilitate the timely submission of documents for Turkish visa and residence permit procedures.
- Correspond with travel agencies about ticket reservations, changes, and cancellations.
- Contribute to knowledge management, strategic communications, and partnership activities as needed.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of UNDP’s education eligibility conditions at the time of application.
Education
Candidates must meet one of the following:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, such as a master’s degree or higher.
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree, such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Have recently graduated with an eligible university degree and, if selected, begin 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 academic disciplines
The vacancy identifies the following fields of study:
- Public Administration
- Business
- International Relations
- Tourism Management
- Library, Archive and Information Studies
- Similar or related disciplines
Professional experience
Previous experience in administration or operations is an advantage but is not stated as mandatory.
Additional desirable experience includes working with national or international nonprofit organizations, managing social media accounts, and developing digital content.
Required Skills
Candidates should demonstrate the following technical and professional abilities.
Digital and technical skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools.
- Familiarity with SharePoint and its core functionalities.
- Digital literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and online tools.
- Strong editing and visual design skills, including social media content.
- Knowledge of Canva and other digital applications is an advantage.
- Understanding of web development and web publication tools is beneficial.
Professional competencies
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to manage workloads with minimal supervision.
- Capacity to work independently and collaboratively.
- Proactive approach to responsibilities and deadlines.
- Ability to work with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Strong spoken and written English.
- Strong spoken and written Turkish.
Knowledge of French, Arabic, or Russian is an additional advantage.
Because the position involves administrative coordination and communication in Istanbul, applicants should ensure they meet both essential language requirements.
Internship Benefits and Stipend
Monthly stipend support
UNDP states that interns may receive a stipend under its internship policy if they are not financially supported by another institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme.
The amount depends on the applicable annual stipend rate for the duty station. The supplied vacancy does not specify a fixed stipend amount for Istanbul.
Practical experience in the UN system
Interns gain exposure to UNDP’s administrative procedures, procurement, finance, human resources, and project operations.
International development experience
The placement offers experience working with a multicultural team at an international development centre.
Professional skills development
Participants can develop transferable skills in documentation, budgeting, procurement, data organization, reporting, and event coordination.
Important financial and insurance conditions
The internship is not a staff appointment. Applicants are responsible for arranging their own travel and necessary visas.
Selected candidates must provide proof of medical insurance valid for the internship location. UNDP states that it does not accept responsibility for costs arising from accidents, illness, or death during an internship.
Applicants should confirm the stipend arrangements and plan for accommodation, travel, insurance, and other living expenses before accepting an offer.
Required Documents
According to the supplied vacancy, selected candidates must provide:
- Official document or documents confirming their education status.
- Proof of medical and life/accident insurance valid for the internship location.
Applicants should complete the online application according to the instructions in the recruitment system and be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested.
Internship Duration
UNDP’s internship policy allows placements lasting a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of six months.
The supplied Project Operations Intern vacancy does not state a specific start date or confirmed duration for this particular position. Candidates should check the official vacancy and recruitment communications for those details.
Application Deadline
Closing date: 9 November 2026, at 8:00 a.m. as displayed in the supplied listing.
The recruitment page lists the position as full-time and office-based in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Applicants should verify the closing time and any updates on the official UNDP recruitment portal before submitting their applications.
How to Apply for the UNDP Project Operations Internship
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official UNDP Careers website.
- Search for Project Operations Intern – Turkish Speaking – Office Based – Full Time.
- Locate vacancy identification number 37401.
- Review the education, language, and technical requirements.
- Complete the online application and provide accurate information about your qualifications and experience.
- Follow the recruitment system’s instructions for submitting supporting information.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Official Application Link
Apply through the official UNDP Careers portal:
https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs
Search for job identification number 37401 or the full position title to locate the vacancy.
For general information about UNDP internships, visit:
https://www.undp.org/internships
Why Consider This Internship?
The UNDP Project Operations Internship provides an opportunity to learn how the operational functions of an international development organization support its programmes and partnerships.
For eligible students and recent graduates interested in administration, finance, procurement, human resources, business, or international relations, the placement can help build practical experience and professional skills.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to candidates who speak both Turkish and English and want to understand the operational side of international development.
However, applicants should remember that stipend support is conditional, the amount is not specified in the vacancy, and interns must arrange their own visas and valid insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UNDP Project Operations Internship?
Applicants must meet one of UNDP’s education conditions, such as being enrolled in a postgraduate programme, being in the final year of a first university degree, or having graduated within the permitted period.
Is Turkish required?
Yes. Strong spoken and written Turkish and English are both essential requirements.
Does UNDP provide a stipend?
A stipend may be provided under UNDP’s internship policy if the intern is not financially supported by another institution or programme. The exact amount for Istanbul is not stated in the supplied vacancy.
Where is the internship based?
The position is based in Istanbul, Türkiye, at UNDP’s International Center for Private Sector in Development.
Is the internship full-time?
Yes. The vacancy identifies the schedule as full-time and the role as office-based.
Do I need previous work experience?
Previous administration or operations experience is an advantage but is not stated as mandatory.
Who pays for travel and visas?
Interns are responsible for arranging their travel and obtaining the necessary visa. They must also provide proof of valid medical insurance.
What is the application deadline?
The supplied vacancy lists 9 November 2026 as the closing date. Applicants should confirm the exact time on the official portal.
Conclusion
The UNDP Project Operations Internship in Istanbul offers eligible students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in administration, procurement, finance, human resources, and project operations within the UN system.
With potential stipend support, exposure to international development work, and opportunities to strengthen professional and digital skills, the internship can be a useful step for candidates interested in international organizations.
Applicants should confirm their eligibility, prepare the required information, and apply through the official UNDP recruitment portal before 9 November 2026.
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