Agriculture Research Intern - Crisis Response and Resilience Portfolio

Job Description

Job Description

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

BACKGROUND

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) offers a selected group of outstanding graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to ICPSD’s work as a center of excellence for private sector in development. The internship is designed to support ICPSD’s applied research and policy advisory services and to complement the interns’ practical experience in various issues related to private sector engagement, skills generation, private sector resilience, impact investing, and other topics of international development. The Programme operates under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship Policy.

UNDP ICPSD leads UNDP’s private sector strategy, mobilizing the private sector to engage in development. ICPSD convenes stakeholders from public and private industry, as well as foundations to facilitate knowledge sharing and partnerships, catalyses private sector actors for developing products and initiatives for SDG implementation and provides support to raise capital through innovative financing models such as blended finance.

Long-term resilience to crises is intrinsically linked to robust economic recovery. To support livelihoods and bolster economic resilience in fragile settings, ICPSD focuses on restoring severely disrupted agricultural market systems, by systematically undertaking value chain analysis. This approach identifies high-potential agricultural sectors and strategic opportunities for revitalization, focusing on strengthening the capacity and dynamism of crucial market actors, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Our interventions are designed to holistically enhance economic opportunities and foster the creation of sustainable livelihoods including through trade facilitation and skill development, thereby supporting comprehensive economic recovery and building enduring resilience within fragile settings worldwide.The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) offers a selected group of outstanding graduate-level students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to ICPSD’s work as a center of excellence for private sector in development. The internship is designed to support ICPSD’s applied research and policy advisory services and to complement the interns’ practical experience in various issues related to private sector engagement, skills generation, private sector resilience, impact investing, and other topics of international development. The Programme operates under the rules and regulations of the UNDP Internship Policy.

UNDP ICPSD leads UNDP’s private sector strategy, mobilizing the private sector to engage in development. ICPSD convenes stakeholders from public and private industry, as well as foundations to facilitate knowledge sharing and partnerships, catalyses private sector actors for developing products and initiatives for SDG implementation and provides support to raise capital through innovative financing models such as blended finance.

Long-term resilience to crises is intrinsically linked to robust economic recovery. To support livelihoods and bolster economic resilience in fragile settings, ICPSD focuses on restoring severely disrupted agricultural market systems, by systematically undertaking value chain analysis. This approach identifies high-potential agricultural sectors and strategic opportunities for revitalization, focusing on strengthening the capacity and dynamism of crucial market actors, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Our interventions are designed to holistically enhance economic opportunities and foster the creation of sustainable livelihoods including through trade facilitation and skill development, thereby supporting comprehensive economic recovery and building enduring resilience within fragile settings worldwide.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather and synthesize information from various reports and data sources related to agricultural systems, value chain development and private sector resilience in fragile contexts.
• Prepare comprehensive written research outputs and summaries on assigned topics focusing on agricultural economics or development;
• Provide writing and editing support on drafting reports related to agricultural systems, value chain development and private sector resilience;
• Provide quantitative analysis and data management support, including data collection, data cleaning, processing, and performing statistical and econometric analysis;
• Develop and maintain databases, ensuring data integrity, accuracy and accessibility for analysis and reporting;
• Assist in the preparation of data visualizations (charts, graphs, tables) to effectively communicate research findings;
• Provide administrative support on an as-needed basis;
• Other relevant tasks as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
  

COMPETENCIES

Technical competencies:

• Ability to apply economic theories and models to analyze real-world issues within agricultural systems and value chains in development contexts
• Excellent IT skills and quantitative analysis skills, including proficiency in Excel and experience with KOBO, SPSS
• Good working knowledge and experience of analysis or statistical software such as R, Python or similar platforms.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate complex data clearly.
• Strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills;
• 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 and discretion
  

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Applicants must at the time of application meet at least one of the following requirements:
• Be enrolled in a second university degree programme (Master Degree);
• Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program (Bachelor Degree);
• Have graduated with a university degree in in fields such as agricultural economics, agricultural development, general economics or related discipline with an emphasis on private sector engagement at least one year ago.

Experience:

• Solid knowledge within the field of agricultural economics and development or private sector development and resilience;
• Clear and in-depth understanding of economic concepts complemented by the ability to apply them to developmental challenges and private sector issues;
• Solid experience in academic writing, research and quantitative analysis.
• Experience with quantitative & qualitative survey data collection, data cleaning and data analysis;
• Experience with sustainable development, fragile and conflict-affected situations is desirable;
• Demonstrated knowledge in the work of the UN and of UNDP, with a personal commitment to UNDP’s Statement of Purpose and to the ideals of the UN Charter;
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs;
• Previous experience on project designing and implementation, especially in innovation, is an asset;

Financial Renumeration

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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The application should contain:

• Brief Cover Letter (in English) stating motivation, relevant skills and qualifications relevant to the post;
• Current and complete CV in English;
• At least one relevant writing sample.
• Please group all your documents into one single PDF document as the system only allows to upload maximum one document.

The Candidate who is selected will be required to submit 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 only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months. 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.

Deadline: 22 Sep 2025