UNDP SDG Finance Internship 2026: 6-Month Research Internship (Istanbul or Home Based)
Overview
The United Nations Development Programme is offering a six-month research internship focused on sustainable development goal finance and private sector development. The position is situated within the Sustainable Finance Hub and the Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development. Candidates can complete the internship either in Istanbul or on a home-based arrangement.
Who can apply
Applicants must meet specific educational criteria at the time of application. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, be in the final academic year of a first university degree, have recently graduated and be able to start within one year of graduation, or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme. Fluent spoken and written English is required, while knowledge of French, Arabic, or another United Nations language is considered an asset.
Requirements
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong research, writing, analytical, and communication skills, alongside experience in academic writing, research, and analysis related to sustainable development and impact investing. Candidates must possess computer literacy in standard software, an interest in the work of the United Nations and the United Development Programme, cross-cultural collaboration abilities, and the capacity to manage workloads independently. Knowledge of sustainable development goal finance, private sector development, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries, economics and finance research, project design, and social media content creation are advantageous. Selected interns must provide proof of valid health, medical, and life or accident insurance.
What you get
Interns receive a monthly stipend under the United Development Programme policy provided they are not financially supported by another institution, university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme. The amount is determined by the published rates of the duty station. The internship has a duration of a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of six months.
How to apply
Applicants must find Job ID 36124 on the official careers page. The application requires a brief cover letter in English, a current curriculum vitae in English, and one relevant writing sample. All three documents must be combined into a single portable document format file before submission. Selected candidates must also provide official proof of education status and proof of insurance.
Key dates
Applications close on 30 October 2026.