Background 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.Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) is UNDP’s main knowledge and advisory hub for the Europe and CIS Region (ECIS). It aims to connect the region to a global network of development experts, to build knowledge and capacity, and to forge partnerships to meet the development challenges of a large and diverse region.
IRH serves as the primary platform for regional programming and country office support in the Europe and CIS region. It provides policy and programmatic expertise through the Global Policy Network (GPN), in close coordination with the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Crisis Bureau (CB). The IRH plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development, resilience, and governance by facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering regional cooperation, and delivering tailored support to country offices. The hub covers 19 countries and territories across the Western Balkans, Türkiye, the Caucasus, Western CIS, and Central Asia, with a dedicated office in Kosovo (UNSC 1244/1999) and a Project Management Office (PMO) in Cyprus.
IRH hosts both regional and global teams, fostering a diverse and dynamic workforce. With personnel representing 73 nationalities, the Hub operates across multiple locations: 64.22% are based in Istanbul, 13.14% in project locations, and 22.64% work remotely. Additionally, 29.96% (98) of UNDP personnel are from Türkiye.
The fellow will be part of the UNDP RBEC regional economic analysis team, working closely with the Senior Regional Economist and other thematic leads. The focus will be on generating insights, analysis, and policy recommendations for advancing inclusive green growth in the region, with particular attention to the SDGs, regional cooperation, reconstruction and recovery, and resilience.
Duties and Responsibilities - Data Collection and Management: Gather and clean data from publicly available sources such as the UN, World Development Indicators (WDI), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and other relevant databases. 40%
- Statistical and Econometric Analysis: Conduct time-series and comparative statistics, develop indices on topics such as conflict, public finance, competitiveness, and perform basic econometric modeling. 20%
- Policy Research and Literature Review: Conduct literature surveys on inclusive green growth in the RBEC region, examining key trends through the lenses of SDGs, regional cooperation, reconstruction and recovery, and resilience. 20%
- Contribute to analytical products, visualization and communication: Prepare short notes, policy briefs, and background research for UNDP Regional Human Development Reports (HDR) and concept notes, synthesizing findings into actionable insights. Develop charts, dashboards, and presentations to effectively communicate analytical results to internal and external audiences. 15%
- Other: Contribute to ad hoc activities as needed, including internal discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborative research initiatives with UNDP country offices and partners. 5%
Competencies IT and Technical skills:
· Knowledge and a proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools, especially Excel.
· Statistical and Econometric Software: Familiarity with STATA, R, Python, Matlab, or E-Views for data analysis will be an asset.
· Data Analysis: Experience with handling large datasets, economic modeling, and visualization techniques will be an asset.
Language skills:
· Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
· Knowledge of Russian, Turkish, or any language from the RBEC region is an advantage.
Other competencies and attitude:
· Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
· Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
· Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal-oriented mind-set;
· Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
· Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
· Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
· Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
· Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Required Skills and Experience Education:
Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:
· currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
· currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme (such as a Master’s programme or higher); or
· have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a university degree or equivalent studies.
Field of study: Economics, Applied Economics, Development Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
Learning Opportunities
The fellowship will provide opportunities for:
· Gaining hands-on experience in economic analysis and policy research in a UNDP regional setting.
· Learning from experienced senior economists and development practitioners.
· Contributing to high-impact policy papers and discussions on inclusive growth, resilience, and sustainability.
· Developing technical skills in statistical and econometric analysis through real-world applications.
· Enhancing professional networks within the UN system, academia, and policy-making circles.
Disclaimer Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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