Partnerships Associate

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Project management, programme development, strategy, Communication, advocacy, public information, Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods

Application deadline: 15/10/2026

Mission and objectives

Established in 1965, UNDP is the United Nations’ global development network, operating in nearly 170 countries and territories. Its mission is to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and shocks. The Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) is UNDP’s primary knowledge and advisory center for the Europe and Central Asia region.

Assignment context

Based on the experience accumulated in the last years, and in line with the guidance articulated by the new UNDP Strategic Plan 2026-2029, the Partnerships team aims to broaden the scope of its activities, expanding its donor portfolio, including the emerging donors portfolio and further stimulating partnerships with IFIs, the private sector and partner governments for a more efficient and coordinated development financing ecosystem, for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Within the framework of the Regional Programme 2026-2029, the UNDP RBEC Partnerships Team seeks to hire a Partnership Associate Officer. Under the direct supervision of the Partnerships Team Leader, the Partnership Associate Officer will support the team’s work on knowledge management and provide research, analytical, reporting, and technical support with a focus private sector engagement. Additionally, the Partnership Associate Officer will support project management of Innovation Challenges in the region focused on smart technologies and science.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Project Analyst/Programme Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Research and Knowledge Management – 40%
- Assist the Partnerships Team in identifying partnership and resource mobilization opportunities for UNDP in ECIS region, including contributions for the Country Office support on private sector partnerships, through research, organization of events, and knowledge management.
- Support Team’s flagship products and services such as regular newsletters, donor mappings, and other knowledge management efforts.
- Preparing informational briefs and notes.
- Providing support to development of outreach materials on key thematic development areas (articles, stories, factsheets).

2. Project Management and Innovation – 40%
- Assist with project management, monitoring, and coordination of Innovation Challenges and related initiatives.
- Support communication, reporting, stakeholder coordination, and other project-related activities as needed.
- Assist with research and knowledge management related to innovation initiatives.

3. Other Duties – 20%
- Support other ad hoc activities as relevant and needed.
- Support the visibility and communication of the Partnerships Team’s activities.
- Assist in the planning and organization of events, webinars, and meetings.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and experience

Experience in:

- Working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, private sector actors, civil society, academia, or innovation/technology organizations;
- Innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, science, or innovation ecosystems, particularly in relation to sustainable development and social impact;
- International development, sustainable development, SDGs, multilateral organizations, or development cooperation;
- Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:

- A proficient user of Microsoft Office productivity tools (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams etc.);
- Knowledge of Canva, or other graphic design software is desirable;
- Fluency in English is required.

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Building Trust
Client Orientation
Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Communication
Creativity
Empowering Others
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Judgement and Decision-making
Knowledge Sharing
Leadership
Managing Performance
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Vision
Working in Teams

Living conditions

The UN Volunteer will be based in Istanbul and responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. 

The Summary of UN Volunteer Entitlement (International Associate):  
• Current Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 2,309  
• Private insurance coverage by CIGNA  
• Entry allowance (one-time): USD 3,500 upon arrival to duty station  
• Exit allowance (one-time after end of assignment): USD 225 per month upon the satisfactory completion of assignment  
• Dependent entitlements are provided based on eligibility criteria 
• Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month  
• Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network  
 

Notes:  
1) You can check full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator  
2) Please read the complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos 

 
Istanbul is a large, cosmopolitan city offering generally good living conditions for international personnel and their families. The city has a wide range of furnished accommodation, private health-care facilities, supermarkets, restaurants, cultural venues, and recreational opportunities. Public transportation is extensive and includes metro, tram, bus, and ferry services, although traffic congestion can be significant and commuting times vary considerably depending on the area of residence. English is commonly spoken in many professional, commercial, and service environments, particularly in central districts, while basic knowledge of Turkish is useful for everyday life. Istanbul is well connected internationally through its airports and offers frequent air links to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Living costs vary significantly according to location and lifestyle, with housing generally representing the largest expense for expatriates. As in any major metropolitan area, personnel are expected to exercise normal security awareness and follow applicable United Nations security guidance.  Istanbul is a family duty station and very well connected in the region and globally.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.