The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering a highly sought-after Knowledge Management Intern position for 2026. This role is unique: it is fully remote (home-based), paid, and administratively linked to the prestigious Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH).
For students and recent graduates, this is an exceptional entry point into the UN system without the logistical burden of relocation. The Istanbul Regional Hub serves as the strategic nerve center for UNDP’s operations across Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (ECIS). By securing this position, you will be digitally embedded in a team that drives innovation, climate action, and governance reforms across more than 17 countries and territories.
Unlike traditional internships that are limited to local residents, this remote modality democratizes access to global careers. You will earn a monthly stipend while working from your home country, contributing directly to the digital architecture that allows UNDP experts to share solutions and scale impact. If you are a tech-savvy researcher with a passion for international development, this is your chance to build a global career from your laptop.
Also check UN Administration Paid Internship 2026: Earn $40k-$80k in a Prestigious Global Role
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Background & Job Description
The Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) is one of UNDP’s five global hubs, mandated to support Country Offices in the ECIS region. It functions as a center of excellence, providing policy advice and technical expertise in areas such as sustainable development, gender equality, and crisis response.
The Knowledge Management (KM) Intern plays a vital support role within this ecosystem. Knowledge Management at UNDP is not just about filing documents; it is about “connecting the dots” between different experts and projects. The intern will likely join a specific thematic team—such as the Governance and Peacebuilding Unit, the Nature, Climate and Energy Team, or the Innovation Team.
This position fits into broader organizational goals by ensuring that the vast amount of data and lessons learned generated by UNDP projects does not get lost. By organizing, synthesizing, and disseminating this information, the intern helps prevent the “reinvention of the wheel,” allowing Country Offices to learn from each other’s successes and failures.
Key Responsibilities
This is a dynamic role that combines research, digital content management, and community engagement. The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Digital Content & Platform Management:
- Maintain and update the team’s internal SharePoint sites and knowledge repositories, ensuring all project documentation is tagged and archived correctly.
- Assist in the migration of content to new digital platforms (e.g., migrating data to the UNDP public website or internal “Yammer/Viva Engage” communities).
- Curate contact lists of partners, donors, and experts for the region.
- Research & Knowledge Products:
- Conduct desk research on emerging trends (e.g., digital governance, green energy transition) to support the drafting of concept notes and policy briefs.
- Synthesize complex project reports into “Fast Facts,” one-pagers, or blog posts for external communication.
- Draft minutes for high-level meetings and track follow-up actions.
- Webinars & Event Coordination:
- Support the organization of regional webinars and online workshops (using Zoom/Teams), including handling technical logistics, registration pages, and post-event surveys.
- Prepare “knowledge packages” for event participants, ensuring they have access to relevant background reading and tools.
- Data Visualization & Reporting:
- Assist in creating visual assets (infographics, PowerPoint decks) to communicate project results to donors.
- Help analyze user data from knowledge platforms to understand what content is most useful to staff.
Qualifications
To excel in this remote environment, candidates must be self-starters with strong digital literacy.
Education & Certification
- Enrollment Status: Candidates must meet one of the following at the time of application:
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent).
- Be in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (Bachelor’s).
- Have graduated with a university degree and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
- Field of Study: Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Communications, Information Management, or a related field.
- Digital Certification: Certifications in data management, knowledge management, or Microsoft 365 tools are a strong asset.
UNDP Knowledge Management Intern 2026: Remote Opportunity with Istanbul Regional Hub
Experience
- Work Experience: No prior professional experience is strictly required, but experience in research, editing, or content management (even in academic settings) is highly preferred.
- Technical Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (specifically SharePoint, Teams, and Excel).
- Familiarity with design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud) or data visualization tools (PowerBI) is a distinct advantage.
- Remote Work: Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
Languages
- English: Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
- Regional Languages: Knowledge of Russian or Turkish is often considered a major asset for the Istanbul Regional Hub, though not always mandatory.
Why Apply for This Position
This remote internship offers specific advantages that go beyond a typical resume builder.
1. The “IRH” Brand Value The Istanbul Regional Hub is known within the UN system as a center for innovation. Having “Istanbul Regional Hub” on your CV signals that you have been exposed to cutting-edge development thinking and regional complexity. It is a powerful credential for future applications to other UN agencies or international NGOs.
2. Flexible, Home-Based Global Work This role allows you to gain international experience without the cost of living in a major global city. You can balance this internship with your thesis writing or other part-time commitments, provided you can overlap with the Istanbul time zone for core meeting hours.
3. Networking “Up and Out” Because you will be organizing webinars and managing community lists, you will have visibility of who the key players are in the region. You will interact with Policy Advisors and Country Office staff, giving you a broad map of potential future employers within the sector.
4. Skill Modernization Knowledge Management is a growing field. By learning how a massive organization like the UNDP manages its intellectual capital, you acquire skills in Information Architecture and Internal Communications—skills that are highly transferable to the private sector (tech companies, consultancies).
Application Tips & Insights
Since this is a remote role, the competition is global. Here is how to make your application stand out.
1. Highlight “Digital Hygiene” In a remote role, your ability to organize files and manage digital tools is paramount. In your cover letter, mention specific tools you use to stay organized (e.g., Trello, SharePoint, OneDrive). Show that you are someone who creates order out of chaos.
2. Show, Don’t Just Tell, Your Writing Skills KM roles involve a lot of synthesizing. If you have a link to a blog post, a published article, or a well-designed presentation you created, include it in your application. Prove you can take complex information and make it readable.
3. Address the Time Zone Factor Even though it is remote, you need to work with the team in Istanbul (UTC+3). Explicitly state in your cover letter that you are willing and able to align your working hours with the Istanbul time zone. This reassures the hiring manager that you will be available for meetings.
4. Focus on “Service Orientation” Knowledge Management is a service function. You are serving the experts. Use language that demonstrates you are proactive in helping others find what they need. Phrases like “facilitating access to information” or “supporting team efficiency” resonate well.
Additional Information
- Stipend: Yes, this is a paid internship. In accordance with UNDP’s Internship Policy, remote interns receive a monthly stipend. The amount is typically calculated based on a percentage of the local General Service salary scale or a fixed remote rate (often around $500 – $800 USD equivalent, though this varies by home location and funding).
- Duration: Typically 3 to 6 months.
- Work Arrangement: 100% Remote / Home-based. You will need your own laptop and a reliable internet connection.
- Leave: Interns accrue leave at a rate of 1.5 days per month.
- Medical Insurance: Interns are responsible for securing their own medical insurance coverage for the duration of the internship (proof is required before signing the contract).
- Future Employment: Interns are eligible to apply for staff positions upon completion of their internship, subject to standard recruitment policies.
How to Apply
- Access the Portal: Go to the UNDP Jobs website (jobs.undp.org) or the dedicated Oracle Cloud recruitment link.
- Search: Use keywords “Knowledge Management,” “Intern,” and filter by location “Istanbul” or “Remote.”
- Prepare Documents:
- CV/Resume: Tailored to highlight research and digital skills.
- Cover Letter: Address the “Why do you want to work for IRH?” question specifically.
- Proof of Enrollment: A letter from your university confirming your current student status or recent graduation date.
- Submit: Complete the online profile and upload documents.
- Monitor Status: Check your email for potential assessments or interview invitations (usually conducted via Teams/Zoom).
Deadline: Watch the specific vacancy date closely. UNDP listings often close at Midnight New York time (EST), which may be different from your local time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be a Turkish citizen to apply? A: No. Because this is a remote, international internship, candidates from all nationalities are welcome to apply. However, you must ensure you have the legal right to reside in your current home location where you will be working from.
Q: What are the working hours? A: You will generally be expected to work full-time (40 hours/week). However, because it is remote, there is often flexibility on when you do the focused work, as long as you are available for core team meetings during Istanbul business hours (approx. 09:00 – 17:00 UTC+3).
Q: Is there a chance to visit the office in Istanbul? A: Generally, no. Remote internships are designed to be conducted entirely from your home base. UNDP will not cover travel costs for a remote intern to visit the office. If you wish to work from the office, you would typically need to apply for an on-site internship and cover your own relocation.
Q: Can I do this internship part-time while studying? A: Some hiring managers allow part-time arrangements (e.g., 20 hours/week), especially for students who are still taking classes. You must clarify this during the interview stage. The stipend would be pro-rated accordingly.
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