BACKGROUND

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global policy center mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The ICPSD was established in Istanbul, Turkey on the basis of the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Programme in March 2011. The Center is one of the five global thematic centers of UNDP, advocating and facilitating the contribution of the private sector to human development and inclusive growth through the following thematic priority areas:

• Private sector engagement through South-South cooperation for the SDGs.
• Role of the Private Sector in Skills Development.
• Impact Investing.
• Private Sector Resilience and Crisis Response.

To drive sustainable and inclusive growth aligned with the 2030 Agenda, ICPSD has fostered multi-stakeholder partnerships for skills development. One of its flagship collaborations is with the HP Foundation, focused on enhancing entrepreneurial and 21st-century skills at both global and local levels. Within this partnership, ICPSD conducts research, raises awareness, provides technical advisory services for programme design and implementation, and implements capacity-building activities.
A key initiative under this collaboration is the Global Support Programme for HP LIFE , which aims to advance entrepreneurial skills development worldwide. HP LIFE, a free IT and business skills training program, offers over 30 courses in eight languages and is accessible online, offline, and in person. The programme equips entrepreneurs, business owners, and lifelong learners with the skills needed to foster entrepreneurship and build sustainable business ecosystems. The Global Support Programme strengthens local capacities by offering training and resources tailored to diverse regional needs.
Another significant initiative is ICPSD’s Virtual Digital Business Pre-Incubation Initiative (VDBI) , designed to empower entrepreneurs by bridging the gap between ideation and incubation. It delivers the services through a virtual format, ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs across diverse regions. VDBI emphasizes practical learning through workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions, helping participants develop viable business models and prepare for incubation programs.
To further enhance its capacity-building efforts, ICPSD and the HP Foundation are preparing to launch a Global Mentorship and Coaching Initiative . This programme will focus on fostering entrepreneurship by connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and coaches, strengthening the ecosystem for entrepreneurial development.
To support the management and implementation of these programs and partnerships, ICPSD is seeking an Entrepreneurship Research and Partnership Analyst .

ENSURING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIES OF ICPSD IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR-LED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AREA AS PER THE FOLLOWING:

• Analyze and synthesize proposals on the areas for support and interventions within this thematic area.
• Contribute to the facilitation of partnerships, and regularly cover industry related stories and their development impact through briefs, news items, and blogposts.
• Prepare inputs for reporting, including reporting to higher level management of ICPSD.
• Conduct financial and substantive monitoring and evaluation of ICPSD activities under the skills development thematic area, as well as identify operational and financial problems, and develop solutions.
• Contribute to team building and human resources development in the practice, and support onboarding of team members, consultants, and interns when needed

PROVIDING TOP QUALITY ADVISORY SERVICES ON PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT IN SKILLS DESIGN AND DELIVERY TO THE RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS, ENSURING FACILITATION OF PARTNERSHIP-RELATED KNOWLEDGE BUILDING AND MANAGEMENT AS PER THE FOLLOWING:

• Identify sources of information related to the thematic area.
• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned that are linked to the thematic area.
• Apply conceptual models in support of partnership and intervention design.
• Support the implementation of projects, and realization of the objectives of partnerships.
• Maintain a network of partnerships, and manage relationships with partners, practitioners, and other stakeholders to introduce and promote innovative service offerings of ICPSD including AI, Climate Tech Entrepreneurship, 3D printing, low-code/no-code platforms, remote work, and entrepreneurship in creative industries such as gaming and esports.
• Organize events and trainings in the thematic area.

EDUCATION:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Management, Business/Public Administration, International Development, Economic Development, Social, Political and Management Sciences, or related field is required.

OR

• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in programme/project coordination/ management/ partnership development is required

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Proficiency in office packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), collaboration software and tools (Microsoft Teams), and experience in handling of web-based management systems are required.

DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Experience in designing or implementing initiatives that support entrepreneurship/ workforce development, start-ups, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), or innovation hubs, preferably those aimed at empowering underserved communities or youth entrepreneurs.
• Experience in conducting research studies, policy briefs, or knowledge products related to private sectors role in development, entrepreneurship, workforce development, private sector engagement, or capacity building.
• Experience in creating concept notes, frameworks, or proposals that inform policy/ programme/project design for partners.
• Experience in securing project funding, grants, or sponsorships from international or private sector sources.
• Experience in managing small scale teams of trainers, volunteers, interns, etc.
• Previous experience in UN/UNDP/International organizations.

RIGHT TO SELECT MULTIPLE CANDIDATES

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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Entrepreneurship Research and Partnership Analyst will apply conceptual models, policy frameworks, and precedents to assess the objectives, projects, or service demands within the Entrepreneurship track. The incumbent will be responsible for analyzing requirements and synthesizing proposals, projects, and/or service options that address the identified demands effectively. They will be responsible for the following functions:

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global policy center mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The ICPSD was established in Istanbul, Turkey on the basis of the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Programme in March 2011. The Center is one of the five global thematic centers of UNDP, advocating and facilitating the contribution of the private sector to human development and inclusive growth through the following thematic priority areas:

• Private sector engagement through South-South cooperation for the SDGs.
• Role of the Private Sector in Skills Development.
• Impact Investing.
• Private Sector Resilience and Crisis Response