Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst – National position
Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst (National Position) with UNDP’s Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD). Here’s an extremely detailed explanation of the position, responsibilities, required qualifications, and strategic context — designed to exceed 3000 words for your comprehensive understanding.
1. Organizational Context: UNDP and ICPSD
UNDP’s Strategic Role
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP focuses on democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis prevention and recovery, environment and energy, and gender equality.
ICPSD’s Mandate and Relevance
The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is one of the five global policy centers of UNDP. Established in 2011 through a partnership with the Government of Turkey, the ICPSD specifically focuses on leveraging the role of the private sector in development.
ICPSD operates under the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS), which enables UNDP to deliver high-quality policy advice to support sustainable development goals (SDGs). ICPSD contributes to:
- Private sector engagement through South-South cooperation
- Skills development and entrepreneurship
- Impact investing
- Resilience and crisis response with private sector involvement
2. Position Summary: Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst
Nature of the Role
This is a National Personnel Services Agreement (NPSA-9) role, open to nationals of Turkey. The selected candidate can work home-based or from the Istanbul office. This is a 6-month full-time contract, subject to extension based on performance and budget availability.
This position directly supports several flagship initiatives of ICPSD related to entrepreneurship, skills development, mentoring, digital business incubation, and private sector partnerships. You will report to the Technical Specialist and operate under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director of ICPSD.
3. Core Initiatives You Will Support
A. Global Support Programme for HP LIFE
HP LIFE (Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs) is a free business and IT skills training programme delivered in 8 languages, targeting entrepreneurs and lifelong learners. Your role includes:
- Managing a global network of trainers
- Maintaining and expanding partner relationships
- Designing localized training and support materials
- Supporting capacity development of partner institutions
- Contributing to strategy and growth of the programme
B. Virtual Digital Business Pre-Incubation Initiative (VDBI)
A fully online entrepreneurship development programme that helps transform ideas into viable business models. Your responsibilities will include:
- Making the platform accessible to underrepresented communities
- Coordinating virtual workshops and masterclasses
- Building partnerships with tech providers, universities, MSMEs
- Establishing and maintaining an online community of learners
C. Global Mentorship and Coaching Programme
This initiative aims to match aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors to foster entrepreneurial growth. You will:
- Design operational frameworks for mentor-mentee engagement
- Build a pool of qualified global mentors and mentees
- Facilitate training sessions for mentors
- Develop automation systems for matching and monitoring
- Promote the programme through strategic communications and advocacy
4. Detailed Duties and Responsibilities
I. Programme Management: HP LIFE
- Maintain an active network of trainers
- Coordinate Community of Practice events to share experiences
- Customize and draft concept notes for institutional partners
- Manage a pool of UNDP trainers and ensure alignment of training with ICPSD priorities
- Track performance and implement feedback-based improvements
II. Strategy Implementation: Skills Development
- Analyze private sector needs and local entrepreneurial contexts
- Conduct research, prepare news items, and write blogposts
- Support financial and substantive monitoring of ICPSD projects
- Prepare project reports and document lessons learned
- Assist in onboarding consultants and interns
III. Partnership Development and Resource Mobilization
- Identify and establish partnerships with key stakeholders
- Draft donor briefs and develop new project proposals
- Manage contribution agreements and project financing structures
- Track partner satisfaction and deliverables
- Contribute to branding, outreach, and events
IV. Knowledge Management and Advisory Support
- Identify best practices in private sector engagement and entrepreneurship
- Develop toolkits and innovative models (e.g., AI in entrepreneurship)
- Establish partnerships in cutting-edge areas like:
- Climate Tech
- Gaming and eSports
- 3D printing
- Remote work platforms
- Low-code/no-code development
- Organize relevant training sessions and knowledge exchange events
V. VDBI and Mentorship Programme Oversight
- Outreach & Inclusion: Onboard diverse participants (youth, women, marginalized groups)
- Partnership Expansion: Collaborate with regional and global organizations
- Platform Management: Maintain a collaborative online learning environment
- Impact Measurement: Collect data and report on KPIs
- Model Scalability: Ensure replicability of the mentorship framework
5. Required Qualifications and Experience
A. Education
- Master’s degree in Economics, Management, Public/Business Administration, Development Studies, or related field (preferred)
- OR
- Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of relevant experience
B. Experience
- Minimum 2 years (with Master’s) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s) in:
- Project coordination
- Partnership development
- Programme implementation
C. Required Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools
- Experience managing online platforms, trainer networks, and/or capacity-building programmes
D. Desired Experience
- Designing entrepreneurship programmes or start-up ecosystems
- Working with youth entrepreneurs or underserved communities
- Writing concept notes, policy briefs, proposals
- Fundraising, securing sponsorships or private sector co-financing
- Managing teams of trainers, interns, or volunteers
- Previous experience with UNDP or international development organizations
E. Languages
- Fluency in English and Turkish is required
6. Competency Framework
A. Business Direction & Strategy
- Entrepreneurial Thinking: Ability to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, fundraising, and programme innovation
- Systems Thinking: Understanding how various programmatic components interconnect
B. Business Management
- Portfolio Management: Ability to balance ongoing programme implementation with innovation
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Track progress and resolve challenges
C. Partnership Management
- Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to engage corporations, civil society, donors, and academic institutions
- Private Sector Outreach: Identify and manage relationships with start-ups, MSMEs, and corporate foundations
- Resource Mobilization: Draft compelling value propositions and proposals
7. Working Environment & Reporting
Institutional Arrangement
- Reports to Technical Specialist
- Works under overall guidance of Deputy Director
- Collaborates closely with:
- HP Foundation and other international partners
- Regional and country-level UNDP offices
- Consultants, interns, and external trainers
Work Location
- Primarily home-based
- May involve occasional presence at ICPSD Istanbul office
Contract Type
- National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9)
- Initial duration: 6 months
- Renewable based on performance and funding
8. Broader Impact and Importance of the Role
This position sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, policy, and private sector development. It will allow you to:
- Help scale global programmes that empower micro-entrepreneurs
- Influence UNDP’s private sector strategy through grounded partnerships
- Shape the future of digital, inclusive, and innovative capacity building
- Contribute to UNDP’s SDG Finance and inclusive development agenda
- Be part of the global shift toward digitally inclusive economic development
9. Application Deadline and Process
- Apply before: May 14, 2025, 10:59 PM Istanbul time
- Job ID: 26172
- Platform: Oracle Cloud (UNDP e-recruitment platform)
Ensure your application includes:
- Tailored CV/resume
- Cover letter highlighting relevant experience in entrepreneurship support and partnerships
- References and past project examples (if applicable)
10. Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst |
| Location | Home-based / Istanbul, Türkiye |
| Contract Type | NPSA-9 (National) |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Reporting To | Technical Specialist, ICPSD |
| Languages Required | English and Turkish |
| Education Required | Master’s (preferred) or Bachelor’s with extra experience |
| Key Focus Areas | HP LIFE, VDBI, Mentorship Programme |
| Key Skills | Project management, partnerships, entrepreneurship, digital training |
| Deadline to Apply | 14 May 2025 |
Would you like help drafting a customized cover letter or a targeted resume for this role?
The Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst position with UNDP’s Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is a national position based either remotely (home-based) or in Istanbul, Türkiye. This role focuses on supporting UNDP’s global private sector development initiatives, particularly those related to entrepreneurship, capacity building, partnerships, and skills development. It combines research, partnership management, program implementation, and strategic advisory support, especially within ICPSD’s entrepreneurship and private sector engagement programs.
Here is a detailed explanation of the position, broken down into core areas:
🌍 1. About the UNDP ICPSD and Context of the Job
ICPSD is one of UNDP’s global policy centers, mandated to engage the private sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Center’s mission is to:
- Leverage the private sector’s role in development,
- Promote inclusive and sustainable growth, and
- Strengthen South-South Cooperation.
It operates in five thematic areas:http://👉 Apply for the UNDP Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst Position
- Private sector engagement through South-South Cooperation
- Role of the private sector in skills development
- Impact investing
- Private sector resilience and crisis response
- Emerging areas like digital entrepreneurship and climate tech
The Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst is expected to support entrepreneurship-focused initiatives, such as:http://@vacancyspaces.com
- The Global Support Programme for HP LIFE, in partnership with the HP Foundation
- The Virtual Digital Business Pre-Incubation Initiative (VDBI)
- A new Global Mentorship and Coaching Initiative
These programs aim to build entrepreneurial capacities, foster innovation, and create inclusive business ecosystems, especially in underserved regions and for youth and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
🧭 2. Core Responsibilities
🛠️ A. Program Implementation & Coordination
You will manage multiple programs simultaneously by:
- Maintaining networks of trainers, mentors, and partners
- Coordinating training, coaching, and capacity-building efforts
- Ensuring smooth implementation and customization of programs (e.g., HP LIFE courses)
🔗 B. Partnership Development
- Establish new partnerships and maintain existing ones
- Prepare concept notes, proposals, and strategic documents tailored to different stakeholders
- Liaise with private sector, educational institutions, and development partners to grow the reach and impact of ICPSD initiatives
🧠 C. Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation
- Conduct research and analysis on entrepreneurship, private sector development, and innovation
- Monitor progress and evaluate impact
- Prepare reports, policy briefs, blog posts, and case studies documenting insights and lessons learned
💼 D. Advisory & Knowledge Management
- Advise stakeholders on private sector engagement strategies in skills development
- Collect and share best practices and models that can be replicated across countries
- Maintain knowledge networks and foster learning among partners
💡 E. Innovation & Strategic Outreach
- Incorporate emerging themes like AI, remote work, climate tech, gaming and esports into ICPSD’s programming
- Develop and implement innovative outreach strategies for global engagement, including digital platforms and communication campaigns
🎯 3. Key Initiatives You’ll Be Involved In
🔵 Global Support Programme for HP LIFE
- A major flagship program delivering entrepreneurship and business skills training
- Available in 30+ courses and 8 languages
- Delivered online, offline, and hybrid formats
- You’ll be responsible for localizing and expanding it globally through partnerships and training delivery
🔵 Virtual Digital Business Pre-Incubation Initiative (VDBI)
- Supports early-stage entrepreneurs from idea to incubation
- Delivered virtually for broad accessibility
- Emphasizes hands-on learning via workshops, masterclasses, and peer learning
- You’ll help scale its reach, manage partner engagement, and ensure impactful delivery
🔵 Global Mentorship and Coaching Initiative
- A new program to pair aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced mentors
- Will involve you in designing the framework, guidelines, outreach strategy, and operational model
- You’ll ensure matching systems, mentor effectiveness, and global participation
📚 4. Qualifications and Required Experience
🎓 Education
- Master’s degree in Economics, Business, Public Administration, International Development, or related fields; OR
- Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience
💼 Experience
- With a master’s: At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
- With a bachelor’s: At least 4 years of experience
- Must have experience in:
- Program/project management
- Partnership coordination
- Using MS Office tools, collaboration platforms like Teams, and web-based systems
✅ Desirable Skills
- Experience with entrepreneurship programs, workforce development, or start-up ecosystems
- Experience developing research papers, policy briefs, and concept notes
- Experience in fundraising or securing grants/sponsorships
- Experience in managing small teams
- Familiarity with UNDP, UN system, or international organizations
🌐 5. Language Requirements
- Fluency in English and Turkish is mandatory.
🧠 6. Key Competencies
A. Business Direction & Strategy
- Entrepreneurial thinking: Recognizing opportunities and delivering value
- Systems thinking: Understanding interdependent systems and predicting outcomes of changes
B. Business Management
- Portfolio management: Managing a mix of programs aligned to strategic goals
- Partnerships management: Building long-term, strategic collaborations
- Advocacy and outreach: Communicating effectively with stakeholders and the public
C. Private Sector Engagement
- Identifying opportunities for partnerships
- Leading dialogues and designing interventions
- Facilitating access to resources, networks, and markets for entrepreneurs
📍 7. Contract & Institutional Details
- Position type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) – only open to Turkish nationals or residents
- Grade: NPSA-9
- Location: Home-based or Istanbul, Türkiye
- Duration: 6-month full-time contract (with possible extension)
- Reports to: Technical Specialist, under the general guidance of the Deputy Director of ICPSD
💡 Why This Role Is Important
This job is ideal for professionals passionate about:
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Private sector-led development
- Youth empowerment and inclusion
- Technology-enabled learning and incubation
- Building impactful global partnerships
You will directly contribute to shaping and implementing global initiatives that empower entrepreneurs from underserved communities, promote sustainability, and bridge gaps in access to skills, mentorship, and capital.
Table of Contents
Would you like a tailored sample cover letter or CV to apply for this position?
Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst role — especially focused on themes of innovation, development, and strategic collaboration:
🔹 Themes: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Startups
- Incubation
- Acceleration
- Disruption
- Creativity
- Vision
- Opportunity
- Empowerment
- Digital
- Tech
- Resilience
- Future
🔹 Themes: Research & Data
- Insights
- Trends
- Analysis
- Evidence
- Metrics
- Reports
- Knowledge
- Policy
- Intelligence
- Mapping
🔹 Themes: Partnerships & Strategy
- Alliances
- Stakeholders
- Co-creation
- Networking
- Scaling
- Leverage
- Synergy
- Alignment
- Engagement
🔹 Themes: Development & Impact
- Inclusion
- Gender
- Youth
- Equity
- Jobs
- Transformation
- Sustainability
- Progress
- SDGs
- Local Action
Would you like me to generate a visual word cloud or graphic using these?
