Research Analyst – SDG Financing and Private Sector Development at UNDP Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD).

February 17, 2025

12 minutes read

The Research Analyst position at UNDP in Istanbul, Türkiye, focuses on SDG financing and private sector development. The role is part of the Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) within the Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD). Below is a detailed breakdown of the job:

1. Organization Backgroundhttp://Research Analyst – UNDP Istanbul Job Posting

The UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) works globally to promote sustainable development, crisis recovery, and governance.
The Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is one of five global UNDP policy centers.
It helps engage the private sector in development efforts through research, policy advice, and technical support.

2. Job Purpose

The Research Analyst will support UNDP’s efforts in mobilizing private sector investments for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in countries like Morocco, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Planning & Research

Conduct research on private sector engagement in SDG financing.
Analyze investment opportunities in emerging markets.
Develop policy recommendations for UNDP and government partners.
Prepare reports, proposals, and strategic plans for sustainable financing initiatives.

B. Coordination & Project Execution

Manage and coordinate SDG finance-related projects.
Work with UNDP country offices, private sector actors, investors, and governments.
Support UNDP’s Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA) initiative.
Monitor project milestones and provide risk mitigation strategies.

C. Stakeholder Engagement & Fundraising

Identify potential investors and partners for impact investing.
Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and networking events.
Prepare funding proposals, presentations, and donor reports.

4. Required Qualifications & Skills@vacancyspaces.com

A. Education

Master’s degree in international relations, political science, economic development, business administration, or related fields (preferred).
Bachelor’s degree acceptable with at least 2 years of relevant experience.

B. Experience & Skills

With Master’s degree: No work experience required.
With Bachelor’s degree: At least 2 years of experience in sustainable finance, impact investing, or related research.
Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
Experience in market analysis, investment strategy, and development finance is a plus.
Knowledge of UNDP, UN system, or international organizations is preferred.

C. Language Requirements

Fluency in English and French (both required).

5. Contract Details

Job Type: Full-time (International Personnel Service Agreement – IPSA-8)
Duration: 6 months (maximum of 130 working days)
Location: Istanbul, Türkiye
Application Deadline: February 18, 2025

6. Why is This Role Important?

This position helps bridge the gap between private sector investment and sustainable development, ensuring that businesses contribute effectively to SDG financing. The role also plays a key part in strengthening UNDP’s partnerships with investors, businesses, and governments.

Would you like help in preparing a resume, cover letter, or interview strategy for this position?

Certainly! Below is a detailed, in-depth explanation of the Research Analyst role at UNDP Istanbul, including the organization’s mission, job responsibilities, required skills, competencies, and career growth potential.

Research Analyst – UNDP Istanbul: A Comprehensive Overview

1. About the Organization – UNDP and Its Role in Global Development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading agency within the United Nations system focused on global development, poverty eradication, crisis response, and sustainable growth. With operations in nearly 170 countries and territories, UNDP works with governments, private sector organizations, and civil society to help nations achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

At its core, UNDP emphasizes the principles of:

Sustainability – Creating long-term development solutions.
Equity and Inclusion – Ensuring that no one is left behind.
Innovation – Leveraging modern technology and finance for development.
Partnerships – Engaging with businesses, investors, and stakeholders to scale up development efforts.

As part of this global effort, UNDP established the Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) in 2011, in partnership with the Government of Türkiye. This center is one of UNDP’s five global thematic policy centers, dedicated to mobilizing the private sector as an active contributor to sustainable development.

2. Introduction to the Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH) and ICPSD’s Role

To streamline its efforts in sustainable finance, UNDP launched the Sustainable Finance Hub (SFH), which brings together:

Investment experts, economists, and private sector specialists to improve financial solutions for SDGs.
A platform to connect governments, businesses, and financial institutions to fund critical development projects.
A policy and research arm, helping countries design financing models that promote inclusive economic growth.

Under SFH, the Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) provides technical advisory services to engage businesses and investors in key areas such as:

Private Sector Engagement in South-South Cooperation.
Digital Transformation and Skills Development.
SDG Financing and Private Sector Development.
Resilience and Crisis Response.

The Research Analyst role falls under the SDG Financing and Private Sector Development category, focusing on strategies that help attract impact investments for sustainable projects.

3. Job Purpose – Why This Role Matters

Bridging the Gap Between the Private Sector and Development Finance

Global development financing requires trillions of dollars annually, but public funds alone are not sufficient. To bridge this gap, UNDP actively promotes private sector investments in SDG-aligned projects such as:

Renewable energy infrastructure.
Sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives.
Microfinance and financial inclusion programs for underserved populations.
Affordable housing and urban development.
Climate resilience and adaptation projects.

The Research Analyst will play a critical role in:

Conducting research on how private sector financing can be integrated into SDG-focused projects.
Assisting policy development that makes investment environments in Morocco, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo more attractive to global investors.
Supporting the implementation of the Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA) program, funded by the Italian Government.
Building relationships with financial institutions, development banks, and investors to mobilize funds for UNDP projects.

4. Key Responsibilities

The Research Analyst will be responsible for three primary areas:

A. Strategic Planning & Research

Conduct market research and investment landscape analysis for SDG-aligned projects.
Assess how private investors, impact funds, and financial institutions can participate in sustainable development initiatives.
Develop policy recommendations that help governments attract foreign direct investment (FDI) for SDG financing.
Contribute to high-quality research publications, case studies, and policy papers.
Monitor global trends in impact investing, blended finance, and sustainable financial instruments.

B. Project Coordination & Implementation

Support the design and execution of projects under PISTA, focusing on sustainable finance and private sector engagement.
Coordinate with UNDP Country Offices in Morocco, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo to implement financing solutions.

he job posting you’re referring to is for a Research Analyst position at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD). This role is integral to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by engaging the private sector in development initiatives.

Background:

The ICPSD, established in 2011 in partnership with the Government of Türkiye, is one of UNDP’s five Global Thematic Policy Centers. It serves as a catalyst for private sector and foundation involvement in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Center focuses on four thematic areas:

Private Sector Engagement through South-South Cooperation for the SDGs: Facilitating collaboration among developing countries to share knowledge, skills, and successful strategies for sustainable development.
Private Sector Engagement in Digital Transformation and Skills Development: Promoting digital innovation and enhancing skill sets to meet evolving market demands.
SDG Financing and Private Sector Development: Diversifying funding sources and attracting private impact capital to finance SDG-related projects.
Resilience and Crisis Response: Strengthening the capacity of communities and businesses to withstand and recover from crises.

Role and Responsibilities:

As a Research Analyst, you will support the SDG Financing and Private Sector Development portfolio. Your key responsibilities include:

Strategic Planning and Execution: Conduct in-depth analyses on the private sector’s role in SDG financing, develop policy guidance materials, and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure timely execution of activities.
Coordination and Facilitation: Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and training sessions, manage logistics, and support procurement processes in compliance with UNDP policies.
Outreach and Relationship Management: Engage with investors, market players, and development partners to foster collaborations, identify funding opportunities, and prepare project proposals and reports.

Competencies:

The role requires a blend of core and technical competencies:

Core Competencies: Attention to detail, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, effective communication, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Technical Competencies: Proficiency in business development, partnership management, data analysis, and digital tools.

Qualifications:

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as international relations, political science, economic development, or business/public administration is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience: For candidates with a Master’s degree, no prior professional experience is required. Those with a Bachelor’s degree should have at least two years of research experience in sustainable investments or finance.
Skills: Proficiency in MS Office applications, experience in drafting high-quality materials, and familiarity with investment landscape analysis are desirable.
Languages: Fluency in English and French is mandatory.

Contract Details:

This is a short-term position at the IPSA-8 level, based in Istanbul, Türkiye. The contract duration is six months, with a maximum of 130 working days within the calendar period.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline on February 18, 2025, at 10:59 PM. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from individuals identifying with marginalized or excluded populations.

For more details and to apply, please visit the official job posting on the UNDP Careers website.

Please note that UNDP does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment proc

Research Analyst Position at UNDP Istanbul: A Detailed Overview

1. Understanding UNDP’s Mission and Its Global Impact

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stands as the leading international organization dedicated to poverty eradication, sustainable development, and global peace. UNDP operates in over 170 countries and territories, collaborating with governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to address critical development challenges. Through its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP works to eradicate extreme poverty, combat inequality, and promote sustainable economic growth.

Since its establishment in 1965, UNDP has become a vital partner in advancing international development, focusing on multiple key areas such as climate change, governance, democratic institution building, and disaster resilience. This multifaceted approach allows UNDP to empower nations to achieve long-term, sustainable growth and ensure no one is left behind.

UNDP’s mission is rooted in social justice, focusing on the principle that all people, regardless of their social background, should have access to opportunities for economic empowerment, education, and healthcare. Through its work, UNDP leverages expertise, innovative financing models, and partnerships to foster collaborative, inclusive development.

2. The Role of the Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD)

In 2011, in partnership with the Government of Türkiye, UNDP established the Istanbul Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) as part of a broader effort to engage the private sector as a crucial partner in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As one of the five global Thematic Policy Centers of UNDP, ICPSD provides policy advice, research, and technical services to the private sector, foundations, and governments. It focuses on the following thematic areas:

Private Sector Engagement in South-South Cooperation for the SDGs:
South-South Cooperation aims to promote mutual learning between developing countries. The ICPSD leverages this cooperation to promote knowledge exchange, partnerships, and collaborative efforts that bring about sustainable development solutions across countries in the Global South.
Private Sector Engagement in Digital Transformation and Skills Development:
As the world faces an unprecedented digital revolution, ICPSD aims to transform industries and economies by fostering digital skills and advancing technological solutions for sustainable development. By assisting the private sector in integrating digital transformation, the center contributes to enhancing resilience, productivity, and capacity building.
SDG Financing and Private Sector Development:
A core aspect of UNDP’s mission is to help countries mobilize financial resources for the SDGs. ICPSD focuses on developing strategies to attract private investments into development projects. This includes identifying funding opportunities and crafting innovative financial instruments for SDG-aligned investments.
Resilience and Crisis Response:
In an era of increasing natural and human-made crises, ICPSD helps the private sector to build resilience and contribute to effective crisis response strategies. This thematic area ensures that businesses can contribute to development in times of crisis, ensuring long-term sustainability and recovery efforts.

3. Position Context – The Importance of the Research Analyst Role

As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, economic inequality, and resource scarcity, there is a critical need for innovative financing solutions to fund projects that can drive economic sustainability. The Research Analyst role, situated in the SDG Financing and Private Sector Development portfolio, is designed to strengthen this financing strategy by engaging with both the private sector and development partners.

This role is vital to UNDP’s ability to facilitate partnerships and mobilize resources needed for the SDGs. It focuses on enabling the private sector to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development by conducting market research, identifying investment opportunities, and helping design financial mechanisms to align private sector capital with global development goals.

Through research and analysis, the Research Analyst will support the efforts of the Impact Investing Programme, which plays an essential role in bringing together public and private finance for SDG-related investments. This role will also be central to the execution of the Platform for Investment Support and Technical Assistance (PISTA) project, which focuses on advancing SDG financing mechanisms in countries like Morocco, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo.

4. Responsibilities of the Research Analyst

The Research Analyst will work closely with the Deputy Director and the Impact Investing Programme Management Specialist to manage research, policy development, and project execution within the SDG Financing and Private Sector Development portfolio. The primary responsibilities of the Research Analyst include:

A. Strategic Planning and Execution

Research and Policy Development:
Conduct in-depth research on private sector involvement in SDG financing, particularly in emerging markets. This includes identifying trends in impact investing, blended finance, and innovative financial instruments.
Activity Planning:
Develop work plans, schedules, and timelines for various projects. This includes coordinating the implementation of activities under PISTA, ensuring all milestones and deliverables are met according to the agreed schedule.
Risk and Challenge Mitigation:
Identify potential risks and challenges that could arise during the execution of activities. The Research Analyst will provide recommendations and strategies to address these issues proactively.
Stakeholder Coordination:
Work with partners, donors, governments, and investors to ensure alignment with SDG financing strategies. The Research Analyst will support the coordination of these diverse stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to SDG financing.

B. Project Coordination and Facilitation

Meetings and Workshops:
Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and meetings with project stakeholders, including investors, private sector representatives, and development partners. The Research Analyst will manage the logistics, prepare materials, and ensure smooth execution of these events.
Procurement and Contracting:
Assist in procurement processes, including drafting contracts and ensuring compliance with UNDP’s policies. This also involves maintaining organized records of all documents, including contracts, correspondence, and reports.

C. Outreach and Relationship Management

Engagement with Investors and Partners:
Identify potential investors and market players within the private sector, foundations, and donor governments. The Research Analyst will conduct consultations to understand the roles and contributions these actors can bring to the SDG financing landscape.
Preparation of Project Proposals and Reports:
Draft and refine project proposals, concept notes, and donor progress reports. The Research Analyst will also create pitch decks for potential investors and stakeholders to secure funding for SDG-related projects.

D. Cross-functional Responsibilities

Support to Other Areas:
The Research Analyst may also be involved in supporting other activities within the organization, ensuring the overall efficiency and success of the SDG Financing and Private Sector Development portfolio.

5. Required Skills and Competencies

Core Competencies

Achievement of Results: Demonstrates attention to detail, time management, and a drive to achieve high-quality outputs within set deadlines.
Innovation and Problem Solving: Open-minded and innovative, with the ability to apply creative solutions to complex problems related to SDG financing and private sector engagement.
Adaptability: Ability to manage ambiguity, adapt to change, and remain flexible when dealing with shifting priorities or emerging challenges.
Effective Communication: Clear, concise, and diplomatic in communication, able to engage stakeholders across different levels of seniority and cultural backgrounds.

Technical Competencies

Research and Knowledge Generation: Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and transforming research into actionable policy recommendations and strategies.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to build and sustain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including investors, government officials, and development organizations.
Business Management: Knowledge of financial management, including the ability to design and implement sustainable business models and investment strategies aligned with the SDGs.

6. Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as international relations, political science, economic development, or business/public administration. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Experience:
For candidates with a Master’s degree, no prior professional experience is required. However, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree must have at least two years of research experience in sustainable finance or impact investing.
Languages:
Fluency in English and French is essential for this position, given the need to communicate with international stakeholders and partners.

Conclusion and Application Details

This role is an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about contributing to the global sustainable development agenda. The Research Analyst position at UNDP Istanbul offers a unique chance to be involved in cutting-edge financing mechanisms and private sector development for SDG achievement. With responsibilities ranging from research and policy development to stakeholder engagement and project management, this role is perfect for individuals with a strong interest in development finance, international relations, and private sector engagement.