Migration Research Fellow

Position description

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) global organization mandated to leverage the role of the private sector in development. The ICPSD was established in Istanbul, Türkiye based on the Partnership Framework Agreement signed between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the United Nations Development Program in March 2011. The center is one of the five global thematic policy centers of UNDP, supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy, facilitation of public-private dialogue and brokering partnerships. ICPSD leads UNDP’s global work on private sector and foundations and supports UNDP’s offices all around the world.

Under its Crisis Response and Resilience thematic area, ICPSD actively supports a diverse range of private sector entities and communities in disaster-prone, conflict-affected, and economically challenged regions. The focus is on enhancing business resilience and crisis response capabilities through strategic partnerships and specialized technical support. ICPSD collaborates closely with UNDP and local stakeholders to conduct risk assessments, facilitate disaster risk reduction, and support recovery efforts. The approach ensures inclusive support for businesses of all sizes, from multinational corporations to MSMEs, focusing on critical economic sectors and geographic concentrations. Key services include Business Impact Assessments (BIAs) for effective crisis management, tailored business coaching programs, and initiatives to strengthen community and MSME resilience. Technical assistance in energy access and disaster risk financing is also provided to foster sustainable economic growth in vulnerable areas.

Project Description

Economic instability, forced displacement, climate-induced migration and social cohesion challenges continue to pose significant obstacles to sustainable development. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that integrates economic, social and environmental resilience strategies. Effective responses necessitate coordination among governments, civil society organizations, private sector actors, international organizations, academia, and affected communities.

ICPSD is actively working on studies and initiatives aimed at identifying gaps and opportunities within value chains, focusing on enhancing economic resilience and fostering inclusive growth. These efforts include analyzing the systemic barriers affecting local production and trade, assessing the challenges faced by value chain actors, and exploring innovative solutions to unlock livelihood opportunities. The work combines qualitative methods to capture the lived experiences of stakeholders with quantitative analyses to assess the broader economic landscape and identify actionable pathways for improvement. One of the key areas of focus is migration research, exploring how displacement affects local economies, access to essential services and social stability, while also identifying ways to strengthen resilience and integration for displaced populations and host communities.

To further these efforts, the fellowship program supports cutting-edge research in private sector development, focusing on value-chain optimization, livelihood enhancement, migration policies and the socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable groups. By fostering innovation and generating new insights, the program aims to contribute to both academic knowledge and practical solutions that create sustainable economic opportunities and build resilience in complex environments.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Fellow will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

No

Duties and responsibilities

% of time

1 Migration Research and Project Development

• Conduct economic analysis and research on migration-related projects, assessing their alignment with international funding priorities and private sector engagement.
• Support project development by identifying private sector partnerships, analyzing economic impacts of migration policies, and contributing to funding proposals.

40 %

2 Stakeholder Engagement and Data Collection

• Identify key stakeholders involved in migration at local, national and international levels.
• Conduct consultations with policymakers, humanitarian organizations and private sector actors to gather insights and validate research findings.

20 %

3 Report Writing

• Develop reports on donor funding trends, investment opportunities, and economic policies influencing migration.
• Develop case studies regarding innovative solutions in migration resilience, including business models, community-led initiatives and climate adaptation strategies.

40%

Required Skills and Experience

I. Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in migration studies, economics, development studies, international relations, public policy, social sciences or a related field is required.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in migration studies, economics, or related disciplines is an asset.

II. Experience:

• Solid experience in conducting research on migration, crisis response, and resilience, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions,
• Solid experience in developing and refining research projects, proposals, and research questions related to migration and resilience,
• Experience in migration policy analysis using appropriate research methods, tools, and techniques.

III. Language skills:

• Excellent written and oral English skills is a mandatory requirement.

IV. Other competencies and attitude:

• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation,
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities,
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability,
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.

Additional Information

• During the time of the fellowship, UNDP will provide a monthly stipend which will be determined for each duty station based on the stipend rates published yearly by the OHR Policy and Compensation Unit. The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis.
• Hours worked: Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
• There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following a fellowship.

Eligibility and Selection of Fellows

• In the case of Sponsoring Entity Fellowships, Fellows will be identified through collaboration between UNDP and the Sponsoring Entity. The eligibility criteria for specific fellowship initiatives will be agreed by the Sponsoring Entity and UNDP, taking into account UNDP’s expectations and the opportunities available at UNDP. The final selection of the Fellows will be done by UNDP. UNDP may limit the number of Fellows that may be received from a Sponsoring Entity at any given time.
• In the case of UNDP Corporate Fellowships, the selection of the Fellow will be done by UNDP based on the eligibility criteria detailed in the Fellowship Project/Programme Document governing the specific fellowship initiative.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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

Application instructions

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