About the opportunity
The Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) serves as UNDP’s primary knowledge and advisory hub for the Europe and CIS region. The IRH Innovation and Digital Team employs systems thinking and future-oriented approaches to unearth new development pathways. The Project Manager will lead the Emerging Technology Acceleration Facility (ETAF), which aims to strengthen the capacity of UNDP, governments, and stakeholders to responsibly deploy emerging technologies. The role involves directing the facility’s implementation, building institutional capabilities, connecting cross-functional technical teams with blockchain expertise, and driving collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to accelerate digital innovation for sustainable development.
Salary and benefits
- International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA) contract
- Professional development within a global development organization
- Opportunity to lead high-impact innovation and emerging technology initiatives
- Engagement with a global network of development experts and blockchain ecosystems
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Political Science, Environmental Science, or a related field
- Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in the aforementioned fields plus two additional years of qualifying experience
- Minimum 5 years of working experience in innovation and alternative finance with a Master's degree, or 7 years with a Bachelor's degree
- Experience in project management in international organizations or European projects
- Experience working with emerging technologies
- Experience in leading multi-stakeholder processes in international development
- Fluency in English
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Academic credentials
- Proof of relevant work experience
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 2026-10-24
How to apply
- Review the full vacancy details on the official UNDP portal
- Ensure eligibility based on the tiered application process
- Submit the application through the official Oracle Recruiting Cloud portal
- Adhere to UNDP guidance on the responsible use of AI in recruitment
Additional information
- This position is an IPSA-10 grade role
- The contract duration is 1 year
- UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process
- The role is based at the Istanbul Regional Hub in Türkiye
- UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates and may retain applications for similar positions
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Professionals with a proven track record in innovation, blockchain, and alternative finance who are eager to apply these technologies to international development.
- Experienced project managers who have successfully navigated multi-stakeholder environments, particularly within international organizations or European projects.
- Individuals with a strong background in systems thinking and agile methodologies who can lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, regional hub environment.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a fixed-term, one-year contract, which may not suit those seeking long-term permanent employment.
- The application process follows a specific tiered system; candidates should verify their eligibility tier before applying to ensure their application is prioritized.
- The position requires significant experience in both technical emerging technology domains and high-level partnership development, which may be a narrow niche for some applicants.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for a mid-to-senior level professional to pivot into or solidify a career in international development innovation. It offers the chance to work at the intersection of emerging technology and global policy, providing high-level exposure to blockchain ecosystems and government-level digital transformation projects. For those looking to build a portfolio in systems-thinking and sustainable development, this position provides a platform to influence regional strategy and gain experience within the UN system.
Our take
This is a high-impact role for experienced innovation professionals who are comfortable managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects. It is particularly well-suited for those with a background in blockchain or emerging tech who want to apply their skills to global development challenges. Candidates should ensure they meet the specific years of experience and educational requirements before applying, as the selection process is highly competitive.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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