UNAIDS Internship Opportunities: Global Career Launchpad for Aspiring Professionals . APPLY NOW / 2025 Update

Introduction

UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) is a globally recognized organization committed to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. By providing leadership, coordination, and technical expertise, UNAIDS leads efforts to ensure universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. It operates in over 90 countries, working with governments, civil society organizations, and other international partners to combat HIV/AIDS.

One of the ways UNAIDS brings new talent into the global health field is through its internship program. These internships provide young professionals with the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working alongside experts in the HIV/AIDS field, while contributing to UNAIDS’ mission. Below is a detailed overview of the multiple internship opportunities available from UNAIDS across various global locations. This guide will offer insights into the program’s structure, benefits, application processes, and the diverse range of roles available, ensuring that students and recent graduates can seize these life-changing opportunities.

What is the UNAIDS Internship Program?

The UNAIDS internship program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with practical experience in an international organization. The internship lasts from six weeks to six months, depending on the specific project needs and the location. It is an excellent opportunity to work on global health issues, gain exposure to a multinational work environment, and contribute to UNAIDS’ efforts to reduce the global HIV burden.

Why Apply for UNAIDS Internships?

There are several compelling reasons to apply for UNAIDS internships:

1. Gain Practical Experience: Interns are not given mundane tasks. Instead, they contribute to real-world projects that affect millions of lives globally. The hands-on experience offers unique insights into how global health organizations operate, especially in the HIV/AIDS field.
2. Global Networking: UNAIDS is a global entity, and as an intern, you will interact with colleagues from around the world. Building relationships with professionals from different cultures and backgrounds is a valuable asset for any aspiring career in international development or public health.
3. Skills Development: UNAIDS offers interns the opportunity to hone various professional skills such as project management, research, data analysis, advocacy, and communication. These skills are transferable to multiple sectors and will be beneficial throughout your career.
4. Exposure to the UN System: UNAIDS operates within the broader United Nations system, which means that interning with the organization provides exposure to UN policies, protocols, and the workings of international diplomacy and development.
5. Global Impact: Interns at UNAIDS are working towards an important cause—ending the AIDS epidemic. The work done directly contributes to improving health systems, addressing inequality, and supporting human rights.

Internship Roles at UNAIDS

UNAIDS internships are available in a variety of roles, each contributing to the organization’s mission in different ways. Some of the key areas where internships are available include:

1. Research and Policy Development

Interns in this area assist in researching global health issues, analyzing data on HIV/AIDS trends, and supporting the development of UNAIDS’ policy positions. They may contribute to reports and publications that influence global strategies on HIV prevention and treatment.

Locations: Geneva (Headquarters), New York, Washington D.C., and regional offices around the world.

2. Communications and Advocacy

Communications interns work on creating awareness campaigns, managing social media platforms, and assisting with the publication of UNAIDS reports and newsletters. Advocacy interns work on promoting UNAIDS’ policies and programs at the national and international level, focusing on mobilizing key stakeholders such as governments, donors, and NGOs.

Locations: Geneva, New York, Bangkok, Pretoria, and other regional hubs.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

M&E interns support UNAIDS in evaluating and tracking the progress of HIV/AIDS programs and policies. They may assist in collecting data, analyzing project outcomes, and providing feedback for continuous improvement in UNAIDS’ operations.

Locations: Geneva, Nairobi, and regional offices in sub-Saharan Africa.

4. Finance and Administration

Finance interns may be involved in managing budgets, processing financial reports, or assisting with auditing and compliance functions. Administrative interns provide support to the smooth running of UNAIDS offices through administrative tasks, scheduling, and coordination of meetings and events.

Locations: Geneva, Bangkok, and regional offices.

5. Human Resources (HR)

Interns in HR support the recruitment process, onboarding new staff, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations in managing personnel. They may also assist in employee engagement activities, workshops, and professional development events.

Locations: Geneva, Addis Ababa, and other regional offices.

6. Programs and Project Management

Interns working in program management will help support the planning, coordination, and implementation of specific UNAIDS programs, especially in resource-limited settings. They might work directly with partners and stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of services related to HIV prevention and treatment.

Locations: Various global offices, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

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UNAIDS Internship Locations and Global Reach

UNAIDS internships are available in multiple countries, spanning every continent. Here is a brief overview of some key locations where UNAIDS offers internships:

1. Geneva, Switzerland (Headquarters): This is the central hub for UNAIDS’ global operations. Interns in Geneva can expect to work on high-level policy issues, global coordination of programs, and development of international strategies for HIV/AIDS.
2. New York, USA: UNAIDS’ presence in New York provides an opportunity for interns to work closely with the United Nations Headquarters, particularly in areas such as policy advocacy, diplomacy, and multilateral partnerships.
3. Bangkok, Thailand: UNAIDS’ Asia-Pacific office offers internship opportunities focused on the region’s unique HIV/AIDS challenges. Interns may be involved in regional coordination, outreach programs, and data collection to inform national responses to HIV.
4. Pretoria, South Africa: South Africa serves as a regional hub for Southern Africa. Interns here might support efforts on HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs across several countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
5. Nairobi, Kenya: The Nairobi office is essential for coordinating UNAIDS efforts in East Africa, focusing on critical issues like HIV prevention, treatment access, and community-based interventions.
6. Regional Offices: UNAIDS has regional offices in multiple locations, including Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. These offices offer opportunities for interns to engage in regional strategies, development programs, and collaborative initiatives.

Eligibility and Application Process

To apply for a UNAIDS internship, candidates generally need to meet the following criteria:

• Education: Interns should be enrolled in a graduate or post-graduate program or have completed their studies in fields related to public health, international relations, social sciences, communications, economics, or similar disciplines.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), strong research abilities, and proficiency in data analysis and project management are preferred. Knowledge of multiple languages is a plus, especially French and Spanish, in addition to English.
• Motivation: Applicants should be passionate about global health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS, and have a strong desire to contribute to UNAIDS’ mission.

Application Process: Internship vacancies are posted on the UNAIDS website and typically require applicants to submit a CV, cover letter, and references. The application process varies by region and office, so it’s crucial to check the specific application deadlines for the role you’re interested in.

Conclusion: A Step Toward a Global Health Career

A UNAIDS internship is more than just a job—it is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on global health while gaining experience and skills in the HIV/AIDS field. For students and recent graduates, this internship program can serve as a vital stepping stone to a career in international development, public health, or human rights.

Whether you are interested in research, communications, program management, or monitoring and evaluation, UNAIDS offers a broad array of internships that promise both personal and professional growth. With numerous locations around the world, UNAIDS is empowering the next generation of leaders in global health to join the fight against HIV/AIDS and make a difference.

Apply today, and take the first step toward contributing to the world’s largest health crisis—and helping to end it once and for all.

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