UNDP Internship Opportunities: A Gateway to Global Development Careers . APPLY NOW

4 weeks agoLast Updated: November 11, 2024

6 minutes read

UNDP Internship Opportunities: A Gateway to Global Development Careers . APPLY NOW

Position : Multiple Internship
Location : Various
Organization : UNDP
Application Deadline : 31 Oct 2025

Introduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and advancing sustainable development worldwide. With its work spanning over 170 countries and territories, UNDP offers a wide array of internship opportunities that allow young professionals and students to engage in hands-on development work, contribute to global initiatives, and gain invaluable international experience. This article explores multiple internship openings at UNDP in various locations around the world, highlighting the benefits of such positions, the skills you will gain, and how to apply.

What is UNDP?

The UNDP is the UN’s global development network, working in close partnership with governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to implement programs that address the world’s most pressing development challenges. UNDP’s work is focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, with an emphasis on poverty reduction, climate action, and promoting peace and justice.

Interning at UNDP provides a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that have a direct impact on the lives of people around the world, from strengthening democratic governance to ensuring environmental sustainability.

Types of UNDP Internship Positions

UNDP offers internships across a broad range of functions, from policy and research to communications, data analytics, and project management. These positions are available in various regional offices, country offices, and the UNDP headquarters in New York. Below is a breakdown of some of the key roles you might find within the organization.

1. Research and Policy Internships

Research and policy internships are designed for individuals with a strong academic background in development studies, international relations, economics, or political science. These internships involve supporting UNDP’s research initiatives and providing analysis on key development issues. Tasks may include:

Conducting research on a variety of topics related to sustainable development, poverty, inequality, or governance.
Drafting policy briefs, reports, and recommendations.
Assisting in the preparation of background documents for meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Skills required:

Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
Proficiency in data collection and analysis.
Knowledge of global development issues.

2. Communications and Public Relations Internships

Communications interns at UNDP play a vital role in raising awareness about the organization’s work and enhancing its visibility on a global scale. Interns in this role may work on developing content for the UNDP website, social media platforms, and newsletters, or assist in organizing events and campaigns.

Tasks typically include:

Drafting social media posts, blog articles, and press releases.
Supporting the creation of multimedia content such as videos, infographics, and photos.
Assisting with outreach and engagement efforts to promote UNDP’s initiatives.

Skills required:

Strong writing and communication skills.
Familiarity with digital marketing and social media platforms.
Ability to work with creative software tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

3. Project Management Internships

Interns working in project management assist in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of UNDP development projects. They are involved in tasks such as project coordination, liaising with partners, and ensuring the smooth execution of activities on the ground.

Common duties include:

Tracking project progress and reporting on outcomes.
Preparing and organizing project meetings and workshops.
Coordinating with field offices and other stakeholders to ensure timely implementation.

Skills required:

Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Experience with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Trello).
Knowledge of international development frameworks and methodologies.

4. Environmental Sustainability Internships

As climate change continues to be a central issue for global development, UNDP offers internships related to environmental sustainability and climate action. These roles involve working on projects related to renewable energy, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy.

Interns may:

Assist with conducting environmental impact assessments.
Support the design and implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation programs.
Analyze data related to environmental trends and sustainable practices.

Skills required:

Background in environmental science, climate change, or sustainable development.
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
Knowledge of environmental policies and global environmental challenges.

5. Data and Monitoring Internships

With the increasing reliance on data for decision-making, UNDP seeks interns who can support its data collection and monitoring initiatives. These internships are ideal for individuals with a background in statistics, economics, or data science.

Locations of UNDP Internship Opportunities

Internships at UNDP are available at various locations worldwide, giving candidates the opportunity to gain experience in diverse cultural and professional settings. Some of the major locations where UNDP offers internships include:

1. New York, USA (Headquarters)

The UNDP headquarters in New York serves as the hub for strategic planning, coordination, and global policy advocacy. Interns at this location may work directly with senior officials, gain exposure to high-level decision-making processes, and contribute to large-scale international initiatives.

2. Regional and Country Offices

UNDP has offices across the world, from Africa to Asia and Latin America. Internship opportunities in these offices provide an opportunity to work directly on the ground in developing countries, assisting with program implementation and providing support for local capacity-building efforts. Notable locations include:

Bangkok, Thailand (Asia Pacific Regional Bureau)
Nairobi, Kenya (Regional Bureau for Africa)
Amman, Jordan (Arab States)
Mexico City, Mexico (Latin America and the Caribbean)

These offices offer diverse and dynamic work environments where interns can engage in various aspects of development work, including policy, finance, and partnerships.

3. Specialized Initiatives

UNDP also operates specialized initiatives such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Global Fund, and UNDP Crisis Response initiatives. Interns in these areas may assist with projects related to post-conflict reconstruction, disaster response, or sustainable development programs in fragile states.

Benefits of UNDP Internships

Interning with UNDP offers numerous personal and professional benefits:

Global Networking: UNDP internships provide opportunities to build connections with professionals from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, development experts, and international NGOs.
Skill Development: Interns develop valuable skills in areas such as research, communications, project management, and data analysis, all of which are highly transferable to other global organizations or the private sector.
Hands-on Experience: UNDP internships are designed to provide real-world experience. Interns actively contribute to ongoing projects and research, gaining practical knowledge in international development.
Exposure to International Development Issues: Interns gain first-hand exposure to the complexities of global development, including poverty reduction, climate change, governance, and human rights.
Potential for Future Employment: Many former UNDP interns have gone on to secure full-time positions within the UN system or other international organizations, thanks to the experience and connections gained during their internships.

How to Apply for a UNDP Internship

To apply for an internship with UNDP, you will need to:

Check the UNDP Careers Page: Visit the official UNDP careers website regularly for updated listings of available internships across various locations.
Submit an Online Application: The application process typically involves submitting your resume, a cover letter, and academic transcripts. Ensure your application is tailored to the specific internship and location you are applying for.
Eligibility Criteria: UNDP internships are open to students and recent graduates who are enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate degree program or have graduated within the past year.
Be Prepared for Interviews: If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview. This is your chance to showcase your passion for development, your skills, and your commitment to the UNDP’s mission.

Conclusion

Interning at the UNDP offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop your professional skills while contributing to vital global initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people worldwide. With opportunities available in research, communications, project management, and more, there’s an internship to suit a wide range of academic and professional interests. Whether you’re based in New York or working in a local community halfway around the world, a UNDP internship can serve as the first step toward a rewarding career in international development. Don’t miss the chance to make a meaningful impact—explore the UNDP internship opportunities today!