UNDP Internship Opportunities: Launch Your Career with Global Impact . APPLY NOW

December 1, 2024Last Updated: December 1, 2024

6 minutes read

UNDP Internship Opportunities: Launch Your Career with Global Impact . APPLY NOW

Position : Multiple Internship
Location : Various
Organization : UNDP
Application Deadline : 31 Oct2025

Introduction

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the leading global organizations committed to fostering human development, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and addressing critical global challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality. With its broad international scope and numerous initiatives aimed at building a better future for everyone, the UNDP offers an incredible platform for young professionals to begin their careers.

If you’re looking for an internship with a world-renowned organization, you’ll be excited to know that UNDP offers a variety of internship positions in different sectors and locations. In this blog, we will explore some of the multiple internship opportunities available at UNDP across various regions, helping you navigate the application process and understand the significance of the roles.

Why Intern at UNDP?

Interning at the UNDP is more than just a way to start your professional career—it’s an opportunity to make a global impact. UNDP internships provide exposure to international development policies and practices, the chance to work alongside experts in the field, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

UNDP offers interns the following key benefits:

Hands-On Experience: Interns contribute to real-time projects that impact both local communities and global development.
Global Networking: As an intern, you will interact with professionals, experts, and policymakers from various sectors around the world.
Skill Development: Gain valuable skills in research, project management, data analysis, and policy development.
Diverse Locations: With internship opportunities in various countries, you can gain exposure to different cultural, economic, and political environments.

Let’s dive into the multiple internship positions available with UNDP across different regions and functions.

1. Internship Opportunities in UNDP Headquarters (New York, USA)

The UNDP headquarters in New York is home to a wide range of global initiatives. Interns working in the headquarters will find themselves at the heart of international policy development and coordination.

Available Positions:

Policy and Advocacy Interns: Assist in the development of strategic policy documents and research initiatives. Interns support efforts to promote the UNDP’s mission in areas like climate change, poverty reduction, and governance.
Sustainable Development Interns: Contribute to programs focused on achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Tasks may include data collection, research analysis, and drafting reports on SDG progress.
Communication Interns: Help in the creation of content for UNDP’s social media platforms, websites, and newsletters. You’ll also assist with campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the organization’s work around the globe.

Ideal Candidates:

Strong academic background in international relations, political science, economics, sustainable development, or communications.
Good analytical skills and ability to work in a dynamic environment.
Experience in social media, journalism, or communications is a plus.

2. UNDP Internship Opportunities in Asia and the Pacific

Asia and the Pacific is a key region for UNDP’s work in promoting inclusive development and poverty alleviation. The region hosts some of the most diverse cultures, and the challenges faced here range from climate-related issues to socio-economic disparities.

Available Positions:

Governance and Rule of Law Interns: Support governance projects by assisting with policy research, organizing workshops, and working with local governments to strengthen their institutions.
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Interns: Contribute to environmental projects focused on reducing carbon emissions, implementing climate change adaptation strategies, and supporting sustainable resource management.
Economic Development Interns: Assist in projects aimed at reducing inequality and promoting inclusive growth. Interns will help gather data, analyze trends, and support economic development strategies across various countries in the region.

Ideal Candidates:

Interest in Asia-Pacific’s development issues.
Background in environmental science, governance, economics, or sustainable development.
Fluency in English, with proficiency in additional regional languages being a plus.

3. UNDP Internship Opportunities in Africa

Africa is home to diverse development challenges, ranging from health crises to human rights issues, all of which the UNDP is actively addressing. Interning in one of Africa’s many UNDP offices will provide you with invaluable exposure to international development work in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-evolving regions.

Available Positions:

Health and Development Interns: Support the design and implementation of health interventions aimed at reducing disease burden and improving access to quality healthcare.
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Interns: Work on projects aimed at strengthening peace and security across the continent. Tasks may include research, organizing peacebuilding events, and supporting local governments in post-conflict recovery.
Youth Empowerment and Employment Interns: Focus on initiatives that provide youth with skills and employment opportunities. This includes analyzing labor market trends, conducting surveys, and supporting projects that create job opportunities for young people.

Ideal Candidates:

A passion for development work in Africa.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Background in public health, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, or youth development.

4. UNDP Internship Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Latin America and Caribbean region is characterized by both tremendous economic potential and significant challenges. From strengthening governance structures to addressing the climate crisis, UNDP’s work in this region covers a broad spectrum of issues.

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Available Positions:

Democratic Governance Interns: Assist in promoting transparent governance and the rule of law. Tasks could involve conducting political analysis, supporting electoral processes, or strengthening civil society organizations.
Disaster Risk Reduction Interns: Work on initiatives that address natural disasters and humanitarian crises. The role may involve assessing disaster risks, analyzing responses, and contributing to recovery strategies.
Gender Equality Interns: Contribute to gender-focused development programs that empower women and promote equality. Interns may assist with research on gender-based violence, economic opportunities for women, and promoting women’s leadership.

Ideal Candidates:

Strong interest in socio-political dynamics in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Background in political science, governance, international relations, or gender studies.
Fluency in Spanish or Portuguese is preferred.

5. UNDP Internship Opportunities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Eastern Europe and Central Asia represent a diverse range of development challenges and opportunities. From post-Soviet transitions to tackling the effects of climate change, UNDP’s regional offices here provide numerous avenues for interns interested in international development.

Available Positions:

Economic Policy Interns: Support the design of macroeconomic policies, focusing on fiscal policies, poverty reduction, and financial inclusion.
Environmental Governance Interns: Work on policy and programs related to sustainable environmental governance, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
Human Rights and Justice Interns: Assist in promoting human rights, with a focus on ensuring equal rights and justice for marginalized groups, such as minorities and refugees.

Ideal Candidates:

Strong academic background in economics, law, or environmental sciences.
Interest in the post-Soviet region’s development.
Fluency in Russian or other local languages is a plus.

Application Process for UNDP Internships

To apply for an internship at the UNDP, candidates typically need to meet the following criteria:

Educational Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at the time of application. Some positions may also require specific degrees.
Languages: Fluency in English is often required, but proficiency in other UN official languages, such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, can be advantageous.
Skills and Experience: Experience in international development, research, and data analysis is often preferred but not always required. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills, adaptability, and a commitment to development issues.

Applications can be submitted online via the UNDP website, where specific internship openings are listed. The deadline for applications varies, so it is important to check for each role’s specific timeline.

Conclusion

UNDP internships offer a unique opportunity to gain experience in global development, collaborate with international experts, and contribute to impactful projects that drive change. Whether you are interested in policy, governance, climate change, or economic development, there is likely an internship at UNDP that aligns with your career aspirations.

By interning at UNDP, you will gain valuable hands-on experience, expand your professional network, and be part of an organization that is making a real difference in the world. If you are ready to start your journey in international development, the UNDP internship program is the perfect stepping stone to launch your career.