Are you a student or recent graduate seeking a meaningful internship with global impact? The 2026 United Nations UNDP Internship offers talented individuals worldwide the chance to contribute to sustainable development initiatives while gaining professional experience.
With a monthly stipend of approximately $1000, this internship is a valuable opportunity to join the UNDP mission and boost your credentials in international development.
What Is the UNDP Internship?
The UNDP Internship Program is part of the UNDP’s People Programmes, designed to engage emerging talent across its country offices, regional hubs, and headquarters.
Interns play supporting roles in policy, communications, human resources, innovation, and other development areas.
Typically, internships run for up to six months (some may extend to nine months if required for academic credit) and may be conducted full-time, part-time, in-person, hybrid, or remotely depending on the duty station.
Interns receive a monthly stipend (amount depends on location) but must cover their own travel, accommodation, visa, and insurance costs.
2026 UNDP Internship Snapshot
| Item | Detail |
| Internship Host | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Eligible Applicants | Students (undergraduate in final year, or enrolled in graduate programs), recent graduates (within one year) |
| Duration | Up to 6 months (sometimes up to 9 months for credit) |
| Stipend | Approximately US$1000 per month (for certain duty stations, e.g. Copenhagen) |
| Workstreams / Areas | People Development (Onboarding, Leadership, Capability, Career, Communication) |
| Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 for Spring and 15 June 2026 for Fall |
Who Can Apply? UNDP internship eligibility 2026
To be considered for the 2026 UNDP Internship, candidates typically must satisfy one of these criteria:
- Be enrolled in a graduate program (second degree or equivalent or higher).
- Be in the final year of undergraduate (bachelor’s) studies.
- Have graduated with a first or higher degree and be within one year of graduation.
Other desirable qualifications include:
- Demonstrated interest or experience in areas like People Development, Leadership, Communication, Data & Knowledge Management.
- Strong communication, organizational ability, analytic and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in English; knowledge of French or Spanish is a plus.
- Familiarity with software tools, digital platforms, design or content tools may be beneficial.
Interns are usually selected based on merit, fit to the office requirements, and alignment with UNDP’s mission.
What You’ll Do — Intern Responsibilities & Workstreams
Interns may choose up to two preferred workstreams, depending on availability and their skills. Among the possible roles in People Development at UNDP:
- Onboarding & People Management Intern
- Leadership Development Intern
- Capability Development Intern
- Career Development Intern
- Communication Intern
Your typical tasks might include:
- Supporting onboarding and training initiatives
- Assisting with leadership development programs
- Helping with career mapping, learning strategies, evaluation
- Drafting communications, social media, knowledge dissemination
- Data and knowledge management tasks
- Contributing to reporting, research, analysis, project documentation
Benefits & Limitations
What You Gain
- Real-world experience in a UN agency and international development
- Exposure to policy, programmatic, and administrative functions
- Networking with professionals in global development
- A monthly stipend (location-dependent)
- Learning opportunities through UNDP internal resources and training
Limitations / Things to Note
- The stipend may not fully cover all living costs (housing, travel, visa, insurance)
- Interns are not staff and do not automatically gain a job after the internship
- Application competition is high
- You must arrange for your visa, insurance, and relocation in many cases
How to apply UNDP internship
- Monitor UNDP Careers / Internship Listings: All UNDP internship opportunities are posted on the UNDP careers/jobs portal.
- Select Desired Workstream(s): Choose one or two areas aligned with your skills (e.g. People Development, Communication).
- Prepare Required Documents
- Updated CV / Résumé
- Cover letter / Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of enrolment or graduation
- Language certificates, if needed
- Portfolio or writing samples (if required)
- Apply before the deadline, 15 January 2026 for Spring and 15 June 2026 for Fall
- Wait for Shortlisting & Interview: If selected, you’ll be contacted for interviews or assessments.
For more details about this internship, click here.
Tips to Stand Out & Boost Success
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific workstream
- Highlight any previous volunteer, development, or research experience
- Demonstrate knowledge of UNDP’s mission and Sustainable Development Goals
- Showcase strong communication skills (writing, editing)
- If remote/in-office work is possible, emphasize flexibility
- Acquire relevant certifications or online modules (e.g. in data, project management)
- Network and stay active in international development communities
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