Are you a graduate student looking to gain international experience in global development, public policy, communications, or international relations? The UNDP Washington Internship 2027 Program offers an exciting opportunity to work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the United States.
UNDP Washington Internships 2027
This highly competitive internship allows students from around the world to contribute to UNDP’s mission while gaining practical experience in international development, communications, and policy engagement.
Although this is not a scholarship, it is a partially funded internship because selected interns receive a monthly stipend. However, participants are responsible for covering additional expenses such as travel, accommodation, health insurance, and visa costs.
UNDP Washington 2027 Internships Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United States |
| Internship Location | Washington, DC |
| Organization | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Program Type | Graduate Internship |
| Funding Type | Partially Funded Internship |
| Eligible Applicants | Graduate Students Worldwide |
| Internship Duration | 3-6 Months |
| Work Schedule | Minimum 24 Hours Per Week (At Least 3 Days Weekly) |
| Internship Categories | General Internship & Communications & Outreach Internship |
| Monthly Stipend | Yes |
| Health Insurance | Applicant Responsible |
| Visa Sponsorship | Applicants Responsible for Obtaining Visa |
| Internship Mode | In-Person, Remote, or Hybrid (Depending on Office Needs) |
| Spring 2027 Application Deadline | January 15, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 Application Deadline | June 15, 2027 |
Is the UNDP Washington 2027 Internship Fully Funded?
The UNDP Washington 2027 Internship is a partially funded internship.
Selected interns receive a monthly stipend, with the amount determined by the internship location. However, participants are responsible for several other expenses, including:
- Travel costs to and from Washington, DC.
- Accommodation and living expenses.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Visa application and processing fees.
- Any other personal expenses related to the internship.
While the monthly stipend helps offset some costs, applicants should be prepared to finance the remaining expenses independently or through their sponsoring institution.
About the UNDP Washington Internship Program
The UNDP Washington Representation Office (WRO) serves as the primary liaison between the United Nations Development Programme and key U.S. institutions, including the U.S. Congress, the State Department, the World Bank Group, diplomatic missions, civil society organizations, and the media.
Each year, the office welcomes talented graduate students from around the world to support its daily operations and development initiatives. Interns gain firsthand experience working on international development issues while participating in policy discussions, research, communications, and outreach activities.
The internship offers valuable exposure to high-level meetings, international conferences, and collaborative projects that contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
Internship Opportunities
The UNDP Washington Representation Office offers two internship tracks.
General Internship
The General Internship is designed for graduate students interested in international development, economics, public administration, law, government, and related fields.
Interns may be responsible for:
- Attending Congressional hearings and public policy events.
- Preparing briefings for UNDP staff.
- Responding to requests for UNDP information.
- Assisting with the planning and coordination of UNDP events.
- Updating media, government, and think-tank contact databases.
- Supporting the office’s day-to-day administrative and operational activities.
Applicants with previous experience on Capitol Hill or knowledge of the U.S. Congress are encouraged to apply, although it is not mandatory.
Communications & Outreach Internship
This internship is intended for graduate students with strong communication skills and an interest in public relations, media, and digital communications.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Updating the UNDP Washington website.
- Assisting with communications strategies and outreach campaigns.
- Researching and preparing materials for publication.
- Monitoring traditional and social media.
- Creating daily media reports.
- Supporting advocacy and public engagement initiatives.
Applicants with experience in social media management, content creation, video editing, website management, or media relations will have an added advantage.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the UNDP Washington 2027 Internship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate-level degree program.
- Study communications or a development-related field such as economics, environmental studies, public administration, business administration, or related disciplines.
- Return to their studies after completing the internship.
- Be available to work for at least three consecutive months.
- Commit to working a minimum of 24 hours per week (three days weekly).
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in global development.
- Be willing to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Respect the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose.
- Possess excellent written and spoken English skills.
Internship Benefits
Successful interns will receive several professional and learning benefits, including:
- Monthly internship stipend.
- Practical experience within a United Nations agency.
- Exposure to international development projects and policy discussions.
- Participation in conferences, meetings, and diplomatic events.
- Opportunities to build professional networks with international experts.
- Hands-on experience in communications, research, advocacy, and policy analysis.
- Flexible work arrangements, including remote or hybrid opportunities where applicable.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package consisting of:
- Cover Letter.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum two pages).
- Completed and signed UNDP Internship Application Form.
- One Reference Letter.
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Application Deadlines
Spring 2027 Internship
| Details | Date |
| Internship Starts | March 2027 |
| Internship Ends | June 15, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET) |
Fall 2027 Internship
| Details | Date |
| Internship Starts | September 2027 |
| Internship Ends | December 15, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | June 15, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET) |
Note: The UNDP Washington Representation Office does not offer a summer internship program.
How to Apply
To apply for the UNDP Washington 2027 Internship, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather the required documents:
- Cover Letter
- CV (maximum two pages)
- Completed and signed UNDP Internship Application Form
- One Reference Letter
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Email all application materials to:
Address your application to the Internship Coordinator.
Step 3: Use the Correct Email Subject
Your subject line should follow one of these formats:
- Internship Application – Spring Internship
- Internship Application – Fall Internship
Clearly indicate the internship period you are applying for.
Step 4: Wait for the Selection Process
The UNDP recruitment team will review all complete applications. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment or interviews. Due to the high number of applications received, only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
Internship Conditions
Selected interns should note the following conditions:
- Internships do not guarantee future employment with UNDP.
- Interns cannot apply for internal UNDP vacancies during the internship period.
- Applicants must obtain any required visa before starting the internship.
- Proof of valid health insurance is mandatory before arrival.
- Interns must maintain confidentiality regarding unpublished information obtained during the internship.
- Professional conduct consistent with UNDP values is expected throughout the internship.
Why Apply for the UNDP Washington Internship?
The UNDP Washington Internship provides graduate students with an outstanding opportunity to work at the heart of international development and global policymaking. Interns gain valuable professional experience, develop practical skills, and build connections with experts from governments, international organizations, and civil society.
Whether your career goal is in international development, diplomacy, communications, public policy, or global affairs, this internship offers meaningful exposure to the work of one of the world’s leading development organizations.
For more information and to download the internship application form, visit the official UNDP Internship webpage.
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