UNDP Internship Program 2025 | Apply Now

The UNDP Internship Program is the ideal choice if you’re searching for a chance to obtain worthwhile experience in the fields of global development and poverty alleviation! The program gives recent graduates and current students practical experience in the most important development projects in nations across the globe. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of a world-renowned organization such as the United Nations Development Program while additionally supporting initiatives aimed at assisting individuals in need. This internship not only gives me a better understanding of UNDP strategy and solutions, but it also gives me insight into how we’re doing in terms of achieving these objectives.

For motivated individuals, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) offers fantastic chances to work and support the global development of nations. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with skilled staff and gain from their knowledgeable leadership while tackling global issues like poverty, inequality, and economic development. Aspiring individuals have the opportunity to significantly impact their communities with this impactful curriculum. This can involve anything from promoting access to educational resources to fighting for necessities like food and water. In a variety of fields, including public health, human rights, economics, the environment, and technology, UNDP provides fulfilling job opportunities that enable interns to get practical experience while significantly impacting the world.

An internship with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) offers young people a once-in-a-lifetime chance to obtain priceless knowledge about how the UN operates. It gives interns the chance to learn about cutting-edge research, work on sustainable development projects in exciting places across the world, and make a significant contribution to the overall development of their nations. The UNDP program gives interns a firsthand look at real-world problems. They can benefit from opportunities for professional growth by participating in a range of UN activities, such as climate change projects and human rights action plans.

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About the UNDP Internship Program

The United Nations Special Fund, founded in 1958, and the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, founded in 1949, merged to become UNDP. The United Nations General Assembly created UNDP as we know it today in 1965.

The UNDP Internship Program is designed to provide young talents with a platform to gain practical experience in areas like economic development, environmental sustainability, and governance. Interns get the chance to work alongside UNDP professionals on meaningful projects that support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through this program, participants can build skills, expand their professional network, and make a tangible impact on global development initiatives. With offices around the world, the program offers diverse opportunities that accommodate a wide range of skills and interests.

Our Goals & Mandate

UNDP, the principal United Nations agency for international development, strives to end poverty and lessen inequality in 170 nations and territories. To accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals, we assist nations in building institutional capacities, partnerships, leadership talents, and policies. Poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality are the six main development themes that form the foundation of our work and are referred to as our trademark solutions.

Mission and Vision: The UNDP’s mission is to eradicate poverty and establish inclusive institutions, democratic governance, and the rule of law. We promote transformation and link nations to resources, expertise, and information to help people create better lives.

The UN Charter: Following the United Nations Conference on International Organization, the United Nations Charter was signed in San Francisco on June 26, 1945, and it became operative on October 24 of the same year. Maintaining global peace and security, fostering amicable relations between countries founded on equality of rights and self-determination, and achieving international cooperation in addressing economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian issues without regard to racial, sexual, linguistic, or religious distinctions are its goals and tenets.

Strategic Plan of the UNDP Internship Program

The world’s natural and human resources have been drained, and the development landscape has been altered by a global emergency and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. If the world doesn’t take advantage of this chance to make a strong push toward the Sustainable Development Goals, up to 1 billion people may be living in extreme poverty by 2030.

To create the world that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development envisions one in which people and the planet coexist peacefully, UNDP collaborates with nations to increase people’s options for a more equitable and sustainable future. Accelerating and scaling up development outcomes to bring the Goals back within reach is the challenge for the next four years.

For the purpose of achieving this, UNDP will encourage transformation in three ways:

Structural change, especially in the areas of digital, inclusive, and green transitions;
Leaving no one behind, a rights-based strategy focused on human growth and agency;
Enhancing resilience to deal with risk and systemic unpredictability.

These are massive, societal-wide puzzles that need coordinated efforts and integrated strategies. To assist in resolving these issues, UNDP provides a special network of sectoral expertise, local presence, and worldwide reach. Over the next four years, UNDP will collaborate with nations to increase human capabilities, enabling 100 million people to escape multifaceted poverty; 500 million people to have access to clean energy; 800 million people to vote, many for the first time; and encourage the allocation of more than $1 trillion in public and private funds toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

This Strategic Plan, which builds on the Strategic Plan, 2018–2021, outlines UNDP’s future course. In the areas of gender equality, governance, resilience, the environment, energy, and poverty and inequality, UNDP will keep pursuing its six trademark solutions. The needs of nations are greatest in these areas, and UNDP is best positioned to operate there given its capabilities and standing within the UN development framework.

The hallmark solutions will be modified in light of the recent four years of learning to better suit the changing priorities of the various nations. Working together throughout the entire UN system and beyond, UNDP will create integrated strategies that use several solutions to achieve a bigger effect. Results will be further accelerated and scaled by powerful enablers, including development finance, digitalization, and strategic innovation.

What are the Benefits of the UNDP Internship Program 2025?

Professional Development: Interns in the UNDP program have the chance to hone their professional skills and obtain practical experience in their subject of study. Understanding the UNDP’s and the larger UN system’s operations is part of this.
Networking Opportunities: Participants in the UNDP internship program have the chance to network with professionals from different cultures and backgrounds, including UNDP employees and other interns from across the globe. These relationships may prove beneficial in expanding one’s professional network and providing access to new prospects.
Exposure to International Issues: The internship program gives participants the chance to learn more about the UNDP’s focus on poverty alleviation and sustainable development, two crucial global concerns. This can help develop a more profound comprehension of the world and its difficulties.
Learning about the UN System: As a component of the UN system, the internship program gives participants the chance to gain knowledge about the UN’s objectives, operations, and role in advancing human rights, development, and peace.
Career Opportunities: A career with the UNDP or other UN organizations may begin with the UNDP internship program. A large number of former interns have found full-time jobs in the UN system.
Financial Support: A stipend is provided by the UNDP internship program to help with living expenses while the intern is working.

Eligibility Criteria for the UNDP Internships 2025:

The internships offered by the UNDP are open to applicants worldwide.

Applicants may be in the last year of their first university degree, be enrolled in a graduate program, or have received a second university degree.
Fluency in at least one of the three working languages used by UNDP French, English, and Spanish is required of the candidate.
It would be beneficial to speak Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, or another Eastern European language.
Applicants ought to be able to show how their work relates to UNDP initiatives.
The applicant must be at least eighteen at the time of application.
The applicant must have the capacity to collaborate with individuals from various linguistic, national, and cultural backgrounds.

Deadline: Each internship program has a different application date for the UNDP internship in 2025.

Application Process for the UNDP Internship Program 2025:

Depending on the particular internship opportunity and the nation in which it is located, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) internship application procedure may differ. Nonetheless, the general procedures for applying to the UNDP internship program are as follows:

Research internships that are available: The UNDP website includes a specific internship page where you may locate a list of open positions. The list can be filtered by region, academic specialty, and educational attainment.
Create a Profile on the UNDP Careers Platform: Start by setting up a profile on the UNDP careers website, where you’ll be able to browse available internships and track your application status.
Meet the requirements: Verify that you meet the requirements for the internship before submitting an application. This covers language qualifications, the very minimum of schooling, and related work experience.
Get the required paperwork ready: A CV or résumé, a cover letter, and copies of your academic credentials are required for the application process. Additionally, you can be asked to present documentation of your language skills.
Fill out the application: You must fill out an online application form as part of the application process, which will ask for details about the program you want to attend as well as your professional and personal information.
Send in your application: You can send in your application once you have filled out the form and acquired the required paperwork. Your application must be submitted prior to the deadline.
Await the results of the selection process: The UNDP internship program has a competitive selection procedure that considers an applicant’s qualifications, relevant experience, and how well their subject of study aligns with the UNDP’s mission.

Tips for a Successful Application

Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills: Be sure to display any past coursework, volunteer work, or projects that match the goals of the internship. Tailor your CV to include abilities relevant to the exact career you’re looking for.
Show Passion for Sustainable Development: In your cover letter, describe why you’re drawn to UNDP’s purpose and how you aim to contribute to global development. Demonstrating real excitement can make a difference in your application.
Prepare for the Interview: Familiarize yourself with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and specific UNDP efforts. Showing an understanding of these topics throughout the interview will demonstrate your devotion and preparedness.

Frequently Asked Questions about the UNDP Internship Program 2025

1. Is the UNDP Internship Program paid?

While many UNDP internships are unpaid, some positions may offer a stipend or provide reimbursements for travel and other related expenses. Funding availability varies by location and the specific office offering the internship, so it’s best to check each internship listing for details on financial support.

2. What qualifications are required to apply for the UNDP Internship?

Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program (Master’s level or equivalent) or have recently graduated within the preceding year. Preferred fields include international relations, economics, public policy, environmental studies, social sciences, or related areas. Proficiency in English is necessary, and knowledge of additional UN languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic) is beneficial.

3. Can I apply for multiple UNDP internships?

Yes, you can apply for several internships as long as you match the eligibility conditions for each post. Be sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for each application to demonstrate a specific match for each post.

4. What is the duration of the UNDP internship?

UNDP internships normally last from 3 to 6 months, depending on the specific project and office needs. Some internships may give a chance for an extension if both the intern and the UNDP office agree on it.

5. What does the application process for the UNDP Internship Program entail?

To apply, create a profile on the UNDP Careers platform and complete the application form. You’ll need to submit a CV, cover letter, and maybe academic transcripts and references. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview when you’ll be asked about their talents, motivation, and understanding of UNDP’s work.

In Conclusion, the UNDP Internship Program offers a unique pathway for young professionals to gain invaluable experience in international development. This program gives interns the chance to work on worthwhile initiatives that promote gender equality, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation all of which are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN. The program is open to a wide variety of individuals from all around the world, with assignments offered both in-person and remotely.

More than just a resume builder, the UNDP Internship Program offers the opportunity to develop critical skills, broaden your professional network within and outside of the UN, and make a significant impact on global change. This internship offers a solid basis and a greater comprehension of global concerns for individuals interested in a career in international development. The 2025 UNDP Internship Program can be the perfect next step for you if you’re prepared to change the world.