UNDP Paid Internships 2026 for Students and Graduates – Launch Your Global Development Career

Overview

The UNDP Internship Program lets students and recent graduates gain practical experience with the United Nations Development Programme, the UN's lead agency for development, which works in around 170 countries. Interns learn about efforts to reduce poverty and inequality and to support sustainable development, working under experienced mentors and supervisors.

Placements can be full-time or part-time, are paid, and take place at UNDP country offices, regional hubs or headquarters in New York. The length of each internship depends on the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the organization.

Who can apply

People from any country may apply. Candidates should either be enrolled in a graduate programme, hold a second university degree, or be in the final year of a first degree. Common fields of study include economics, public or business administration, environmental studies and international relations, though other related areas are welcome.

Applicants must be at least 18 and fluent in at least one of UNDP's working languages: English, French or Spanish. Knowledge of Arabic, Portuguese, Russian or another Eastern European language is an advantage. They should also show relevance to UNDP's work and be able to work with people from different language, national and cultural backgrounds.

What you get

Interns receive a monthly stipend to help cover internship costs, and the amount varies by duty station. Some may also get financial support from their nominating institution or government. There is a chance of later assignments with UNDP or the wider UN system. Typical tasks include conducting research, writing documents, cataloguing information, helping to organize conferences and forums, and publishing knowledge stories and best practices.

How to apply

Applications are submitted only through UNDP's own website, where internships appear in the job section. Applicants pick an area of interest and click Apply. Anyone wishing to apply to more than one internship must register separately for each.

Key dates

Deadlines differ for each internship, so candidates need to check the closing date on the individual posting. The listing also mentions several current openings, including an open-call roster of interns in Belgrade with a deadline of 31 December 2026.