Are you a student or recent graduate looking to build a career in international development, policy advocacy, or sustainable development? The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2026 Global Internships could be your ticket — offering real-world experience, exposure to global development work, and a monthly stipend to support your journey.
🌐 What is the UNDP Internship Programme?
UNDP internships are designed to give students and recent graduates hands-on experience working within the UN framework. Internships may be located at UNDP Country Offices, Regional Hubs, or Headquarters. Interns get involved in programmes ranging from sustainable development and governance to communications, research, climate, humanitarian response, and more.
Internships typically last up to 6 months, with a possibility of extension to 9 months when tied to academic credit.
✅ Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for a UNDP internship, you must:
- Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s (final year), Master’s, or equivalent graduate programme, or have graduated within the last 12 months.
- Be able to commit at least three consecutive months, working a minimum number of hours weekly when required.
- Demonstrate interest and commitment to global development, sustainable policy, or humanitarian work. Previous professional experience is not required.
- Show proficiency in at least one working language of UNDP — typically English, though fluency in another UNDP language is often an advantage.
Because the programme seeks global participation, applicants from any country — including Zimbabwe or other parts of Africa — are welcome.
💵 Stipends & Conditions
One of the key benefits of UNDP internships is financial support. Interns receive a monthly stipend, which depends on the “duty station” (the location of the internship).
- If you are doing a part-time internship, the stipend will typically be pro-rated to reflect reduced hours.
- Other expenses — travel, accommodation, visa costs, medical insurance — are generally the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
- As with many UN internships, completing an internship does not guarantee employment with UNDP. The internship is primarily meant to complement academic studies and provide exposure.
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🎯 What Kind of Work You Might Do
Depending on the vacancy, UNDP interns may engage in a wide variety of activities, including but not limited to:
- Research and data analysis on development, policy, governance, climate change, and human rights
- Communications: content creation, media outreach, social-media management, newsletters, public-information support.
- Support for programme coordination, project tracking, documentation, and evaluation
- Assisting in administrative support, advocacy campaigns, and stakeholder engagement
Given the broad scope of UNDP’s mandate — from sustainable development and climate action to governance and humanitarian response — the internship could suit many academic backgrounds and career interests.
📝 How to Apply
If you’re interested in applying for a 2026 UNDP internship:
- Visit the UNDP application portal at the official link below.
- Use the search or filter to look for “Internship” or “INTERN” roles.
- Select a vacancy that matches your profile and location preference (on-site, remote, or hybrid, if available).
- Prepare your application materials — this usually includes a CV/resume, a cover letter, proof of current enrollment or recent graduation, and any other documents specified.
- Submit your application through the portal before the deadline indicated.
👉 Official Application Link:
https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs?keyword=INTERN&mode=location
🌟 Why This Opportunity Is Especially Valuable — Including for Students from Africa
For students and fresh graduates from Africa (like Zimbabwe), a UNDP internship offers an incredible chance to:
- Gain global exposure and understanding of international development dynamics
- Build relevant skills in policy analysis, research, communications, project coordination — valuable in NGOs, government agencies, and the UN system
- Network with professionals across continents, opening doors to future opportunities
- Work on real-world projects that make meaningful impact on sustainable development, governance, humanitarian aid, and climate resilience
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If you are enthusiastic about contributing to global development, and ready to learn and grow in an international environment, then applying to UNDP’s 2026 internships could be a significant step forward.
