UN Internships Duration
Be selected for a UN Internship Program is a dream for many! Understandably, since working at the UN combines prestigious and a wide range of benefits with meaningful work that can help billions of people around the world. In addition, interning at the UN means developing a global career with a global reach, in a multicultural and pleasant environment; you will be able to construct influential networks and receive encouragement to develop professionally.
In this article, we will take a look at the duration/length of UN System Internships
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How long do UN Internships Last?
Have you asked about the minimum and maximum duration/length of a UN System internship? Or if it is possible to extend it? In principle, the answers to these questions are not simple, since there are many specific features within the various programs and internship vacancies. However, the following information seeks to clarify these doubts, through examples and estimates.
In relation to the minimum time allowed, various agencies accept candidates who would like to take an internship for one month, or a little longer, such as IFAD, WIPO, UNDP, WHO and UNICEF, among others. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) internship program, which focuses on complementing Master`s or doctorate research, accepts candidates who would like to work for between two and four weeks, being one of the shortest programs within the UN System agencies. However, this program is different to the others, since it focuses exclusively on research.
Most internships run for six months. In many cases, these opportunities may be renewed for an equal period, although this is not a general rule. Longer internship opportunities run for one year. Extending the maximum internship limit only takes place if there is a need at the agency/work unit in which the individual is allocated, and if there is no impediment from your university or government.
It should be emphasized that if an intern`s performance is below that expected by the organization, it may be ended early. In these cases, the agency has the duty to notify the intern about their dismissal from the program in advance.
In the table below, we present an estimate of the duration of the internships at the main UN System organizations, according to official sites.
| Average duration of UN System internships | |
|---|---|
| Duration | Agencies |
| 2 WEEKS-2 MONTHS | IMO |
| 4-10 WEEKS | IFC |
| 1-3 MONTHS | ICSID WB |
| 1-6 MONTHS | IFAD ITU WIPO UNWTO WTO UNF JIU |
| 6 WEEKS-3 MONTHS | UNAIDS |
| 6 WEEKS-5 MONTHS | GAVI ALLIANCE |
| 6 WEEKS-6 MONTHS | UNDP WHO UNICEF |
| 2-4 MONTHS | UNFCCC |
| 2-6 MONTHS | ICAO IOM UNISDR UN WOMEN UNFPA UN SECRETARIAT UNCTAD UNESCO UNEP UN-HABITAT UNODC UNHCR UPU |
| 2-8 MONTHS | WFP INTRACEN |
| 10 WEEKS-3 MONTHS | IMF |
| 3-6 MONTHS | FAO ILO OPCW UNIDO UNOPS UNSCC ICC |
| 3-11 MONTHS | UNRWA |
| 3-12 MONTHS | IAEA CTBTO |
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