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From Internship to Staff: Building a Long-Term Career in the UN System

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From Internship to Staff: Building a Long-Term Career in the UN System

May 1, 2025

Internships are often the first step into the United Nations system, offering invaluable experience, insight into global operations, and a chance to build lasting professional networks. But how can an internship evolve into a long-term, meaningful career? In this article, we explore the pathway from intern to staff member, shedding light on strategies, opportunities, and success stories within the UN system.

 

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The Strategic Value of Internships in the UN

UN internships, although unpaid in most cases, offer a strategic advantage. They allow young professionals to:

  • Gain practical experience with global mandates and field operations.

  • Understand the internal workings of the UN system.

  • Establish valuable professional relationships with staff and supervisors.

Internships typically last between two and six months and are offered by a wide range of UN agencies, including UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, and WHO. Candidates must usually be enrolled in a graduate program or be recent graduates.

Making the Most of Your Internship

Turning an internship into a long-term opportunity requires more than just showing up. Key strategies include:

  • Proactivity: Take initiative and seek additional responsibilities beyond your assigned tasks.

  • Networking: Engage with colleagues across departments and attend internal events and briefings.

  • Learning: Take advantage of online training and informational sessions.

  • Visibility: Regularly update your supervisor on progress and express interest in long-term opportunities.

Entry Points for Former Interns

Many UN agencies offer junior-level professional programs and consultancy contracts that are ideal for former interns. Common pathways include:

  • Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programs: Sponsored by governments for young professionals under 32.

  • United Nations Volunteers (UNV): Offers assignments requiring 2+ years of experience.

  • Consultancies: Short-term, project-based contracts that allow interns to return in a professional capacity.

In many cases, former interns who left a strong impression are directly contacted when new short-term roles arise.

What Recruiters Look for After Your Internship

Completing a UN internship isn’t enough. Recruiters will assess:

  • How relevant your internship tasks were to the role you’re applying for.

  • Your ability to demonstrate impact, including any contributions to reports, projects, or policy work.

  • Your continued commitment to international development, including other relevant roles, studies, or volunteer work.

Tailoring your CV and motivation letter to highlight these areas is essential.

Stories of Success: Interns Who Made It

Many UN staff members began as interns. For example:

  • A former UNICEF intern leveraged a research role into a short-term consultancy and eventually secured a P-2 level position.

  • An intern at UNHCR’s Geneva office later joined the same unit as a UNV after completing a master’s degree in refugee studies.

Persistence, strategic networking, and a deep understanding of the system often define these successful transitions.

Conclusion

Internships offer more than a foot in the door—they can be a launchpad for impactful, long-term careers. With the right strategies, commitment, and follow-up, interns can position themselves as strong candidates for future roles. By understanding how to navigate the system, you can turn a short-term opportunity into a fulfilling international career in the UN system.

 

Remember, the journey to a successful career in international organizations is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges and opportunities along the way.

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