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OpenIGO | International Careers Development Network
UNDP Internships

Internship Programs

UNDP Internships

Unpaid Internships

The goal of the UNDP Internship program 2021-2022 is to provide candidates interested in international development with a better understanding of the work developed at UNDP. Therefore, this program is suitable for those seeking practical experience on issues related to sustainable development and eradication of global poverty.

 

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

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UNDP Overview

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is the leading UN development promotion agency and is present in around 170 countries. Its main goal is to fight extreme poverty and reduce social inequalities. UNDP operates in three key areas: Sustainable Development, Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding and Climate and Disaster Resilience. Through technical assistance and specialized guidance in these areas, the organization helps countries build development policies, enhance their leadership skills and strengthen partnerships and institutional capabilities to deliver positive results for global development. In addition, there is also a concern with action to reduce gender inequality and promote the inclusion of minority groups.

UNDP’s main focus: To promote economic and social development policies in its member countries.

Themes addressed by the UNDP:

  • Sustainable Development
  • Poverty Reduction
  • Gender
  • Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding
  • Human Rights
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Promoting Civic Engagement and Millennium Development Goals

Description of the UNDP Internship

What are the fields of study required for the UNDP Internship?
This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

  • Economics
  • Public or Business Administration
  • Environmental Studies
  • International Relations
  • Other related areas

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the UNDP Internship?
The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

  • Conducting research;
  • Writing documents;
  • Cataloguing information;
  • Assisting in the organization of conferences, forums or other collaborative events;
  • Publishing knowledge stories/best practices.

What is the duration of the UNDP Internship?
The internship period ranges from at least 6 weeks to 6 months at most. In special cases it may be extended to up to 9 months.

What is the weekly workload of the UNDP Internship?
There are openings for part-time e fulltime (40 hours per week) internships.

 Where are the locations of the UNDP Internship?
There are openings for the UNDP Headquarters in New York, but opportunities may also be available in its various Country Offices and Representation Offices around the world.

When does the UNDP internship start?
The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Is there any feedback following the completion of the UNDP Internship?
At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:
Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. However, the UNDP Internship experience will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations. Former interns have gone on to occupy positions not only at UNDP, but also other organizations of the UN System.

UNDP Internship Salary

The internship is unpaid.

UNDP Internship Requirements

What is the education requirement of the UNDP Internship Program?

  • Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD), or;
  • Be enrolled in the last school year of an undergraduate school program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or;
  • Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate course in the last 12 months.

What is the language requirement of the UNDP Internship Program?
Fluency is required in one or more of the three official languages at UNDP (English, French or Spanish). Knowledge of Arabic, Portuguese, Russian or a language from Eastern Europe may be advantageous.

What is the age requirement of the UNDP Internship Program?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment.

What is the Nationality requirement of the UNDP Internship Program?
Applicants must be citizens of a UNDP member state.

What are the competencies required for the UNDP Internship Program?
The main competencies required are: communication, planning and organizing, teamwork, technological awareness and client orientation.

Other requirements of the UNDP Internship Program:
You must show capability of and interest in working with people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds. You should also show interest in the agency’s areas of expertise and respect the principles of the United Nations Charter and UNDP’s mission.

What are the Restrictions of the UNDP Internship Program?

  • An applicant may not be a child or sibling of a UNDP staff member;
  • UNDP is not responsible for losses/accidents or any other misfortune befalling the intern during the internship period;
  • Interns shall not be accepted as substitutes for actual UNDP staff;
  • Interns shall not be able to represent UNDP in any official capacity.

UNDP Internship - Application process

When to apply for the UNDP Internship Program?
Applications for internships are normally submitted throughout the year and the selection process is decentralized among the various UNDP units. All internship openings are disclosed on the UNDP E-recruitment System. Candidates must submit their application according to the requirements for each available opening.

How to apply for the UNDP Internship Program?
The internship application process is done via the UNDP E-recruitment System, where all openings are published, and comprises the following steps:

  • Search for an opening in your field of interest;
  • Fill out profile data (academic and professional background);
  • Submit the application.

What are the phases of the selection process for the UNDP Internship?
The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

  1. Creating a profile and preparing an application;
  2. Submitting the application;
  3. Evaluation of the application;
  4. Competency-based interview;
  5. Selection notifications.

How is the UNDP Internship interview?
Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the UNDP Internship Program?

  • UNDP Internship Application Form, duly filled out;
  • Copy of CV/résumé;
  • Proof of enrollment in university and date of course completion;
  • Letter of recommendation by a senior faculty member who has directly supervised the applicant and attests to his or her skills;
  • Motivation letter explaining your reasons for doing the UNDP internship and your future prospects.

Documents required following selection:

  • Internship Agreement Form, duly signed.

What is the evaluation criteria of the UNDP Internship Program?
You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Other information about the UNDP Internship Program:
It is important to submit your application in advance, observing the deadline of the online system and according to the time zone defined by the organization. You will not be able to make any further changes once your application has been submitted.

UNDP - Costs

The organization offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

Insurance:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan and must submit the following documents:

  • A valid and signed copy of a Medical Certificate of Good Health;
  • Proof of Health Insurance valid for the agency’s region;
  • Proof of Life/Accident Insurance valid for the agency’s region.

Accommodation:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:
You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.

Current Internship Openings

Other organizations

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