Internship Programs

WFP Internships

Paid Internships

The goal of the internship program is to provide students interested in international development with a better understanding of WFP’s work and mission. This program is therefore suitable for those seeking practical experience in issues related to the fight against global hunger, especially in least-developed countries and developing countries.

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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Organization overview

The mission of the World Food Programme (WFP) is to fight global hunger by ensuring that those in a most vulnerable condition, especially women and children, have access to quality nutrition. The organization works primarily in countries and regions affected by conflicts or natural disasters, delivering emergency assistance to provide food for victims and strengthen community resilience. Its headquarters are in Rome (Italy), but it operates in dozens of countries. Currently, WFP has more than 14,000 employees worldwide (90% of its staff work in countries served by the organization).

Organization’s main focus: To fight hunger and malnutrition on a global scale.

Themes addressed by the organization:

Climate action
Disaster risk reduction
Gender equality
Nutrition
Smallholder market support
Social protection and safety nets
Sustainable livelihoods and ecosystems

Description of the internship program

Fields of study:
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:

Agriculture
Nutrition
Civil Engineeering
Economics
Law
Social Sciences
Business Administration
Human Resources
International affairs

Internship activities:
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:

Support administrative and operational activities;
Carry out research and collect and analyze data on topics relevant to the agency’s activities;
Write reports and other types of documents;
Contribute to the execution of relevant projects;
Take part in training sessions and events with other staff members.

Duration:
The internship period ranges from at least 2 months to up to 8 months at most.

Weekly workload:
The internship programs are full-time. Interns shall therefore work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Locations:
Most openings are for the organization’s headquarters in Rome (Italy), but there may be opportunities for its Field Offices around the world.

When the internship starts:
The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Feedback following the 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. During the internship period and within six months immediately after the program you will not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any effective position in the organization. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

Payment

WFP pays interns up to $ 1,000.00 per month.

Requirements

Education:

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD), or;
Completed at least 2 years of an undergraduate school program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent), and;
Currently enrolled in a recognized university or graduated in the last six months.

Language:
Applicants must have working knowledge of English. Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) may be an asset in the selection process.

Age:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment.

Nationality:
There are no nationality restrictions.

Competencies:
The main competencies required are:

Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional team members;
Strong analytical and communication skills;
Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and diplomacy;
Ability to be flexible, multi-task, prioritize, and manage multiple activities simultaneously in a fast-paced, changing environment;
Strong attention to detail;
Possess strong business acumen, excellent problem-solving skills.

Other requirements:
Commitment to international development and a humanistic outlook.

Restrictions:
An applicant may not be a child or sibling of any organization staff member.

Application process

When to apply:
Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of organization. Therefore, it is important search for internship opportunities through information on the WFP E-recruitment System and website.

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

Initial registration;
Filling out the candidate profile (academic and professional background);
Search for an opening in your field of interest;
Submit the application.

Phases of the selection process:
The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

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.

Documents to submit:
The application process requires you to submit:

CV/Résumé;
Cover Note/Letter;
Proof of enrollment in university and date of course completion

Evaluation criteria:
You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Other information:
WFP encourages the application of qualified women from underdeveloped countries. The agency also fights discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

Costs incurred

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.

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 accommodation expenses during the internship period. However, WFP will reimburse travel tickets for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.