Internship

Description
Assignments vary greatly in terms of content. Every attempt is made to match the interests of the intern with the needs of the organization. Internship assignments vary in length according to the availability and academic requirements of the intern, as well as the needs of UNDP. However, they will normally last no less than six weeks and no more than six months. Assignments are available on a part-time and full-time basis throughout the year depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of offices to receive and supervise interns. 

Purpose of Internship Programme

• provide a framework by which students from diverse academic backgrounds may be assigned to UNDP offices, where their educational experience can be enhanced through practical work assignments;
• expose them to an international environment;
• expose them to work of the Organization with the objective of deepening their knowledge and understanding of UNDP’s goals, principles and activities; and
• provide UNDP offices with the assistance of qualified students specialized in various professional fields.

UNDP may accept interns providing the following conditions are met:

a) enrolment:

1. enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) at the time of application and during the internship (if a candidate is graduating before the internship period begins, they are no longer eligible); or
2. have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree, if pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages;
3. not have graduated prior to the beginning of the internship.

Qualifications

Interns are selected on a competitive basis. The following minimum qualifications are required:

1. Enrollment in a graduate-level degree programme in a development related field such as economics, public or business administration, or environmental studies.
2. Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible;
3. Demonstrated interest in the field of development;
4. Language skills: written and spoken proficiency in English;
5. An interest in global mobility; adaptability to varied physical and other environments;
6. A desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds;
7. Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and the UNDP Statement of Purpose. 

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP.
All costs connected with an intern's participation in the Programme must be borne by:

a) the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students;
b) the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for the medical and life insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship.

As interns are not covered under any insurance, including MAIP, they should not travel to hazardous locations in the course of their internship with UNDP.

Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance for the duty station for which they will work. It must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship. 

Interested students must send the following documentation directly to the office where they have a particular interest in serving an internship:

• a duly completed "UNDP internship application form";
• a copy of his/her most recent resume or curriculum vitae;
• a letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
• a copy of his/her school transcript;
• a letter of endorsement from a senior faculty member who has directly supervised the student in the recent past and who is fully acquainted with the student's performance; and
• a brief paper setting out the reasons why he/she is seeking an internship with UNDP and what is expected from the experience.

To download UNDP Internship Application Form, please click here