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| UNDP Internship Programs |
How I Got to Know.
I can spend my entire day browsing through the websites of a million schools and non-governmental organizations, looking for opportunities, so I can update my visitors who come looking for opportunity bags to grab. That was how I stumbled upon a message in a scholarship channel I have joined on WhatsApp.
Initially, I thought it was a typo, because I had just done a ton of research. Just to confirm, I rushed to the website, and yes, this is true. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was offering paid remote internships. See it as a work-from-home internship where you are paid. So, if you’re a student or a recent grad looking to kick-start your career, the UNDP Home-based Internship Program 2025 is the right opportunity for you. Let me hold off on the talk for a bit and share with you what I found out after the message.
What Exactly Is the UNDP Internship?
The UNDP is the United Nations' global arm. Don't be confused. Think of it as an organization that wants to tackle everything from poverty reduction to climate, to governance, and, importantly, human rights. Because of its goal, it provides talented interns with an opportunity every year to support the organization's mission.
These are opportunities that come yearly, but the one in 2025 is one you wouldn't want to miss. The internships offered by the UNDP in 2025 are home-based. What does this mean? This means that you will gain a real UN experience without packing your bags to look for a new place or relocating to a place whose bills you cannot afford. Think of it as a global opportunity without expenses.
Let Us Get to Know the Core Values that Drive the UNDP
While browsing through the organization's home page, I found out that they have three guiding principles. Let me break it down for you:
- They welcome voices and perspectives of people from all parts of the world (Under their principle of Diversity).
- They make sure everyone gets a fair opportunity regardless of where they come from [a person's background]. Found under the principle of Equity.
- They want to make sure that nobody is left behind (the Inclusive principle)
I would encourage that if you happen to find yourself from a background that is often overlooked, the application is especially for you. The UNDP values the voices of these people and encourages them. If you want to read more on this, then check the UNDP Careers page for values and stories straight from there.
Where You'll Also Fit In: The Global Policy Centre for Governance (GPCG)
As I found out, this particular internship sits under the Global Policy Center for Governance. The GPCG has a focus on creating a governance system around the world that is fair, inclusive, and transparent. These are the three main themes their work revolves around:
- They want to promote transparency in the financial system around the world ( The Financial Integrity Theme)
- They want to make sure that digital information is trustworthy ( The Information Integrity Theme)
- They want to help societies shift to sustainable and equitable economies. (The Fair Green Transitions Theme)
In short, this is what you should know. You will be part of a team that is striving hard to tackle some of the toughest but most relevant challenges of our time. Don't run from this, because you will gain real-world research and policy experience.
Benefits: Yes, This Internship Pays
You might be wondering if you will benefit at all from the time you are going to invest. Yes, here is the line we've all been waiting for, I guess.
UNDP Internship comes with a monthly stipend of around $1,000 USD.
That might make you rich, sure. But it is important to acknowledge that the skills you have and the time that you are going to invest are all valuable. Plus, since it is a remote internship, you are not going to be paying for transportation or relocating to different to a different place.
What Are the Requirements for Language
To qualify for this, you need to be fluent in spoken and written English.
If you also happen to speak another UN language like French, Spanish, or Arabic, then consider it a bonus and not a must-know language. The most required is the English Language. ]
Who Can Apply?
UNDP internships, to my knowledge, are open to students and recent graduates. The graduates are ideally from related fields such as social sciences, data analysis, psychology, statistics, or sociology.
Among these required conditions, you will need to meet one.
- You are in the final year of your bachelor's degree.
- You are currently enrolled in a master's or postgraduate program.
- You graduated within the last 12 months, or
- You are a professional traineeship program that includes an internship component.
The short of it all is that if you are active academically and ready to make a difference, you are more than the word qualified, or should I say eligible.
Wondering What Your Role Will Be?
Here is what you'll actually do.
- You will be conducting research on the trends of governance and leading issues.
- You will draft reports, make concept notes, and a proposal.
- You will be supporting the design of new policies and initiatives that are innovative.
- You will be assisting in the preparation of events.
General Condition You Must Know
Here are a few facts that you should know before you apply:
- Stipend: About $1000/monthly (varies slightly by duty stations)
- Expenses: You will cover your own internet or equipment costs.
- Status: You are not considered a UNDP staff member. This is just a learning position.
- There are no automatic jobs afterward.
How to Apply for the UNDP Internship 2025
- Head to the official UNDP Career Portal
- Create an Account
- Now, search for Internships and navigate to Research and Innovation.
- Please carefully review the requirements and description.
- Go on and prepare your CV and cover letter.
- Submit before the deadline and make sure you avoid typos.
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