Working with the United Nations isn’t just a career milestone; it’s a chance to sit at the table where global change happens. If you’ve dreamed of a career in international development, public policy, or ESG, there is a common myth to debunk: Yes, many UN internships are now paid.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked active, stipend-supported roles at UNDP and UN Women. No fluff—just the opportunities you need to kickstart your global career.
Why a UN Internship is a Game-Changer
It’s more than a prestigious logo on your LinkedIn profile. It’s an immersion into the engine room of global governance.
- Global Impact: Work on projects that address poverty, climate change, and gender equality.
- Networking: Build a “little black book” of contacts from every corner of the globe.
- Skill Building: Bridge the gap between academic theory and high-stakes international policy.
- Financial Support: These roles offer stipends to help cover living costs, making international experience more accessible.
Active Opportunities & Deadlines
Note: UN deadlines typically close at Midnight New York Time (EST) on the date listed.
| Internship Opportunity | Agency | Location | Application Deadline |
| Project Assistant Intern | UNDP | Washington, D.C. | Jan 15, 2026 (Spring) / June 15, 2026 (Fall) |
| Governance and Gender Intern | UNDP | Seoul, S. Korea | Dec 30, 2025 (Rolling/Upcoming cycle Feb) |
| Graphic Design & Digital Comm. | UNDP | Remote/Hybrid | Jan 26, 2026 (Annual Cycle) |
| Public Partnership Intern | UN Women | Copenhagen | Jan 25, 2026 (Current Wave) |
| Partnership & Visibility Intern | UN Women | Copenhagen | Jan 25, 2026 (Current Wave) |
Featured Roles: Deep Dive
1. UNDP Project Assistant Intern (Paid)
The Vibe: For the organized multi-tasker who loves seeing a project move from a spreadsheet to the real world.
- Focus: Project planning, data analysis, and drafting internal briefs.
- Ideal Candidate: Students/grads in Public Policy, Economics, or IR.
- Apply Here
2. UNDP Governance and Gender Intern
The Vibe: For the policy wonk passionate about structural change and inclusive development.
- Focus: Researching gender-responsive policy and supporting inclusive governance initiatives.
- Ideal Candidate: Background in Law, Political Science, or Gender Studies.
- Apply Here
3. UN Women Public Partnership Intern
The Vibe: For the strategic thinker interested in how governments and international bodies collaborate.
- Focus: Stakeholder mapping and assisting in high-level donor proposals.
- Ideal Candidate: IR or Economics majors with a knack for relationship management.
- Apply Here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are all UN internships paid?
A: No. Internships at the UN Secretariat are generally unpaid. However, agencies like UNDP, UN Women, and UNICEF now provide monthly stipends to help cover basic living expenses.
Q: Can I apply if I have already graduated?
A: Yes! You are eligible if you apply within one year of your graduation date. If you graduated more than 12 months ago, you may want to look into the UN Volunteers (UNV) program instead.
Q: Do I need to be in the country to apply?
A: Not necessarily. Many roles are “International Internships,” but you are responsible for your own visa and travel costs. Some roles (like Graphic Design) are increasingly offered as Remote/Home-based.
Q: What is the “P11 Form”?
A: It is the UN’s standard Personal History Form. Even if you upload a CV, most UN portals require you to manually enter your data into their system. Tip: Keep a master Word doc with your P11 details to copy-paste quickly!
Potenue Pro Tip 💡
UN recruiters see thousands of resumes. To stand out, don’t just list your classes. Focus on “Transferable Skills.” Did you manage a team for a college fest? That’s stakeholder management. Did you write a thesis? That’s data-driven reporting.
Your cover letter should tell a story, not just repeat your CV.