Current vacancies
UN internships
UN-system internships are short-term assignments (typically two to six months) open to students and recent graduates. Each UN agency runs its own intake; UNlockit aggregates every currently-open internship vacancy across the system and links you back to the official posting. Most internships are unpaid, but some agencies offer stipends or subsistence allowances — always check the agency's posting for the latest terms.
- Open roles
- 326
- Organisations
- 66
- Last refreshed
- 7/21/2026
Latest open roles
Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for Africa (RAF)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Various Locations
FAO invites expressions of interest for its Internship Programme in Africa, offering a learning opportunity for talented young women and men to supplement academic knowledge with practical work assignments. Interns will contribute to FAO’s mission of defeating hunger and achieving food security by supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. The role involves performing functions specified in Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office, with technical focus areas assigned based on the candidate's profile and organizational needs. The programme seeks candidates enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programmes in fields relevant to FAO’s mission, or recent graduates. Interns will work in an international multicultural environment, requiring adaptability and good communication skills. The internship duration ranges from 3 to 11 months, with assignments available in various locations across Africa. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend if not sponsored by their university. The role emphasizes FAO’s core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Candidates must adhere to FAO’s values of commitment, respect, and integrity. The programme encourages applications from qualified female applicants, nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and candidates from Low-Income Food-Deficit Countries, Least Developed Countries, Land-locked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States. This is a fixed-term opportunity designed to provide professional development and exposure to FAO’s strategic framework.
Closes 8/25/2026Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for Europe and Central Asia (REU)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Various Locations
FAO invites expressions of interest for its Internship Programme in Europe and Central Asia, offering placements ranging from 3 to 11 months across various locations. This role targets talented young individuals enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programmes, or recent graduates, who wish to supplement their academic knowledge with practical work experience. Interns will be assigned to diverse fields relevant to FAO’s mission, such as agriculture, food security, and sustainable development, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The position requires candidates to specialize in a field relevant to FAO’s work and possess working knowledge of at least one FAO official language. The programme aims to foster innovation and new perspectives within FAO’s strategic framework, supporting efficient, inclusive, and resilient agri-food systems. Interns report to an assigned supervisor and perform functions specified in Terms of Reference. The role is open to nationals of FAO Member Nations aged between 21 and 30. FAO encourages applications from qualified females, nationals of under-represented members, and candidates from specific developing country categories. Selected candidates receive a monthly stipend if not sponsored by their university. The internship provides a learning opportunity to engage with FAO’s domains while adhering to high standards of integrity and professional conduct.
Closes 8/25/2026Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Various Locations
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking candidates for an Internship Programme in Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC). This opportunity is designed for talented young women and men enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programmes, or recent graduates, who wish to supplement their academic knowledge with practical work experience. Interns will be assigned to various fields of work relevant to FAO's mission, such as agriculture, food security, and sustainable development, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The role involves performing functions specified in Terms of Reference under the supervision of an assigned manager. The programme aims to foster innovation and new perspectives within FAO's domains, supporting the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. Interns are expected to adhere to FAO's core competencies, including results focus, teamwork, and communication. The internship duration ranges from 3 to 11 months, with a monthly stipend provided if not sponsored. Candidates must be nationals of FAO Member States, aged between 21 and 30, and possess working knowledge of at least one FAO official language. The position offers a learning environment in an international multicultural setting, with assignments available in various locations within the region.
Closes 8/25/2026Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for FAO headquarters (HQ)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · 🇮🇹 Italy
FAO invites expressions of interest for its Internship Programme at headquarters in Rome, Italy. This opportunity targets talented young women and men enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programmes, or recent graduates, who wish to supplement their academic knowledge with practical work experience. Interns will be assigned to various fields relevant to FAO's mission, such as agriculture, food security, and sustainable development, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The role involves performing functions specified in Terms of Reference under the supervision of an assigned manager. The programme aims to foster innovation and new perspectives within FAO's domains, supporting the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. Interns receive a monthly stipend unless sponsored by their university. The posting emphasizes diversity, encouraging applications from qualified females, nationals of under-represented members, and candidates from specific developing country categories. It also highlights FAO's zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and requires adherence to high standards of integrity and professional conduct.
Closes 8/25/2026Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for Near East and North Africa (RNE)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Various Locations
FAO invites expressions of interest for its Internship Programme in the Near East and North Africa (RNE) region. This opportunity targets talented young women and men, aged 21-30, who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programmes or are recent graduates. Interns will supplement their academic knowledge with practical work assignments in fields relevant to FAO’s mission, such as agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. The role involves performing functions specified in Terms of Reference under the supervision of an assigned manager. Interns contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO’s Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. The programme offers a learning opportunity to share new perspectives and innovative ideas. Candidates must be nationals of FAO Member States and possess working knowledge of at least one FAO official language. The internship duration ranges from 3 to 11 months, with various locations available. Selected candidates receive a monthly stipend if not sponsored. The role requires adaptability to multicultural environments and strong communication skills. FAO emphasizes diversity, integrity, and zero tolerance for misconduct. Applications are processed through the FAO recruitment portal, requiring a motivation letter and proof of enrollment or qualifications.
Closes 8/25/2026Call for Expression of Interest – Internship Programme for Asia and the Pacific (RAP)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Various Locations
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking candidates for an Internship Programme in the Asia and the Pacific region. This opportunity is designed for talented young women and men who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme or are recent graduates. The internship provides a learning opportunity to supplement academic knowledge with practical work assignments in fields relevant to FAO's mission, such as agriculture, food security, and sustainable development. Interns will contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and FAO's Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. The role involves performing functions specified in Terms of Reference prepared by the hiring office, with tasks varying based on the candidate's profile and organizational needs. Interns report to an assigned supervisor and are expected to adapt to an international multicultural environment. The programme aims to attract individuals with innovative ideas and recent academic experience to support the 2030 Agenda. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend if not sponsored by their university. The internship duration ranges from 3 to 11 months, with various locations available within the region. FAO encourages applications from qualified female applicants, nationals of under-represented members, and candidates from specific developing country categories.
Closes 8/25/2026Associate Interpreter (Temporary Job Opening), P2
Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Afghanistan (IIMA) is seeking an Associate Interpreter (P2) for a temporary position based in Vienna. The role involves providing consecutive and simultaneous interpretation between English and Dari/Pashto for high-level meetings, witness interviews, and legal proceedings related to international crimes and human rights violations. The incumbent will also contribute to data analysis and visualization for reporting purposes and perform translation duties when interpretation tasks are unavailable. The candidate must demonstrate professionalism, accuracy under stress, and strong communication skills. This is a limited-term appointment subject to mandate continuation and funding availability.
Closes 8/4/2026Trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants – Internship
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime · 🇸🇳 Dakar, Senegal
This internship is located within the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (TIPSOM) Unit of the UNODC Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar. The intern supports the Associate Programme Officer and Regional Coordinator in coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the TIPSOM programme portfolio, specifically the PROMIS project. Key responsibilities include assisting with work plan preparation, tracking programme progress, documenting bottlenecks, and strengthening partner networks. The role involves collecting data for project implementation, managing correspondence and filing, and providing administrative support for workshops and training seminars related to combating trafficking and migrant smuggling. The intern must also provide guidance to partners on expense documentation. The ideal candidate is a graduate student or recent graduate with a keen interest in UN ideals, cultural tolerance, and strong computer literacy. Fluency in both English and French is mandatory. The position is unpaid for three months, with the intern responsible for their own travel, visa, and living expenses.
Closes 8/4/2026Programme Intern, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Unit
United Nations Population Fund · 🇱🇧 Beirut, Lebanon
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Lebanon office is seeking a Programme Intern for its Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Unit. Under the supervision of the GBV Programme Specialist, the intern will support the branch team in programme planning, coordination, monitoring, documentation, research, and event organization. Key responsibilities include assisting with workplans, tracking progress, coordinating meetings, preparing briefing notes, and maintaining programme databases. The role also involves contributing to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and conducting desk reviews on gender equality and GBV issues. Additionally, the intern will support advocacy and resource mobilization by assisting with donor reports, concept notes, and advocacy materials. The position offers a structured learning environment with periodic progress meetings and a defined work-plan. The ideal candidate is a recent graduate or current postgraduate student in Public Health, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or Development Studies, with some experience in development agencies. Fluency in English and Arabic is required, along with strong analytical and writing skills. The internship is unpaid but may include a stipend if not financially supported by an institution. Medical insurance is mandatory.
Closes 8/3/2026Intern- Data management and administrative support
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇹🇭 Bangkok, Thailand
This internship offers practical exposure to digital transformation and enterprise resource planning within the OHCHR Regional Hub for Asia & the Pacific in Bangkok. The intern supports the ERP Section with administrative coordination, data management, and stakeholder communication. Key duties include maintaining filing systems, verifying documentation for ERP role-mapping, drafting correspondence, taking meeting minutes, and updating dashboards and intranet content. The role also involves technical support for Power Apps and Microsoft Dataverse, including data entry, manipulation, form configuration, and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate is a current or recent graduate student with strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills. Familiarity with data management, process analysis, or information systems is desirable, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and introductory AI tools. The position is unpaid, lasting six months, and requires fluency in English.
Closes 7/27/2026Intern – Media Market Research & Strategy
Department of Global Communications · 🇺🇸 New York, United States
This internship is within the Partnerships Unit of the News and Media Division at the Department of Global Communications, based in New York. The role focuses on licensing, audience intelligence, and marketing for UN media content. Key responsibilities include researching and identifying strategic partnerships, securing clients for UN media licensing, and developing digital marketing and distribution tools. The intern will integrate artificial intelligence into media analysis and marketing workflows, use data analytics to gain insights into client usage, and produce recommendations for production and promotion. Additional duties involve drafting correspondence, assisting with special events, and representing the Division at media markets. The ideal candidate is a student in the final year of a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programme, or has already completed one of these degrees. They must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office, online/offline research tools, and a keen interest in UN ideals. While professional work experience is not required, a field of study related to the internship is necessary. Desirable skills include proficiency in generative AI, familiarity with data visualization tools, and experience in digital content strategy.
Closes 8/3/2026National Human Rights Intern
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇫🇯 Suva, Fiji
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking a National Human Rights Intern to support its Regional Office in Suva, Fiji, from September to November 2026. This unpaid internship focuses on communications, advocacy, research, and administrative support within the Pacific region. The intern will assist with internal and external communications, develop social media content, and support strategic initiatives linked to international observance days. Key responsibilities include conducting research on human rights issues, preparing reports and briefing notes, and providing updates on regional human rights situations. The role also involves supporting meetings and events by recording minutes, organizing logistics, and attending consultations on behalf of the office. The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in a Master's or final-year Bachelor's programme, or has recently graduated with a relevant degree in fields such as Law, Human Rights, Political Science, or International Relations. The position requires excellent research and analytical skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of Fijian or Fiji Hindi is desirable. The intern is responsible for their own travel, visa, and living expenses.
Closes 8/3/2026UNCTAD Internship in the Division on International Trade and Commodities
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
This is an unpaid, full-time internship located in Geneva with UNCTAD, specifically within the Sustainable Ocean and Blue Economy Programme under the Division on International Trade and Commodities. The role supports the programme's analytical and capacity-building activities aimed at helping developing countries leverage sustainable ocean development opportunities while addressing climate change. Interns work under the supervision of a Project Officer and are expected to conduct economic, legal, and political analysis on topics such as trade, fisheries, seaweed aquaculture, coastal tourism, and the circular economy. Responsibilities include preparing briefing notes, data inputs for research, policy advice, and communication materials like speeches and social media posts. The intern will also support event preparations for the Sustainable Ocean and Blue Economy Programme, including the 6th UN Ocean Forum, and assist in compiling regulatory trends and trade data for technical cooperation proposals. The position requires frequent interaction with UN staff, international organizations, academics, and civil society representatives. It is designed to expose students or recent graduates to UN work, enhancing their educational experience. The internship runs for six months, starting tentatively on September 17, 2026. It is strictly in-person, and interns must cover all associated costs including travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. No professional work experience is required, but a relevant field of study is mandatory.
Closes 8/3/2026UNCTAD Internship in the Division on International Trade and Commodities
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
This is an unpaid, full-time internship within the Division on International Trade and Commodities (DITC) at UNCTAD, specifically in the Competition and Consumer Policies Branch. The role offers a six-month placement starting October 1, 2026, with options for in-person work in Geneva or remote work. The intern will conduct legal and economic research on competition and consumer protection laws, draft background papers for intergovernmental meetings, and assist in organizing technical cooperation activities and webinars. The position is designed to expose students or recent graduates to UN work, providing training and mentoring. Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate or final-year undergraduate program in law, economics, or related social sciences. No professional work experience is required, but a relevant field of study is mandatory. The internship is unpaid, and candidates must cover their own travel, visa, and living expenses.
Closes 8/3/2026Public Information Intern
Department of Global Communications · 🇱🇧 Beirut, Lebanon
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Beirut, under the Department of Global Communications, is seeking a Public Information Intern to support its outreach and communication efforts. The role involves assisting in drafting media advisories, press releases, and news stories in English and Arabic, as well as contributing content for the UNIC website and social media platforms. The intern will provide media support for events, organize press conferences, and assist with photo and video documentation. This is an unpaid, full-time or part-time internship with a duration of three to six months, designed for students or recent graduates. The position requires strong writing skills, proficiency in standard software applications, and a demonstrated interest in the UN's work. The intern will work under the supervision of the Outreach Assistant and other office staff, engaging with diverse cultural backgrounds and contributing to the dissemination of UN information to the public.
Closes 8/3/2026Web Developer
United Nations Environment Programme · 🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya
This is a six-month unpaid internship at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya, supporting the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Coastal and Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean. The Web Developer intern will work under the Head of the Nairobi Convention to maintain and update the Convention’s website and related digital platforms. Key responsibilities include creating and managing visualization dashboards for various projects (e.g., SWIOFC-NC, NOCAMO), collating and organizing project data and datasets for web-based reporting, and developing metadata for web maps. The role also involves supporting data analysis to generate insights for communication and decision-making, as well as creating and publishing content for events like COP12. The intern will assist in improving online visibility, accessibility, and digital knowledge-sharing systems. The ideal candidate is a student in the final year of a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programme, or a recent graduate, with a background in web development, computer science, or related fields. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural tolerance, and a keen interest in UN ideals are required. While professional work experience is not mandatory, a field of study closely related to the internship is necessary. Fluency in English is required, with French and other languages as assets.
Closes 8/4/2026STA Programme Management Intern
United Nations Environment Programme · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Programme Management Intern for its Science and Technical Assistance (STA) branch, based in Geneva, Switzerland, for a six-month duration. The STA branch supports the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions by providing scientific and technical input for their conferences of the parties and delivering technical assistance. The intern will assist in implementing cross-cutting activities across these conventions under the supervision of programme officers. Key responsibilities include conducting research and analysis on technical and policy issues related to the sound management of chemicals and waste; preparing technical documents, briefing notes, presentations, and communication materials; supporting the planning and organization of meetings, workshops, webinars, and capacity-building activities; assisting with project implementation, monitoring, and reporting; and contributing to knowledge management and information-sharing initiatives. The role also involves providing general support to the Branch's collaboration with Parties, regional centers, partner organizations, and other stakeholders. This internship offers an opportunity to gain knowledge on the scope of scientific and technical content of the BRS conventions. The successful candidate will work within an international and multidisciplinary team, contributing to a broad range of activities related to technical assistance, capacity-building, and intergovernmental processes. The position is unpaid, with costs for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses borne by the intern or their sponsoring institution. Fluency in spoken and written English is required, with knowledge of an additional official UN language considered an advantage.
Closes 8/5/2026Intern: studies in law, preferably international law/ human rights/ environmental law
Economic Commission for Europe · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is seeking an intern to support the Environment and Forests Division, specifically focusing on the Aarhus Convention, the Espoo Convention, and their respective protocols. The intern will assist with the preparation, organization, and servicing of intergovernmental meetings, including the Bureau and Meetings of the Parties. Key responsibilities include conducting legal and policy research, drafting documents and outreach materials, updating databases such as the Aarhus Clearinghouse and PRTR.net, and performing desk research. The role requires a demonstrated interest in international law, human rights, or environmental law, along with computer literacy in standard software and CMS platforms. The internship is unpaid, lasting either six months from October 2026 to February 2027 or six months from February 2027 to August 2027. Interns are considered gratis personnel and are responsible for their own travel, visa, and living expenses. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and requires fluency in English, with working knowledge of French or Russian as an asset. No professional work experience is required, but applicants must be enrolled in or have completed a graduate or final-year bachelor's program.
Closes 8/7/2026Staff Development Unit Intern
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights · 🇨🇭 Geneva, Switzerland
The Staff Development Unit Internship within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) offers a six-month, in-person opportunity for students or recent graduates to support organizational learning and staff capacity development. The intern will assist with the planning, coordination, and logistical arrangements for training courses, workshops, and seminars. Key responsibilities include supporting the development and editing of training materials and reports, contributing to e-learning initiatives, assisting with learning needs assessments, and conducting research on staff development trends. The role also involves coordinating with internal and external learning partners. This position is designed for individuals currently in the final year of a Bachelor's or Master's program, or who have recently completed such degrees, preferably in human resources, business, public administration, social sciences, or education. The internship provides practical experience in human resources priorities and organizational learning, though it is unpaid, with candidates responsible for their own travel, visa, and living expenses.
Closes 8/10/2026Intern - Drug Control and Crime Prevention
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime · 🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna is seeking interns for the Civil Society Unit (CSU) within the Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs. The internship, starting in October 2026, lasts 4-6 months and is unpaid and full-time. Interns will support the Civil Society Global Programme (GLOU68), which facilitates dialogue between civil society, Member States, and the private sector on anti-corruption, drug issues, and crime prevention. Key responsibilities include contributing to project cycles (drafting concept notes, implementation, reporting), developing communication materials such as flyers and web stories, attending events, taking notes, assisting with activity preparation, and conducting research. The role requires a demonstrated keen interest in UN work, computer literacy, and the ability to interact respectfully with diverse cultural backgrounds. While professional experience is not required, the candidate must be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate or final-year undergraduate degree in a field closely related to the internship. Fluency in English is mandatory, with French or Spanish desirable. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, and living expenses.
Closes 8/16/2026
Top organisations
- World Bank Group121
- Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe17
- UNESCO13
- Department of Global Communications12
- Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights12
- African Union Commission10
- United Nations Human Settlements Programme9
- United Nations Development Programme8
- Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific7
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations6
Top countries
- United States83
- Austria28
- Switzerland25
- Ethiopia13
- Kenya10
- Thailand10
- China8
- Jordan6
- Germany4
- Oman4
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for UN internships?
Eligibility varies by agency. Common requirements: enrolment in or recent completion of a graduate or final-year undergraduate programme, fluency in one or more UN official languages, and the right to live and work in the duty station country.
Are UN internships paid?
Most UN internships are unpaid, though several agencies (UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, UNOPS) have moved toward stipends. Always check the specific agency's posting for the latest policy — UNlockit does not standardise compensation across listings.
How do I find UN internships matching my background?
Sign up for free and upload a CV — UNlockit's AI Match scores every internship against your profile so the highest-fit roles surface first.
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