UN Paid Internships ( July 2024) : 126 Open Internships/ Online Application

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 with the primary purposes of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, achieving international cooperation, and serving as a center for harmonizing the actions of countries. It is headquartered in New York City and has additional offices in Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, and The Hague.

Open Internships at the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) offers a wide range of internship opportunities for students and young professionals to gain valuable experience in various fields related to international relations, development, peacekeeping, human rights, and more. These internships provide individuals with the chance to work alongside UN staff and contribute to the organization’s mission of promoting peace, security, and sustainable development worldwide.

The UN regularly advertises internship opportunities on its official website . The available internships cover a diverse range of areas such as communications, public information, political affairs, humanitarian affairs, legal affairs, administration, economics, social affairs, statistics, environmental affairs, and many others. These internships are offered at different UN offices worldwide, including New York (UN Headquarters), Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, Bangkok, and other locations.

Internship positions at the UN  last between two to six months depending on the needs of the hiring office. Some internships may also be extended up to a maximum period of one year. Candidates selected for internships will have the opportunity to work on substantive projects under the supervision of experienced UN staff members.

To explore open internships at the UN, visit their official career website/Internships section

Application process

To apply for an internship at the United Nations, interested candidates should follow these general steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Review the specific eligibility criteria for each internship position as requirements may vary based on the department or office offering the internship.
2. Search for Open Positions: Visit the official UN Careers website where UN internships are advertised. Filter your search based on your field of interest and preferred location.
3. Submit Application Online: Complete an online application form for the desired internship position by providing all required information accurately. Some positions may also require additional documents such as cover letters or writing samples.
4. Monitor Application Status: After submitting your application, monitor your email regularly for any communication from the UN regarding your application status. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessments or interviews.
5. Interview Process: If selected for an interview, prepare thoroughly by researching about the UN’s work in your chosen field and be ready to discuss how your skills align with the organization’s goals.
6. Acceptance and Onboarding: Upon successful selection as an intern, you will receive an official offer letter outlining the terms of your internship including start date, duration, responsibilities, and any other relevant details.
7. Visa Arrangements (if applicable): International interns may need to make necessary visa arrangements depending on their host country’s regulations before commencing their internship at a UN office abroad.