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Working at UNDP
- What kind of employment options does UNDP offer?
- What opportunities do you provide for young professionals?
- How do I apply to become a UN Volunteer?
- Does UNDP offer opportunities for professional development?
- What kinds of benefits does UNDP offer?
UNDP offers a wide range of opportunities with our country, regional and headquarter offices. We offer national and international positions, short- and long-term assignments as well as internships and dedicated programmes for young professionals. Please check the UNDP Job Page for more information.
Students and recent graduates may apply for a variety of internship positions with UNDP.
Additionally, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme provides young, talented professionals with the opportunity to gain a foothold within the UN system. Our recently launched Graduate Programme offers opportunities to promising new graduates with no prior work experience.
To become a UN Volunteer, you can create a profile online using the UN Volunteers' VNAM system. This system can also be used to apply to special calls for applicants, including for the Talent Programme for Young Professionals with Disabilities. Those aged 18-29 years old may apply to work on the frontlines of UNDP operations across the globe by becoming a UN Youth Volunteer.
We also welcome volunteers who cannot join our offices but wish to contribute to our mission remotely. These individuals are invited to explore our opportunities for volunteering online.
UNDP makes sure that our people have the opportunity to learn and grow within the organization, whether they are at the start of their career or are joining us in a leadership position. To learn more about professional development opportunities for full-time personnel, visit our Learning and Career Development page.
UNDP promotes a culture of work-life balance by offering a large array of benefits to our personnel including flexible working arrangements, leave policies and other benefits. To find out more, please visit our Compensation and Benefits page.
Application Process
- How do I apply for a job with UNDP?
- How does UNDP’s selection process work?
- What kind of experience do I need to join UNDP?
- How can I prepare for completing my application form?
- I have a disability. What kind of accommodations are offered during the application process and after joining UNDP?
You can visit our Job Page for open positions. Please review our application process and then make sure you fulfil all minimum requirements before completing your application.
UNDP uses an online recruitment platform, and all applications must be submitted through this system. Unsolicited applications and applications submitted via email or mail will not be accepted.
For any information regarding UNDP’s application and selection process, please check the Recruitment Process section.
UNDP offers a wide array of job opportunities in diverse fields of work. We hire experts in UNDP programme and policy areas, but we also hire personnel for business operations, communications, partnerships and monitoring and evaluation, among others.
Field experience in developing countries is often a strong asset. Such experience can be obtained through work with INGOs or the non-profit branches of consulting firms, among others. Project management experience is an asset for many positions.
English is normally a requirement for all professional positions. Typically, an additional UN language (especially French, Spanish or Arabic) will also be an asset.
Most importantly, we are looking for candidates who exhibit a commitment to our mission and values. For more information on the personal and professional qualities we seek at UNDP, please review our Core Competency Framework.
You will apply online through the UNDP recruitment platform. Please keep in mind the following:
- Make sure you complete it thoroughly (education, languages, experience, etc.).
- When indicating your work history, clearly note whether the work was full-time or part-time.
- For non-UN positions, please enter the annual income.
- For UN positions, please indicate type of contract and salary level, i.e. P1, P2, etc.
- Clearly specify unpaid volunteer positions and internships.
- Avoid overlapping employment periods.
- Include a description of the main responsibilities and tasks you carried out during each period of employment.
UNDP is committed to a diverse workforce and strongly encourages persons with a disabilities to apply for vacancies. Our online recruitment system provides numerous accessibility features. These include adjustments to monitor settings, keyboard navigation and the ability to function with a range of standard assistive technologies. To receive this or other support during the application process, applicants with disabilities may select the reasonable accommodation option in UNDP’s online recruitment system.
Internships at UNDP
- How do I apply for an internship with UNDP?
- How long do UNDP internships last?
- Does UNDP offer paid internship positions?
- Are internships counted toward minimum years of work experience?
- If I am accepted, what kind of work will I be doing?
- Do I need to be at the UNDP Office full-time?
- Due to university requirements, I can undertake an internship only between specific dates. Is it possible to do so?
- Will my internship be evaluated?
- Will I receive a certificate at the end of my internship at UNDP?
- Can I write my thesis during my internship at UNDP?
- My university career service would like to sign a framework agreement with UNDP on placing interns, who should they contact?
- Will UNDP help in finding suitable accommodation?
- Can I be recruited as a UNDP staff member after my internship?
- I am interested in submitting an internship application, but I completed my formal qualification a few months ago. Am I still eligible to apply?
- Can doctoral (PHD) students apply for an internship?
- I am enrolled in an undergraduate degree, can I apply?
- I am undertaking an online Master's degree, am I still eligible to apply?
- Which language(s) do I need to be fluent in?
- Do I need to provide documentation to prove that I have passed an officially recognized language test?
- What type of visa or other permissions do I need to undertake an internship at UNDP?
- Is an intern entitled to days off during the internship period?
- Is an intern entitled to sick leave?
- Does UNDP provide medical and accident insurance for interns?
- Can I get financial support from UNDP?
- Will travel expenses to and from the duty station by reimbursed by UNDP?
- Can I apply to as many internship vacancies as I want?
- What information should I provide in my online application?
- I have no professional experience. Any tips on how to complete the “Experience section”?
- How to write a motivation/cover letter?
- What information should my cover letter include?
- Do I need to provide documentation to prove that I have passed an officially recognized language test?
- Can I contact a UNDP staff member in the office in which I am interested in asking more questions about the internship position to which I have applied?
- How long will it take until I hear back?
- How to prepare for an interview?
- I was not selected for a specific internship I applied for; can I still apply to other internships?
UNDP internship opportunities are advertised on the UNDP Job Page under their respective programme or management area.
You must be enrolled in the last year of a Bachelor’s degree, be completing a Master’s or have finished your studies within the past year to apply. We do not require previous work experience. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in the field of development and should highlight any experience and expertise relevant to the position.
Internships usually last between three to six months. For those receiving academic credit, internships may last a maximum of nine months. Internship assignments completed as part of national service obligations or a postgraduate professional traineeship program may last up to 12 months.
Unless sponsored by another institution or government, UNDP interns are eligible for a stipend, a single monthly rate that varies depending on the country of assignment, and whether the internship is in-person or remote.
At present, internships do not count towards the minimum years of relevant work experience required for UNDP jobs. Nevertheless, our internships can provide you with a better understanding of UNDP’s mission and culture, strengthen your network and CV and may lead to opportunities that enhance your chances of joining UNDP in the future.
The internship position for which you applied defines the type of tasks that you will be assigned during your internship at UNDP. The internship position on the UNDP job portal presents the role and responsibilities the selected candidate is expected to have. Internships at UNDP contribute to the organization’s mandate and imply conducting substantive tasks in a meaningful context.
UNDP offers two types of internships assignments:
- In-person internship in a UNDP Office
- Remote internship
Internships at UNDP are available on full-time and part-time (50% or 80%) basis. The regular working hours at 8 hours per day. The working days and hours might differ in each duty station. The working days and hours will be discussed as part of the interview process.
If you are shortlisted for an internship position, and contacted by a UNDP Office for an interview, you will discuss your availability directly with the UNDP Office. Most internship positions advertised provide information about the expected time period for the internship
At the end of an internship, you will participate in an evaluation conducted by your supervisor. You will receive a copy of the evaluation for your records.
Yes, certificates are issued to individual interns upon request. In addition, each intern may ask their supervisor to write a letter of recommendation at the end of their internship.
There is no provision for writing your thesis during your internship. If you are selected for an internship, you would need to discuss this request with your supervisor, as any arrangements would be at their discretion. However, please note that when accepting the internship, you are not allowed to disclose or make use of any unpublished or confidential information that comes to your knowledge during your assignment and, except with the express authorization of UNDP. You are not permitted to publish any reports or papers based on information obtained during the assignment, both during and after the completion of the assignment.
It is possible at times for UNDP and a university to enter a partnership agreement locally. Should you have more questions on the framework agreement as a first step, we recommend your university to reach out and inquire with the local UNDP Office.
The Organization does not assist intern candidates in identifying accommodation. When identifying accommodation, we recommend abstaining from making advance payments or providing “guarantee sums” in advance of your arrival.
The UNDP Internship Programme is not connected with UNDP employment activities and there should be no expectation of such. Interns are expected to fulfil the terms of their internships. Therefore, the internship period cannot be foreshortened to take up a position with UNDP. Any employment with UNDP shall be subject to established recruitment and selection procedures. Interns and former interns are free to apply as external candidates to any vacant positions open to external candidates and for which they are qualified.
If you have recently graduated with a university degree, you are eligible to apply, however you must start the internship within one year of graduation.
Yes, doctoral (PHD) students are eligible for internships.
An undergraduate degree is acceptable if you are enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent prior to the start date of the internship.
Yes, online degrees may be eligible, depending on the workload and accreditation status of the university.
You will be required to be fluent in English and (if relevant) one of the working languages of the office of the internship assignment. The specific language will depend on the location of the internship and will be indicated within the vacancy to which you apply. Some internships may require knowledge of more than one language. Please note that UNDP working languages are English, French, and Spanish but may vary from region to region. In some duty stations knowledge of the national/local language can be an asset.
During the recruitment process, you may be requested to demonstrate that your language capabilities are at the same level that has been indicated in your application.
The visa requirements will depend on your country of nationality and the duty station where the internship will take place. The costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern and/or eventually the sponsoring institution, related institution or Government (which may provide financial assistance to its students).
Interns are entitled to take personal time off during the UNDP internship, which is the equivalent of 1.5 days per month. Interns may choose to use these each month, or to accrue days over the period of the internship, in agreement with the supervisor.
An intern is not expected to work if he/she is unwell, but it is important that the UNDP Office is informed of any absences. Notification requirements follow the same standard practice as is required by other UNDP personnel.
UNDP does not provide medical and accident insurance. Whether engaged in-person or remotely, interns are expected to and responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide a certificate of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illnesses incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern.
Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the UNDP Office.
Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the UNDP Office.
There is no limit to how many internship vacancies you can apply to. However, please ensure that you provide a specific cover letter for each position you apply to, rather than using one generic cover letter for all applications.
The application process requires completing a profile in UNDPCareer site that covers:
- Contact information and additional personal information
- Application and eligibility questions
- Work and education history (including current studies)
- Supporting documents (resume and cover letter)
- Licenses and certificates
- Languages and skills (including qualifications/certifications, trainings, publications and computer skills).
Students without professional experience may find it difficult to complete the experience section. To address this, consider reflecting on your academic journey or any activities you’ve participated in. Highlight how these experiences have helped you develop skills and competencies such as teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving. These examples can stem from your education or even personal circumstances.
In your statement of motivation (cover letter), clearly articulate your reasons for applying to the specific or general UNDP internship you have selected. Explain how you believe you can contribute to the responsibilities outlined in the job description and how the internship experience with UNDP would contribute to your personal and professional growth. Include any additional details that may support your candidacy and aid the selection process. Avoid using a generic letter; instead, tailor your cover letter to the specific internship position to which you are applying.
Clearly state your reasons for applying for the specific UNDP internship position. Highlight the skills and experiences you believe you can bring to UNDP. Keep your letter concise, limiting it to a few paragraphs. Ensure each position you apply for has a tailored and unique letter.
As part of the recruitment process, you may be required to verify that your language skills match the level stated in your application. This may involve completing a verbal exercise and/or providing formal proof of having passed a specific language test.
If you are considered for an internship, the relevant contact person from the UNDP Office will be in touch with you.
Please note that only candidates who are considered further in the selection process will be contacted. However, the response time will vary.
If shortlisted for the UNDP internship, the UNDP Office will contact you to conduct an interview. The selection process may also include other components such as a written test or video recording. During the interview, we recommend you ask as many questions and seek clarification as necessary so that you are fully aware of what would be required from you during the assignment. It is also important for you to understand what the learning experience would provide to you and encourage you to ask questions related to the learning objectives indicated within the position description.
Yes, you are welcome to apply again to any internship vacancy for which you meet the minimum eligibility criteria.
