INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME at UNFPA Headquarters in New York
Apply for an internship to gain practical experience in development at UNFPA.
Overview
Apply for an internship to gain practical experience in development at UNFPA.
You have:
- Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher).
- Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
- Recently graduated with a university degree (master’s or bachelor’s) and must start the internship within one-year of graduation.
- Enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme.
- Written and spoken proficiency in English; fluency in another UN language is an asset.
- Have medical insurance for the duration of the internship and provide proof before the internship begins.
Contract
This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.
Objectives of the Programme
The inclusive UNFPA Internship Programme offers outstanding students the opportunity to acquire direct exposure to UNFPA operations. It is designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in various aspects of UNFPA work.
Applicants should have expressed interest in the field of development; ability to adapt to new environments and work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Interns work as part of agile teams that support and hold each other accountable. In addition, they will have supervisory support from an assigned UNFPA staff member. The background of the interns is matched with the needs of the organization.
Qualifying for an Internship
Candidates for the internship programme are selected competitively from the Internship Roster by teams looking to integrate an intern into their work. The profiles of the interns are matched with the needs of the organization.
Applicants to the UNFPA internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:
(a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
(c) Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
(d) Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertake the internship as part of this programme.
Students must have written and spoken proficiency in English; fluency in another UN language is an asset.
Financial Aspects
Interns do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with an intern's participation in the programme must be assumed either by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students, or by the students themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements. However, they receive a stipend to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, if not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, government, foundation, or scholarship programme. The amount of the stipend varies according to the duty station. In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the internship. Proof of insurance will need to be submitted before the internship begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for interns.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a new cultural environment? | This question assesses your cultural adaptability and openness to diversity. | Share a specific example where you successfully adapted and learned from the experience. |
| Tell me about a successful team project you participated in. What was your role? | The interviewer wants to know about your teamwork skills and how you contribute to group efforts. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What motivates you to work in international development? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle challenges when working in a team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| In what ways do you stay informed about global development issues? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |