UNDP Washington 2027 Internships: Paid Graduate Internship Opportunity in the United States

Looking to gain practical experience with one of the world’s leading international development organizations? The UNDP Washington 2027 Internship Programme offers graduate students an exciting opportunity to work alongside experts at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) while contributing to global development initiatives. Based at the UNDP Washington Representation Office (WRO) in the United States, the internship provides hands-on exposure to international policy, communications, advocacy, and multilateral development cooperation.

Whether you are pursuing a career in international development, public policy, communications, economics, or international relations, this internship allows participants to strengthen their professional skills while working in a highly collaborative and multicultural environment.

About the UNDP Washington Representation Office

The UNDP Washington Representation Office (WRO) serves as UNDP’s primary liaison with key United States institutions, including Congress, the U.S. State Department, the World Bank Group, multilateral organizations, diplomatic missions, civil society organizations, and the media.

Interns become part of a dynamic office that supports UNDP’s mission of advancing sustainable development, reducing poverty, strengthening democratic governance, promoting climate action, and supporting countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Selected interns work closely with experienced professionals while gaining valuable insight into international development diplomacy and policy engagement.

Internship Profiles Available

Applicants may apply for one of two internship tracks depending on their academic background and career interests.

1. UNDP Washington General Internship

The General Internship is designed for graduate students interested in international development, economics, governance, law, environmental studies, public administration, business administration, and related fields.

Interns support the daily operations of the office while gaining practical experience in international development cooperation and policy engagement.

Typical responsibilities include:

Attending Congressional hearings and public policy events relevant to UNDP
Preparing policy briefings and research materials
Responding to requests related to UNDP initiatives
Assisting with planning and coordination of UNDP events
Updating media, government, and think tank contact databases
Supporting office operations and administrative activities

Applicants with experience working on Capitol Hill, familiarity with the U.S. Congress, or previous field experience in international development are especially encouraged to apply, although these qualifications are not mandatory.

2. Communications & Outreach Internship

Graduate students with strong communications skills may apply for the Communications & Outreach Internship.

Working under the supervision of the Office Director, interns contribute to communications, public engagement, digital outreach, and advocacy initiatives.

Responsibilities may include:

Updating the UNDP Washington website
Assisting with communication strategies and campaigns
Monitoring media and social media platforms
Preparing newsletters and communication materials
Researching content for publications
Supporting outreach and advocacy events
Assisting with audio and video content production

Applicants with experience in digital communications, social media management, content creation, web publishing, multimedia editing, or public relations may be particularly competitive.

Internship Benefits

Successful interns receive several valuable benefits throughout the programme.

These include:

Monthly internship stipend (amount varies depending on internship location)
Practical work experience within the United Nations Development Programme
Opportunities to attend high-level conferences, meetings, and policy discussions
Exposure to international development, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation
Networking opportunities with professionals from governments, international organizations, think tanks, and civil society
Potential remote or hybrid internship arrangements where applicable

Internships may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, with stipends adjusted proportionally for part-time arrangements.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

Be enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme in communications or a development-related field such as economics, environmental studies, business administration, public administration, or similar disciplines.
Be returning to their studies after completing the internship.
Be available to work for at least three consecutive months.
Commit to working a minimum of three days per week (24 hours weekly).
Demonstrate a strong interest in international development.
Show enthusiasm for learning and working with multicultural teams.
Respect the principles of the United Nations Charter and the mission of UNDP.
Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English proficiency.

The maximum internship duration is six months.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete application package consisting of:

Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 1–2 pages)
Completed and signed UNDP Internship Application Form
One reference letter

Only complete applications will be reviewed.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via email to:

undp.washington@undp.org
Ebru.Kuran@undp.org

Applicants should clearly indicate the internship period they are applying for.

Use one of the following email subject lines:

Internship Application – Spring Internship – Full Name
Internship Application – Fall Internship – Full Name

All required documents, including the reference letter, must be submitted by the applicant before the deadline.

Internship Timeline

Spring 2027 Internship

Start: March 2027
End: 15 June 2027
Application Deadline: 15 January 2027 (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)

Fall 2027 Internship

Start: September 2027
End: 15 December 2027
Application Deadline: 15 June 2027 (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time)

UNDP does not offer a summer internship programme through its Washington Representation Office.

Internship Conditions

Interns should also note the following conditions:

Applicants are responsible for visa arrangements where required.
Proof of health insurance is required before beginning the internship.
Interns are responsible for expenses not covered by the stipend.
Interns must maintain confidentiality regarding unpublished UNDP information.
The internship does not guarantee future employment with UNDP.
Interns may not apply for internally advertised UNDP staff positions during the internship period.

Why Consider the UNDP Washington Internship?

A UNDP internship offers more than professional experience—it provides firsthand exposure to global development policy and the work of one of the United Nations’ leading development agencies. Interns collaborate with experienced professionals, participate in policy discussions, strengthen analytical and communication skills, and build an international professional network.

For graduate students interested in careers with the United Nations, international organizations, development agencies, NGOs, or public policy institutions, the UNDP Washington Internship Programme is an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful experience while contributing to sustainable development initiatives.

Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare a complete application well before the deadline, as the programme is highly competitive and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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