UNDP 2026 Washington Internship – Fully Funded Opportunity With Monthly Stipend for Graduate Students

The UNDP 2026 Washington Internship offers graduate students an exceptional chance to gain international development experience while receiving a monthly stipend. This fully funded internship in the UNDP Washington Representation Office allows interns to engage in global development work, communications, and outreach, contributing directly to UNDP initiatives and observing multilateral cooperation. Apply now to join a prestigious international organization and gain hands-on experience in policy, advocacy, and global development.
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Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Washington Representation Office (WRO) serves as the UNDP’s primary liaison to the U.S. Congress, State Department, USAID, the World Bank Group, and other multilateral and international organizations. It also maintains strong links with the Washington-based diplomatic community, media, and civil society.
The UNDP 2026 Internship Programme provides graduate students with an immersive experience in international development, communications, policy, and advocacy. Interns have the unique opportunity to observe and participate in high-profile meetings, conferences, and events while supporting UNDP staff in their day-to-day operations.
This internship is highly competitive and open to outstanding graduate students worldwide. It allows participants to gain practical exposure to multilateral development cooperation, public policy, and international relations while honing analytical, research, and communications skills. The program is fully funded, offering a monthly stipend to support interns during their placement.
Interns will contribute to two primary profiles within the Washington office:
- General Internship – focused on development policy, research, and analytical tasks.
- Communications & Outreach Internship – focused on advocacy, media engagement, and public relations.
Both tracks provide significant exposure to the operations of a major UNDP office, allowing interns to gain real-world experience in international development.
Benefits of the UNDP Washington Internship
Interning at UNDP Washington provides a wide range of professional and personal benefits:
- Monthly stipend – A contribution to living expenses is provided to help cover accommodation, travel, and daily living costs during the internship.
- Hands-on experience – Work directly with UNDP staff, engage with policymakers, and contribute to real-time projects in global development.
- Networking opportunities – Build connections with UNDP professionals, multilateral agencies, government officials, and global development practitioners.
- Skill development – Gain expertise in communications, research, policy analysis, advocacy, event management, and international relations.
- Exposure to high-level policy-making – Observe and participate in congressional hearings, briefings, and UNDP-led events in Washington, D.C.
- Career growth – Enhance your CV and improve your prospects for future careers in multilateral organizations, international development, government agencies, and NGOs.
- Flexible working arrangements – Depending on circumstances, interns may have options for in-person, hybrid, or fully remote participation.
Internship Roles & Responsibilities
1. UNDP Washington General Internship
General interns are engaged in a wide range of development-related tasks that complement their academic studies. Responsibilities include:
- Attending congressional hearings and public policy events relevant to UNDP.
- Preparing analytical notes and supporting policy briefings for staff.
- Assisting in planning and executing UNDP-related events.
- Updating and maintaining media, think-tank, and government contact databases.
- Supporting the daily operations of the office, including research, drafting reports, and data analysis.
- Conducting research on international development topics and preparing summaries for internal use.
2. UNDP Washington Communications & Outreach Internship
Communications and outreach interns focus on promoting UNDP’s mission and projects through targeted campaigns, media engagement, and advocacy. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting in website updates and digital content creation for UNDP Washington.
- Developing and implementing communication strategies, including social media campaigns.
- Researching and summarizing development materials for publication and dissemination.
- Monitoring media and social media channels, compiling daily updates, and sharing insights with the team.
- Supporting audio/video content creation and editing for UNDP communications.
- Participating in strategic communication planning and stakeholder engagement activities.
Both internship tracks provide structured guidance from senior staff, enabling interns to gain professional development in a supportive and international environment.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the UNDP Washington 2026 Internship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Enrollment in a graduate-level degree program in a development-related field such as communications, economics, public administration, business administration, environmental studies, or international relations.
- Availability for a minimum of three consecutive months, working at least three days or 24 hours per week. Maximum internship length is six months.
- Demonstrated interest in global development, international relations, and multilateral cooperation.
- Willingness to learn, work in a multicultural environment, and adapt to a fast-paced office setting.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and UNDP’s mission.
Additional desirable qualifications include:
- Previous experience with media, communications, or advocacy.
- Familiarity with Capitol Hill, U.S. Congress, or international policy environments.
- Social media management skills, including experience with platforms like Twitter, Hootsuite, or Constant Contact.
- Audio/video recording and editing experience.
- Knowledge of web content management systems.
- Experience in development projects or policy analysis.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered:
- Cover letter – Clearly explaining your motivation for applying and your relevant experience.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Maximum 1-2 pages, detailing education, experience, and skills.
- Completed UNDP Internship Application Form – Signed and fully filled.
- Reference letter – One letter from an academic or professional supervisor supporting your candidacy.
All materials must be emailed to: undp.washington@undp.org (Attention: Internship Coordinator) with a copy to Ebru.Kuran@undp.org.
Important: Incomplete, late, or partial applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews or additional assessments.
Application Deadlines For UNDP 2026 Washington Internship – Fully Funded Opportunity With Monthly Stipend for Graduate Students
Internship Period | Start Date | End Date | Application Deadline |
---|---|---|---|
Spring 2026 | March | 15 June 2026 | 15 January 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET |
Fall 2026 | September | 15 December 2026 | 15 June 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET |
Interns should indicate their availability clearly, as the selection process may take up to three months. Internship start dates depend on both the candidate’s availability and the office’s requirements.
Conditions of Service
- Interns receive a monthly stipend, with part-time arrangements pro-rated accordingly.
- UNDP provides no responsibility for travel, health, or other personal expenses; interns must ensure their own health insurance coverage.
- Internships are strictly educational and do not imply employment; interns are not eligible for UNDP staff positions during the internship period.
- Interns are expected to maintain professional conduct, confidentiality, and adhere to UNDP policies at all times.
Why Apply for This Internship
The UNDP Washington Internship offers unmatched opportunities to:
- Build expertise in global development, communications, and advocacy.
- Gain exposure to high-level policy-making and multilateral processes.
- Develop professional networks within UNDP, the U.S. government, and international organizations.
- Enhance your CV and position yourself for a career in international development or policy.
- Experience life in Washington, D.C., while contributing to impactful international development projects.
Future Career Prospects
Completing a UNDP Washington Internship significantly strengthens your prospects for careers in:
- International development agencies (UNDP, UN agencies, World Bank, IMF).
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups.
- Government ministries, particularly in foreign affairs, international development, or communications.
- Policy analysis, research, and communications roles in international or local organizations.
- Academic research and consultancy in development, policy, or international relations.
Interns gain practical skills, mentorship, and real-world exposure that can serve as a springboard for a successful career in multilateral institutions and global policy.
Additional Information
- Internships may be in-person, hybrid, or fully remote depending on public health guidelines.
- Interns are expected to maintain high ethical standards and contribute actively to the office’s work.
- UNDP interns are ambassadors of the organization and must uphold its values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply online using the UNDP Washington internship application system:
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