The UNAIDS INTERNSHIP offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within one of the world’s leading United Nations partnerships dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Designed for individuals passionate about global health, international development, public policy, human rights, communications, research, and sustainable development, the internship provides valuable exposure to the work of an international organization while allowing participants to contribute to meaningful projects.
Internships are available across multiple duty stations worldwide and typically last between 8 weeks and 6 months, depending on the needs of the hosting division. Selected interns may receive a stipend, medical insurance coverage, and the opportunity to collaborate with experts from across the United Nations system. If you are looking to begin a career with the UN or gain international work experience, the INTERNSHIP WITH UNAIDS could be an excellent stepping stone.
About UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Working closely with governments, civil society organizations, development partners, and affected communities, UNAIDS coordinates international action to reduce new HIV infections, eliminate discrimination, and improve access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support.
UNAIDS brings together the expertise of several UN organizations, including UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO, and the World Bank, enabling a coordinated response to one of the world’s most significant public health challenges.
Internship Overview
The INTERNSHIP WITH UNAIDS is designed to provide participants with hands-on professional experience in an international and multicultural work environment.
Key internship details include:
- Organization: UNAIDS
- Programme: Internship Programme
- Contract Type: Internship
- Duration: 8 weeks to 6 months
- Duty Stations: Multiple locations worldwide
- Employment Type: Internship
Internship responsibilities vary depending on the department or office hosting the intern. Each intern receives specific Terms of Reference prepared by their supervising team.
Internship Responsibilities
Assignments differ by office and project, but interns generally support ongoing programmes through activities such as:
- Conducting research and data analysis
- Assisting with policy development and programme implementation
- Supporting communications and advocacy initiatives
- Preparing reports, presentations, and briefing materials
- Contributing to administrative and operational activities
- Assisting with project coordination
- Participating in meetings and collaborative assignments
- Supporting monitoring and evaluation activities
The internship allows participants to work alongside experienced professionals while gaining insight into the operations of an international organization.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the educational and eligibility requirements established by UNAIDS.
Eligible candidates should:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree programme at a recognized institution after completing at least three years of full-time study; or
- Have recently completed an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree and begin the internship within 12 months of graduation.
- Be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
- Hold a valid passport from a WHO/UNAIDS Member State.
- Possess a working knowledge of at least one official WHO/UNAIDS language required by the internship office.
- Demonstrate fluency in English.
Desired Skills and Competencies
Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Good organizational and time management skills
- Initiative and willingness to learn
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Professional integrity and accountability
- Adaptability in multicultural environments
- Customer-focused and service-oriented mindset
Candidates should also be proficient in commonly used office software, including:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Google Workspace applications or equivalent productivity tools
Knowledge of a second United Nations official language is considered an advantage.
Financial Support and Benefits
The internship programme offers several benefits designed to support participants during their placement.
Depending on the internship assignment, interns may receive:
- A monthly stipend (where applicable)
- Medical illness coverage
- Accident insurance
- Emergency medical insurance
- Valuable international work experience
- Exposure to the United Nations system
- Professional networking opportunities
- Mentorship from experienced international professionals
In exceptional cases, official travel may be required during the internship.
Inclusive Recruitment
UNAIDS promotes an inclusive and diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from individuals of different backgrounds.
The organization particularly welcomes applications from:
- Women
- Nationals of underrepresented Member States
- Persons living with HIV
- Persons with disabilities
UNAIDS maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination, harassment, and abuse of authority and is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants.
Who Cannot Apply?
Certain restrictions apply to maintain fairness during recruitment.
Individuals are not eligible if they have immediate family members employed by the UNAIDS Secretariat, including:
- Parents
- Children
- Brothers
- Sisters
Additionally, applicants who have previously participated in the UNAIDS Internship Programme may not be eligible for another internship.
Why Consider a UNAIDS Internship?
Interning with UNAIDS offers more than professional experience. Participants gain first-hand exposure to international development, global health programmes, public policy, and multilateral cooperation while contributing to initiatives that improve lives worldwide.
The programme also strengthens professional skills in communication, research, project management, teamwork, and policy analysis, making it an excellent foundation for future careers within the United Nations, international NGOs, government institutions, or global development organizations.
For students and recent graduates interested in public health, international relations, sustainable development, social sciences, communications, law, economics, or related fields, the UNAIDS Internship Programme provides meaningful experience that can enhance both academic and professional growth.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare all required documentation, and monitor the official UNAIDS careers portal for internship opportunities that match their academic background and career interests.
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