UNRISD Research Internship 2026 in Geneva: Apply for a UN Research Internship Before 16 August

The UNRISD Research Internship 2026 offers an opportunity for students and recent graduates in social sciences, development studies, international relations and public policy to gain research and policy analysis experience in Geneva. The internship lasts 3 to 6 months and applications close on 16 August 2026.

Background & Job Description

The United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) is inviting applications for a Research Internship based in Geneva, Switzerland. The opportunity is intended for motivated candidates interested in research, policy analysis, social development and knowledge dissemination.

UNRISD is an autonomous research institute within the United Nations system that conducts interdisciplinary research and policy analysis on the social dimensions of contemporary development challenges. Its work focuses on ensuring that issues including social equity, inclusion and justice remain central to development thinking, policy and practice.

The Research Intern will work within the Office of the Director and report to the UNRISD Director. The internship provides exposure to research activities, policy discussions, publications, meetings and strategic work connected with social development.

The internship is expected to run from September 2026 to March 2027, with an initial period of between three and six months. Candidates must be available for at least 24 hours per week, with a minimum commitment of 12 weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks.

This is an unpaid internship. UNRISD does not cover interns’ travel expenses to or from Geneva or mandatory medical insurance during the internship.

Position: Research Intern
Organization: United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
Department: Office of the Director
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Contract type: Internship
Duration: 3–6 months
Expected period: September 2026–March 2027
Deadline: 16 August 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time

Tasks

The successful intern will support UNRISD’s research, policy and knowledge-related activities.

Key responsibilities include:

Research and Literature Reviews

The intern will conduct research, fact-finding and literature reviews on social development topics and other areas relevant to UNRISD’s work.

This may involve reviewing academic publications, reports and other research materials to identify relevant evidence and information.

Policy Analysis

The intern will assist with policy analysis and help summarize important findings from reports, academic papers and expert discussions.

This responsibility provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in translating research into concise policy-relevant insights.

Meetings and Conferences

The intern may attend meetings, conferences and policy discussions relevant to UNRISD’s work and prepare reports based on those activities.

The position may also involve accompanying the Director to selected meetings, taking notes, recording action points and following up on correspondence.

Publications and Policy Briefs

The intern will support the preparation of UNRISD publications and policy briefs.

Tasks may include:

Fact-checking;
Formatting documents;
Verifying citations; and
Supporting the preparation of research and policy materials.

Support to the Director’s Office

The intern will assist with organizing and preparing meetings for the Director’s office.

Limited administrative responsibilities may also be assigned, including scheduling meetings and booking rooms when required.

The intern will also participate in internal UNRISD meetings connected with research projects and strategic discussions.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Applicants should have an educational background in one of the following areas:

Social sciences;
Development studies;
International relations;
Public policy; or
A related field.

Under the UN Internship Programme rules, candidates must meet one of the following conditions at the time of application:

Be enrolled in a graduate school programme leading to a second university degree or equivalent, or higher;
Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme at a minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent; or
Have graduated with a qualifying university degree and, if selected, begin the internship within one year of graduation.

Applicants should ensure that their academic status meets the applicable UN internship requirements before applying.

Experience and Skills

The position is particularly suited to candidates who can demonstrate strong research and analytical abilities.

Relevant skills include:

Research and fact-finding;
Literature reviews;
Policy analysis;
Strong written communication;
Excellent English communication skills;
Knowledge of global social development issues;
Familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
Ability to work independently;
Initiative and problem-solving ability; and
Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Proficiency in additional UN languages is considered an asset.

Candidates with an interest in social development, international development, public policy and global development agendas may find the internship particularly relevant to their academic and professional goals.

Additional Information

The UNRISD Research Internship is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and interns must be based in Geneva or be able to attend in-person meetings at UNRISD when required.

The internship is unpaid, meaning candidates should carefully consider the costs associated with living and working in Geneva before applying. UNRISD states that it is not responsible for travel expenses to and from Geneva or mandatory medical insurance during the internship.

The expected internship period is from 1 September 2026 to 1 March 2027, although the exact start date is flexible and will be mutually agreed upon.

Candidates must be available for a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks, working at least 24 hours per week.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

An updated CV; and
A short cover letter explaining their motivation, relevant skills and preferred internship period.

Applications must be submitted through the UNRISD application process.

The application deadline is 16 August 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time.

Because of limited staff resources, UNRISD states that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applicants should carefully review their CV and cover letter before submission and clearly demonstrate how their academic background, research skills and interests relate to the work of UNRISD.

Important Points for Applicants

This opportunity may be particularly useful for students and recent graduates seeking experience in:

Social development research;
International development;
Public policy;
International relations;
Sustainable development;
Policy research;
Global development;
Social justice and inclusion; and
Research-based policy analysis.

However, applicants should note that this is not a paid internship and that travel, accommodation and mandatory medical insurance costs are not covered by UNRISD according to the information provided for the vacancy.

Why This UNRISD Internship Could Be Valuable

The UNRISD Research Internship offers exposure to several areas that are relevant to careers in international development and policy research.

The position combines academic research with practical policy-related work, allowing interns to contribute to literature reviews, research, policy analysis, publications, meetings and knowledge dissemination.

The role also places the intern within the Office of the Director, providing exposure to strategic discussions and meetings connected with UNRISD’s research agenda.

For candidates planning careers in United Nations organizations, international development institutions, research organizations, think tanks or public policy, this type of experience can provide a useful foundation.

Applicants should nevertheless assess the opportunity based on their own academic background, professional goals, financial circumstances and ability to be available in Geneva.

UNRISD Research Internship 2026: Quick Summary

Opportunity: Research Internship
Organization: United Nations Research Institute for Social Development
Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland
Department: Office of the Director
Contract: Intern
Duration: 3 to 6 months
Expected dates: September 2026 to March 2027
Working time: At least 24 hours per week
Payment: Unpaid
Eligible academic backgrounds: Social sciences, development studies, international relations, public policy and related fields
Deadline: 16 August 2026, 23:59 CET

Final Thoughts

The UNRISD Research Internship 2026 is an opportunity for eligible students and recent graduates who want practical exposure to social development research, policy analysis and international development work.

The role combines research and analytical responsibilities with support for publications, policy briefs, conferences, meetings and the work of the Director’s office. Candidates should have strong research and writing abilities, an interest in global development issues and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.

Because the internship is unpaid and requires interns to be based in Geneva or available for in-person meetings, applicants should carefully consider the practical requirements before submitting an application.

Those interested should prepare their CV and cover letter early and submit their application before the 16 August 2026 deadline.

Disclaimer: This article is an independent publication based on information supplied from the UNRISD vacancy announcement. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development. Applicants should refer to the official vacancy and application system for the latest requirements and application instructions.

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