UNDP Washington 2027 Internships

The UNDP Washington Representation Office Internship Programme gives graduate-level students the opportunity to gain practical experience with the United Nations Development Programme in Washington, D.C. The Washington Representation Office works with organisations and institutions including the U.S. Congress, government agencies, international organisations, development partners, diplomatic missions, media and civil society. For 2027, applicants can apply for either the General Internship or the Communications & Outreach Internship.

General Interns may assist with policy monitoring, research, meetings, events, administrative support, databases and other activities related to UNDP's engagement in Washington. Communications & Outreach Interns may support communications, advocacy, website content, media monitoring, social-media activities, research and outreach projects.

The programme is designed for students who want practical exposure to international development, multilateral cooperation, public policy and the work of the United Nations system. Remote or hybrid arrangements may be available in some cases, but applicants should not assume that remote work will automatically be offered.

• Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme.
• Relevant fields include communications and development-related areas such as economics, public administration, business administration and environmental studies.
• Applicants must return to their studies after completing the internship.
• Applicants must be available for at least three consecutive months.
• Applicants must be able to work at least three days or 24 hours per week.
• The internship may not exceed six months.
• Applicants must have written and spoken English proficiency.
• Applicants should demonstrate interest in international development and global issues.
• Applicants should be able to work effectively with people from different backgrounds.
• Applicants are expected to respect the principles of the United Nations Charter and UNDP's mission.
• For the General Internship, Capitol Hill experience, familiarity with the U.S. Congress and development field experience may be considered an advantage.
• Communications & Outreach applicants should have strong writing and communication skills.
• Social-media management and related communications skills are useful for the Communications & Outreach profile.

• Monthly internship stipend.
• Practical experience with the United Nations Development Programme.
• Exposure to international development and multilateral cooperation.
• Opportunity to contribute to research, policy, communications or outreach activities.
• Exposure to meetings, conferences and professional discussions.
• Experience working in an international professional environment.
• Development of research, analytical and communication skills.
• Networking exposure through UNDP's work in Washington, D.C.
• Internship experience with a major United Nations development organisation.

Applicants are required to prepare:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), maximum 1–2 pages
• Completed and signed UNDP Internship Application Form
• One Reference Letter

Selected applicants may also be required to provide:

• Proof of health-insurance coverage
• Additional identity, academic or administrative documents requested by UNDP

• Eligibility for the graduate-level internship programme.
• Interest in international development and global affairs.
• Relevant academic background.
• Relevant skills for the selected internship profile.
• Quality and completeness of the application.
• Ability to meet the required internship schedule.
• Relevant writing, research, communications or policy skills.
• Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
• Relevant experience where applicable to the selected profile.

• Gain practical experience with a major United Nations organisation.
• Learn how international development policy works in practice.
• Develop professional research, communications and analytical skills.
• Gain exposure to international institutions and policy discussions.
• Build experience relevant to careers in international development and global affairs.
• Work in a professional and internationally focused environment.
• Strengthen your CV with practical UNDP experience.
• Gain insight into UNDP's engagement with government, media and international partners.