UNDP Washington offers Spring and Fall 2027 internships for graduate students worldwide, with a monthly stipend and possible remote or hybrid arrangements.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Washington Representation Office is offering competitive internship opportunities for graduate students from around the world, with applications open for its Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 internship programmes.
The internships provide students with an opportunity to gain practical exposure to UNDP’s work while supporting activities involving international development, public policy, communications, advocacy and outreach.
UNDP Washington serves as the organization’s primary liaison to the U.S. Congress, U.S. State Department, World Bank Group and other multilateral and international organizations, as well as the Washington-based diplomatic, media and civil society communities.
The internships are available through two main tracks: the General Internship and the Communications & Outreach Internship.
UNDP Opens Online Internship Opportunities With a Monthly Stipend
The programme is designed for students currently enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme in communications or a development-related field.
Relevant areas can include:
- Economics
- Public administration
- Business administration
- Environmental studies
- Communications
- International development
- Law
- Government
- Other development-related fields
Applicants must remain enrolled in their studies and return to their studies after completing the internship assignment.
The internships are highly competitive, with candidates selected from around the world.
Internship Can Be Completed Online or in a Hybrid Arrangement
The UNDP Washington internship information states that, in some cases and consistent with applicable public health guidelines, interns may be offered remote or hybrid work arrangements.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to eligible students who are looking for international development experience without necessarily relocating for the entire internship.
However, applicants should understand that remote or hybrid arrangements are subject to the conditions applicable to the internship and should not assume that every placement will be fully remote.
UNDP Internship Monthly Stipend
Successful UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend under the organization’s Internship Policy.
The stipend rate varies depending on the location, while part-time internship arrangements are prorated.
Applicants should also be aware that they are responsible for additional expenses associated with the internship and must provide proof of health insurance coverage before beginning the placement.
Visa requirements are also the responsibility of the applicant where applicable.
Spring 2027 Internship
The Spring 2027 internship is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and run through June 15, 2027.
The application deadline is:
15 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Students interested in the Spring 2027 intake should prepare their application materials well before the deadline because incomplete, partial or late applications will not be considered.
Fall 2027 Internship
The Fall 2027 internship is scheduled to begin in September 2027 and run through December 15, 2027.
The application deadline is:
15 June 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Applicants should clearly indicate that they are applying for the Fall internship period.
UNDP Does Not Offer a Summer Internship
An important detail for applicants is that the UNDP Washington Representation Office does not offer a Summer internship programme.
Students who are interested in working with the office are encouraged to consider the Spring and Fall internship opportunities when applications are available.
UNDP Washington General Internship
The General Internship is intended for outstanding graduate students interested in gaining direct exposure to UNDP’s work.
The internship is designed to complement development-oriented studies with practical experience in areas involving multilateral technical cooperation and international affairs.
Students with interests in areas such as law, government, economics and international development may find the programme particularly relevant.
General Internship Responsibilities
Depending on the needs of the office, interns may assist with activities such as:
- Attending Congressional hearings and public policy forums
- Briefing UNDP staff on relevant policy discussions
- Responding to requests for UNDP assistance and attention
- Supporting UNDP-related events
- Updating media, think-tank and government contact databases
- Assisting UNDP staff with day-to-day operations
Candidates with Capitol Hill experience or familiarity with the U.S. Congress are particularly welcome, although this is not presented as a mandatory requirement.
Experience in development-related fieldwork is also desirable.
Communications and Outreach Internship
The second pathway is the UNDP Washington Communications & Outreach Internship.
This internship is aimed at graduate students with strong communications skills and an interest in development.
Under the supervision of the Office Director, interns support communications, advocacy and outreach activities.
Communications Internship Responsibilities
Tasks may include:
- Updating the UNDP Washington Representation Office website
- Supporting communications strategies and tactics
- Researching material for publication and dissemination
- Monitoring news and social media
- Preparing and sharing daily media clips
- Supporting other outreach activities
- Assisting with communications projects
Applicants with audio or video recording and editing experience may have an advantage, although this is listed as a plus rather than a mandatory requirement.
Skills Sought for the Communications Internship
Candidates should have strong writing abilities and demonstrate an interest in global development.
The opportunity may be particularly suitable for students with experience in:
- Writing
- News releases
- Newsletters
- Traditional media
- Social media management
- Website content
- Communications strategy
- Audio and video production
- Web content management systems
Experience with platforms such as X, Constant Contact and Hootsuite is also relevant to the communications role.
Familiarity with Washington and U.S. media is listed as desirable.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the programme’s stated minimum requirements.
Candidates should:
- Be enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme
- Be studying communications or a development-related field
- Return to their studies after completing the internship
- Be available for at least three consecutive months
- Work at least three days or 24 hours per week
- Have an interest in global development
- Be willing to work with people from diverse backgrounds
- Respect the principles of the UN Charter
- Respect the UNDP Statement of Purpose
- Have written and spoken proficiency in English
The maximum internship duration is six months.
Four Documents Are Required
Applicants must submit a complete application containing four required documents.
These are:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than 1–2 pages
- Completed and signed UNDP Internship Application Form
- One Reference Letter
All application materials, including the reference letter, must be submitted by the applicant.
UNDP states that applications missing any required documents will not be considered.
How to Apply for the UNDP Washington Internship
Applicants should send their completed application materials by email to:
and
The email should be directed to the Internship Coordinator.
Applicants must also use the appropriate subject line.
For Spring applications:
“Internship Application – Spring Internship – [Full Name]”
For Fall applications:
“Internship Application – Fall Internship – [Full Name]”
Candidates should clearly state the internship period for which they are applying.
Important Application Deadlines
| Internship | Period | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | January 2027 – 15 June 2027 | 15 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Fall 2027 | September 2027 – 15 December 2027 | 15 June 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET |
UNDP Washington says that because of the large number of applications it receives, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
What Interns Can Gain From the Programme
The internship provides students with exposure to the day-to-day work of UNDP and the broader international development environment.
Interns may have opportunities to:
- Attend high-profile conferences
- Participate in meetings
- Support policy-related activities
- Contribute to analytical tasks
- Gain communications experience
- Work with international development professionals
- Engage with public policy discussions
- Develop professional networks
For graduate students seeking careers in international development, public policy, diplomacy, communications or multilateral organizations, this type of experience can provide valuable exposure to the sector.
Important Conditions of the Internship
The UNDP internship is not an employment programme and does not create an expectation of employment with UNDP after the internship.
Interns must also maintain confidentiality regarding unpublished information they encounter during the programme.
Applicants are responsible for their own visa arrangements where required and must provide proof of health insurance before starting the internship.
Additional expenses associated with the internship are also the responsibility of the applicant and/or their sponsoring institution.
Final Thoughts
The UNDP Washington Representation Office internships provide graduate students with an opportunity to gain practical experience within an international development organization while contributing to work involving public policy, global development, communications and outreach.
The programme offers two main pathways: the General Internship and the Communications & Outreach Internship.
Eligible students can apply for the Spring 2027 intake by 15 January 2027 or the Fall 2027 intake by 15 June 2027.
Because the internships are highly competitive and incomplete applications will not be considered, applicants should prepare the required documents carefully and submit their applications before the relevant deadline.
Application Details
Organisation: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Location: Washington, D.C., United States of America
Opportunity Type: Internship
Available Tracks: General Internship; Communications & Outreach Internship
Study Level: Graduate-level students
Duration: At least three months, with a maximum of six months
Work Schedule: At least three days or 24 hours per week
Stipend: Monthly stipend; rate varies by location
Spring 2027 Deadline: 15 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Fall 2027 Deadline: 15 June 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Application Email: UNDP.Washington@undp.org and Ebru.Kuran@undp.org
SEO Keywords
UNDP internships 2027, UNDP Washington internships 2027, UNDP internship 2027, UNDP online internship, UNDP remote internship, UN internships 2027, United Nations internships, UNDP internship stipend, UNDP monthly stipend, graduate internships 2027, international development internships, communications internships, development internships, paid internships 2027, internships in the United States, remote internships for graduate students, UNDP Communications and Outreach Internship, UNDP General Internship, United Nations Development Programme internships
