UNDP Washington is accepting applications for 2027 internships for graduate students, offering practical UN experience, a monthly stipend and Spring or Fall internship options.
The UNDP Washington Representation Office (WRO) is offering internship opportunities for graduate-level students in 2027. The internships provide practical exposure to UNDP’s daily work, high-profile conferences, meetings, analytical assignments and international development activities.
Two internship profiles are available: General Intern and Communications & Outreach Intern.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Office | Washington Representation Office |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Internship year | 2027 |
| Eligible applicants | Graduate-level students |
| Minimum duration | 3 consecutive months |
| Maximum duration | 6 months |
| Weekly commitment | At least 3 days or 24 hours per week |
| Spring 2027 | March – 15 June 2027 |
| Spring deadline | 15 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Fall 2027 | September – 15 December 2027 |
| Fall deadline | 15 June 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend; rate varies by location |
| Summer programme | Not offered |
What Does the UNDP Washington Internship Involve?
UNDP Washington interns observe and support the office’s day-to-day activities while gaining exposure to international development and multilateral affairs.
Participants may attend high-profile conferences and meetings, support analytical work and contribute to other tasks undertaken by the Representation Office.
The office works with institutions including the U.S. Congress, State Department, World Bank Group and other multilateral and international organisations, as well as the Washington diplomatic, media and civil society communities.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme in communications or a development-related field such as:
- Economics
- Public administration
- Business administration
- Environmental studies
- Communications
- Other relevant development-related fields
Applicants must return to their studies after completing the internship.
Candidates must also:
- Be available for at least three consecutive months.
- Commit at least three days or 24 hours per week.
- Have a demonstrated interest in global development.
- Be willing to work with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Respect the principles of the UN Charter and UNDP Statement of Purpose.
- Have written and spoken proficiency in English.
Internship Profiles
General Internship
The General Internship is designed for outstanding graduate students seeking direct exposure to UNDP work.
The experience can complement studies in development, multilateral technical cooperation, international studies, law, government and economics.
Desirable experience includes familiarity with U.S. Congress or Capitol Hill and development field experience.
Potential assignments include supporting public policy research, attending Congressional hearings, helping organise UNDP-related events, maintaining media and government contact databases and assisting with day-to-day office activities.
Communications and Outreach Internship
The Communications & Outreach profile is intended for graduate students with strong communications skills.
Activities may include supporting the UNDP Washington website, communications strategies, research and publication, media and social media monitoring, daily media clips and other outreach activities.
Useful experience includes:
- Excellent writing skills
- Social media management
- News releases and newsletters
- Digital communications
- Web content management
- Audio and video recording or editing
- Familiarity with Washington or U.S. media
Internship Stipend
According to UNDP’s internship conditions of service, eligible interns receive a monthly stipend, with the rate varying according to location.
Part-time arrangements are paid on a pro-rated basis.
Other expenses connected to the internship are the responsibility of the applicant and/or sponsoring institution. Interns must also provide proof of health insurance before arrival and are responsible for obtaining any required visa.
Remote or Hybrid Arrangements
Depending on applicable public-health guidelines and office circumstances, interns may in some cases be offered remote or hybrid work arrangements.
Internship Dates and Deadlines
UNDP Washington offers two internship periods for 2027.
Spring 2027
Start: March 2027
End: 15 June 2027
Application deadline: 15 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Fall 2027
Start: September 2027
End: 15 December 2027
Application deadline: 15 June 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET
UNDP Washington states that it does not offer a Summer internship programme.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit all four required documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae, maximum 1–2 pages
- Completed and signed UNDP Internship Application Form
- One Reference Letter
All documents, including the reference letter, must be submitted by the applicant. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Download the official UNDP Internship Application Form
How to Apply
Completed application materials should be sent by email to:
and
The subject line should be:
“Internship Application – Spring Internship – [Full Name]”
or
“Internship Application – Fall Internship – [Full Name]”
Applicants should clearly indicate the internship period for which they are applying.
Visit the official UNDP Washington Internship page
Application Deadline
For the Spring 2027 internship, applications close on 15 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
For the Fall 2027 internship, applications close on 15 June 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Because of the volume of applications, UNDP Washington states that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Important Internship Conditions
The UNDP Internship Programme does not constitute employment and does not create an expectation of employment with UNDP.
Interns must maintain confidentiality regarding unpublished information obtained during the internship and follow the conduct requirements associated with the programme.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UNDP Washington 2027 internships are particularly relevant to graduate students interested in international development, public policy, economics, communications, international affairs and multilateral organisations.
The opportunity offers practical exposure to UNDP operations alongside a monthly stipend, while allowing eligible students to choose between Spring and Fall internship periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the UNDP Washington 2027 internships?
Applicants must be currently enrolled in a graduate-level degree programme and must return to their studies after completing the internship.
How long can the internship last?
The minimum commitment is three consecutive months, while the maximum internship length is six months.
How many hours must interns work?
Interns must be available for at least three days or 24 hours per week.
Does UNDP pay interns?
Yes. UNDP states that eligible interns receive a monthly stipend, with the rate varying by location. Part-time internships are pro-rated.
What are the Spring 2027 internship dates?
The Spring internship starts in March 2027 and ends on 15 June 2027.
What is the Spring 2027 deadline?
The deadline is 15 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
What are the Fall 2027 internship dates?
The Fall internship runs from September 2027 to 15 December 2027.
What is the Fall 2027 deadline?
The deadline is 15 June 2027 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Does UNDP Washington offer a Summer internship?
No. The office specifically states that it does not offer a Summer internship programme.
What documents are required?
Applicants need a cover letter, 1–2 page CV, completed and signed UNDP Internship Application Form and one reference letter.
How do I apply?
Applications must be emailed to undp.washington@undp.org and Ebru.Kuran@undp.org, using the required subject line and clearly stating the preferred internship period.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with UNDP and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
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