The World Food Programme is offering a six-month Policy Engagement Internship in Beijing, China, with a stipend of up to US$1,000 per month. Applications close on 6 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting applications for its Programme Policy Internship – Policy Engagement at its Beijing office in China. The six-month, in-person internship offers an opportunity to gain experience in research, policy engagement, food security and international development.
The successful intern will work with WFP China’s Research and Policy Unit, supporting research initiatives, policy discussions, data collection and coordination activities related to food security, agricultural economics and rural development.
The internship is expected to begin in November 2026. WFP offers a monthly stipend of up to US$1,000, depending on the duty station.
Applications close on 6 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. China Standard Time (GMT+8).
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | World Food Programme (WFP) |
| Internship | Programme Policy Intern – Policy Engagement |
| Location | Beijing, China |
| Department | Research and Policy Unit |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Work arrangement | In person |
| Expected start | November 2026 |
| Number of openings | 1 |
| Monthly stipend | Up to US$1,000, depending on duty station |
| Application deadline | 6 November 2026 |
| Job reference | JR127738 |
| Official application | Apply through WFP Careers |
Tasks and Internship Benefits
The selected intern will support WFP’s research, communication, policy engagement and data collection activities.
Key responsibilities include helping prepare research concept notes, proposals and research plans, conducting desk research, supporting country context analysis and collecting information on food, agriculture and rural economic development.
The intern will also assist with preparations for policy dialogues, seminars, forums and exchange missions. Other duties include drafting correspondence, preparing meeting minutes and briefing documents, developing presentation materials and supporting research-related translation and interpretation when required.
Learning and Professional Development
During the internship, participants will have access to WFP’s weLearn learning platform and may participate in workshops or seminars, subject to opportunities and available funding.
The programme is intended to help the intern develop foundational knowledge of policy support and engagement within WFP China, particularly in relation to South-South Cooperation, as well as an understanding of office procedures and standard operating procedures.
Stipend and Other Support
WFP offers interns a monthly stipend of up to US$1,000, depending on the duty station. The advertised terms state that the organisation does not cover living expenses, accommodation arrangements, visa requirements or related costs.
WFP will reimburse travel tickets for eligible candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country, subject to the conditions stated in the vacancy announcement.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme at a recognised university, or have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme within six months before applying.
- Have attended university courses during the past 12 months.
- Be studying a relevant subject, such as Agricultural Economics, Food Sciences, Food Systems, International Development Studies, Social Science, Political Science, Economics or a related discipline.
- Have fluency in both written and spoken English and Chinese.
Some relevant working experience in research and South-South Cooperation is required. Previous research experience in agricultural economics or another field related to development assistance is desirable.
Candidates should also be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email; prepare preliminary reports and correspondence; work in multicultural environments; communicate effectively with stakeholders; and meet deadlines while managing competing demands.
Additional eligibility restriction: Candidates who are the sons, daughters, brothers or sisters of WFP staff members are not eligible to apply.
Additional Information
Applications must be submitted through WFP’s online recruitment system. The organisation does not accept applications or CVs sent by email, LinkedIn or other channels.
At the application stage, candidates need to submit a CV and cover letter. Additional documents may be requested later in the recruitment process.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. WFP does not charge any application, processing, training, interview or recruitment fees.
How to apply: Visit the official WFP Policy Engagement Internship vacancy, complete your online profile and submit your CV and cover letter before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the WFP Policy Engagement Internship 2026?
It is a six-month internship with the World Food Programme’s Research and Policy Unit in Beijing, supporting research, policy engagement, data collection and coordination activities.
2. How much does the WFP internship pay?
The advertised monthly stipend is up to US$1,000, depending on the duty station.
3. Where is the internship based?
The internship is based in Beijing, China, and is conducted in person.
4. What is the duration of the internship?
The internship lasts six months and is expected to begin in November 2026.
5. What qualifications are required?
Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant undergraduate or graduate programme, or have graduated within the six-month eligibility window. They must also have attended university courses within the previous 12 months.
6. Is Chinese language proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English and Chinese.
7. Does WFP cover accommodation and visa expenses?
No. The vacancy states that WFP is not responsible for living expenses, accommodation arrangements, visas or related costs. Eligible travel reimbursement may be available to certain candidates from developing countries studying in their home country.
8. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 6 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. China Standard Time (GMT+8).
9. Which documents must applicants submit?
A CV and cover letter are required at the initial application stage. Other documents may be requested later.
10. How can I apply?
Submit an online application through the official WFP careers portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The WFP Policy Engagement Internship may suit eligible students and recent graduates interested in food security, agricultural economics, international development and policy research. The stipend and access to WFP’s learning resources are notable benefits, but candidates should carefully consider the Chinese-language requirement and the fact that accommodation and visa expenses are not covered.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares employment and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with WFP and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify all requirements and application details through the official WFP recruitment website.
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