UNDP is recruiting a Food and Power Initiative Intern for a six-month home-based opportunity in food systems, research and sustainable development. Applications close on 31 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for its Food and Power Initiative Intern, Planet Hub, BPPS opportunity. This six-month, full-time internship offers experience supporting international work on sustainable food systems, research, stakeholder engagement and knowledge management.
The intern will support the Food and Power Initiative (FPI), a global programme that helps countries and stakeholders understand and address power dynamics that affect food systems transformation.
The position is advertised as home-based, with Panama City, Panama, listed as the location. The internship falls under UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, within its Nature, Climate and Energy practice area.
Applications close on 31 October 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Opportunity | Food and Power Initiative Intern |
| Department | Planet Hub, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support |
| Location | Home-based; Panama City, Panama, is listed |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Schedule | Full-time |
| Field | Nature, Climate and Energy |
| Salary or stipend | Unpaid internship; a monthly stipend may be provided under UNDP policy |
| Application deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Official application | Apply through UNDP Careers |
Tasks and Internship Benefits
The selected intern will help maintain and strengthen the Food and Power Initiative’s Community of Engagement, which brings together global experts, practitioners and grassroots leaders working on food systems transformation.
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting the organisation of online meetings, webinars and virtual workshops.
- Maintaining digital collaboration tools and knowledge management resources.
- Updating the initiative’s resource library.
- Preparing presentations, briefing notes, slide decks and meeting minutes.
- Maintaining partner databases and internal records using tools such as SharePoint, Google Docs and Microsoft Teams.
- Conducting research, including stakeholder and potential donor mapping.
- Supporting coordination among community members and working groups.
The internship offers practical exposure to sustainable development, food systems, international collaboration and research support within the UN system.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree at bachelor’s level or equivalent.
- Be enrolled in a graduate programme leading to a second university degree or higher.
- Have graduated from an eligible university programme and, if selected, begin the internship within one year of graduation.
Relevant academic fields include sustainable development, environmental studies, agriculture, political economy, economics, international development, social sciences and political sciences.
Experience and Skills
Applicants should have experience in data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation, as well as communications, writing and editing.
Experience working with organisations involved in sustainable development, climate action, food systems or social change is an advantage.
Language requirement: Fluency in English is required.
Successful candidates should also demonstrate attention to detail, adaptability, initiative, problem-solving ability and an appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
Additional Information
Applications must be submitted through the official UNDP careers portal before 31 October 2026.
How to apply: Visit the official UNDP vacancy page, review the eligibility requirements and complete the online application.
Important Internship Conditions
UNDP states that the internship itself is unpaid, although a monthly stipend may be provided in accordance with its internship policy. The stipend amount is not specified in the vacancy information.
For remote internships, interns are responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communications access, and workspace. They must also arrange adequate medical insurance for the internship period; UNDP does not reimburse this insurance.
Interns are not UNDP staff members, and completing the internship does not guarantee subsequent employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UNDP Food and Power Initiative Internship?
It is a six-month internship supporting UNDP’s work on sustainable food systems, stakeholder engagement, research and knowledge management.
2. Is the UNDP internship home-based?
Yes. The vacancy title identifies the opportunity as home-based, although Panama City, Panama, is listed as the location. Applicants should check the official listing for any location-related eligibility conditions.
3. How long does the internship last?
The internship is scheduled for six months on a full-time basis.
4. Is the internship paid?
UNDP states that it does not pay for the internship itself but may provide a monthly stipend under its internship policy. No specific amount is advertised.
5. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible candidates include final-year bachelor’s students, students enrolled in graduate programmes, and qualifying graduates who can start the internship within one year of graduation.
6. Which fields of study are relevant?
Relevant fields include sustainable development, environment, agriculture, economics, political economy, international development and social or political sciences.
7. Is previous work experience required?
The vacancy specifies experience in data collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, communications, writing and editing. Experience in sustainable development, climate, food systems or social change organisations is an advantage.
8. What is the application deadline?
The advertised deadline is 31 October 2026.
9. Does UNDP provide medical insurance?
No. Interns are responsible for obtaining adequate medical insurance, and UNDP does not reimburse the cost.
10. How can I apply?
Submit your application through the official UNDP careers portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This UNDP internship may suit students and recent graduates interested in food systems transformation, sustainable development, research and international collaboration. The home-based arrangement may be attractive to applicants seeking remote experience, but candidates should consider the unpaid nature of the internship, the possibility of a stipend, and their responsibility for equipment, internet access and medical insurance.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with UNDP and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify eligibility and application details through the official UNDP website.
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