The International Labour Organization (ILO) is accepting applications for its prestigious ILO Traineeship Programme and Internship Programme, offering graduate students, postgraduate students, and recent graduates an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience within one of the world’s leading United Nations specialized agencies.
The ILO Internship Programme provides participants with valuable exposure to the organization’s work while allowing them to contribute to projects that promote decent work, social justice, labour rights, employment, and sustainable economic development across the globe.
About the ILO Internship Programme
The ILO Internship Programme is designed to provide talented students and recent graduates with practical, hands-on experience in areas related to the ILO’s mission and operations.
Interns work alongside experienced professionals and gain first-hand insight into how the International Labour Organization develops international labour standards, supports governments, employers, and workers, and promotes inclusive economic growth.
Internships are available across numerous departments at ILO Headquarters and selected regional and country offices.
Internship Duration
ILO internships generally last between:
- 3 months
- 6 months
Internships may begin on either the 1st or 15th day of any month during the active internship roster period.
Internship Fields
Internship opportunities may be available in a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Labour Economics
- International Development
- Public Policy
- Law
- Human Rights
- Social Protection
- Employment Policy
- Statistics
- Data Analysis
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Transformation
- Communications
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Administration
- Procurement
- Project Management
- Gender Equality
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Climate and Green Jobs
- Research
- Monitoring and Evaluation
Benefits of the ILO Internship
Successful interns receive numerous professional development opportunities, including:
- Practical work experience within a United Nations agency
- Exposure to international labour and employment policies
- Professional networking with global experts
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Development of technical and leadership skills
- Experience working in a multicultural and multilingual environment
- Opportunity to contribute to projects with global impact
Interns who are not financially supported by a university, government, or another sponsoring institution receive a stipend from the ILO to help cover basic subsistence expenses during their internship.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the ILO Internship Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in the final year of a graduate degree (Master’s or equivalent); or
- Be enrolled in a higher degree programme relevant to the ILO’s work; or
- Have completed such a programme within one year before applying.
- Possess a working knowledge of at least one of the ILO’s official working languages:
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Be able to work effectively in an international, multicultural, and multilingual environment.
There is no age limit for applicants.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applications from talented candidates in disciplines such as:
- Economics
- Development Studies
- International Relations
- Public Administration
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Finance
- Accounting
- Law
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Human Resources
- Environmental Studies
- Communications
- Journalism
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Gender Studies
- Public Health
Internship Roster
The ILO recruits interns through an Internship Roster.
The roster normally opens twice each year:
- April
- October
After the application period closes, eligible candidates remain in the roster and may be contacted by departments seeking interns during the recruitment cycle.
Financial Information
Applicants should note the following:
- Travel expenses are the responsibility of the intern.
- Passport and visa costs are not covered.
- Medical and accident insurance must be arranged by the intern.
- Accommodation and living expenses are generally the responsibility of the intern.
- Interns without institutional financial support receive an ILO stipend to assist with basic living costs.
Important Conditions
Applicants should also note:
- Close relatives of serving ILO officials are not eligible.
- Former ILO interns or individuals who have previously worked at the ILO are not eligible.
- Applicants may submit a maximum of three applications during each recruitment advertisement period.
Why Join the International Labour Organization?
An internship at the ILO offers an excellent opportunity to:
- Understand how the United Nations system operates.
- Gain international professional experience.
- Build practical workplace skills.
- Work alongside global labour and development experts.
- Expand your international professional network.
- Enhance your CV for future careers with the United Nations and other international organizations.
- Contribute to promoting decent work and social justice worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Visit the official ILO Careers website.
- Wait for the Internship Roster to open (typically in April or October).
- Create an online profile.
- Complete the internship application form.
- Upload your CV and any required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
Departments across the ILO will review eligible candidates from the roster and contact shortlisted applicants directly for interviews.
Conclusion
The ILO Traineeship and Internship Programme is an outstanding opportunity for graduate students and recent graduates who want to launch an international career in labour policy, economic development, social justice, and sustainable employment. Participants gain valuable professional experience, work alongside leading experts, and contribute to initiatives that improve working conditions and promote decent work around the world.
If you are passionate about international development, labour rights, and creating positive social impact, the ILO Internship Programme offers an excellent pathway into the United Nations system.
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