Apply for the UNDRR Programme Management Internship 2026 in New York and gain experience in disaster risk reduction, climate policy, and United Nations intergovernmental processes.
Overview
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is offering a prestigious Programme Management Internship 2026 based in New York.
This United Nations internship provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in:
- Disaster risk reduction
- Climate policy
- Sustainable development
- Intergovernmental affairs
- International policy coordination
The internship combines:
- In-person work
- Partial remote flexibility
- Exposure to UN policymaking processes
Internship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Programme Management Intern |
| Organization | UNDRR |
| Internship Level | I-1 |
| Location | New York |
| Work Arrangement | In-Person with Partial Remote Possibility |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Application Deadline | 22 May 2026 |
About UNDRR
UNDRR was established in 1999 as the UN system’s focal point for:
- Disaster risk reduction coordination
- Global resilience efforts
- Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030
The organization works with:
- Governments
- UN agencies
- Civil society
- Scientists
- Regional organizations
- Private sector stakeholders
to strengthen resilience and reduce disaster risks globally.
About the Internship
The internship is hosted within:
- UNDRR’s New York Liaison Office
which works to integrate disaster risk reduction into:
- UN intergovernmental discussions
- Policy negotiations
- Sustainable development processes
Interns work closely with:
- The Chief of Office
- UNDRR staff members
- International stakeholders
Key Responsibilities
1. Policy & Research Support
Interns will:
- Conduct research on:
- Disaster risk reduction
- Climate change
- Sustainable development
- Analyze emerging policy trends
- Organize and systematize information
2. Drafting & Documentation
Responsibilities include:
- Drafting reports
- Preparing issue briefs
- Supporting presentations
- Writing talking points and background documents
3. Intergovernmental Meeting Support
Interns may assist with:
- UN meetings
- Side events
- Event coordination
- Speaker preparation
- Concept note drafting
4. Policy Development Assistance
The internship also involves:
- Reviewing disaster risk reduction issues
- Monitoring climate-related developments
- Supporting policy analysis activities
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
Educational Eligibility
Candidates should:
- Be enrolled in a graduate programme
OR
- Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree
OR
- Have completed:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- PhD programme
in a field related to the internship.
Required Skills
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in United Nations work
- Computer literacy in:
- MS Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Ability to work in multicultural environments
- Interest in global development and policy issues
Work Experience
Professional work experience is:
- NOT required
This makes the opportunity ideal for:
- Students
- Recent graduates
- Early-career professionals
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluency in spoken and written English
Knowledge of French is beneficial because:
- English and French are UN Secretariat working languages.
Important Internship Information
Unpaid Internship
The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns.
Interns are responsible for:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Visa arrangements
- Living costs
Hybrid Work Flexibility
The internship is primarily:
- In-person in New York
but includes:
- Partial remote work possibilities
Why This Internship Is Valuable
This internship offers direct exposure to:
- UN policymaking
- Climate and disaster governance
- International diplomacy
- Sustainable development frameworks
Interns gain experience working on:
- Global resilience initiatives
- Climate-related policy discussions
- International coordination efforts
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- International relations students
- Climate policy graduates
- Public policy students
- Environmental studies graduates
- Sustainable development researchers
- Future UN professionals
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through:
United Nations Careers Portal
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV/resume
- Academic proof
- Motivation statement
- Relevant supporting documents
Final Thoughts
The UNDRR Programme Management Internship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in disaster resilience, sustainable development, and international policy work.
With:
- UN system exposure
- Climate and disaster policy experience
- Intergovernmental engagement
- Hybrid work flexibility
this internship can provide strong preparation for careers in international development, humanitarian affairs, and global governance.
Keywords
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