Are you passionate about humanitarian affairs, international relations, diplomacy, disaster response, and global policy? The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has announced applications for its Humanitarian Diplomacy Internship 2026, offering an exceptional opportunity for graduate students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
This paid internship allows participants to work directly with one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations while contributing to humanitarian diplomacy, policy research, international advocacy, and global humanitarian initiatives. Interns will receive a stipend of USD $110 per day, gain exposure to the United Nations system, and build valuable professional networks within the humanitarian and international development sectors.
If you aspire to build a career with the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, international NGOs, or diplomatic institutions, this internship provides practical experience that will strengthen your professional profile.
About the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network.
Working together with:
- 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
- More than 16.5 million active volunteers
- Humanitarian operations reaching approximately 160 million people worldwide
The IFRC works to improve the lives of vulnerable people through disaster response, health services, climate resilience, migration support, humanitarian diplomacy, community development, and emergency preparedness.
Its Delegation to the United Nations serves as the organization’s official representative at UN Headquarters and works closely with:
- UN Member States
- UN Agencies
- International partners
- Governments
- Humanitarian organizations
The delegation also advocates for humanitarian priorities and ensures vulnerable populations remain at the center of global policy discussions.
Internship Overview
Position: Intern – Humanitarian Diplomacy
Organization:
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Location:
New York City, New York, USA
Work Format:
On-site
Internship Duration:
- Start Date: August 31, 2026
- End Date: December 31, 2026
Minimum Commitment:
- 2–3 working days per week
- Minimum duration of four months
- Possible extension depending on organizational needs
Compensation:
- USD $110 per day
- Paid twice every month
Please note that internship payments are taxable unless exempt under applicable double-taxation agreements.
What Will Interns Gain?
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:
- Develop practical experience in humanitarian diplomacy.
- Understand how the United Nations operates in practice.
- Learn how international humanitarian policy is developed.
- Gain exposure to global humanitarian negotiations.
- Contribute to IFRC representation at the United Nations.
- Strengthen expertise in disaster management, migration, health, humanitarian affairs, and international relations.
- Build professional networks within the international humanitarian community.
- Improve research, communication, policy analysis, and advocacy skills.
Internship Responsibilities
Interns will support the IFRC Delegation to the United Nations through a wide range of responsibilities.
1. Monitor UN Meetings and Processes
Interns will:
- Follow discussions at the UN General Assembly.
- Observe meetings of the Economic and Social Council.
- Monitor Security Council discussions.
- Prepare summaries and action points for IFRC teams.
Key policy topics include:
- Humanitarian coordination
- Global partnerships
- Disaster risk reduction
- Public health
- Migration
- Protection of vulnerable populations
2. Research and Policy Analysis
Interns will:
- Conduct research on humanitarian issues.
- Prepare analytical reports.
- Support policy development.
- Monitor emerging humanitarian challenges.
3. Draft Official Statements
Participants will assist with:
- Preparing statements delivered to the UN General Assembly.
- Editing policy documents.
- Reviewing humanitarian messaging.
- Supporting advocacy materials.
4. Support Humanitarian Negotiations
Interns will:
- Observe UN negotiation processes.
- Track developments in humanitarian resolutions.
- Support advocacy efforts aimed at advancing humanitarian priorities.
5. Communications and Administrative Support
Responsibilities include:
- Creating and maintaining databases.
- Drafting correspondence.
- Supporting digital communications.
- Processing information requests.
- Assisting with daily administrative tasks.
6. Uphold Humanitarian Principles
Interns are expected to work in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement throughout the internship.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be currently enrolled in graduate studies or have recently graduated.
- Study or have studied:
- International Relations
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Political Science
- Or another closely related discipline.
- Demonstrate strong interest in:
- Humanitarian action
- International development
- Global policy
- International relations.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Have experience with communications and social media.
- Be able to explain complex issues clearly.
- Demonstrate attention to detail.
- Work effectively in small teams.
- Be flexible, organized, and capable of working independently.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must already possess:
- A valid U.S. visa
- A valid U.S. Social Security Number
The IFRC does not provide visa sponsorship or visa assistance.
Applicants are responsible for:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Living costs
- Visa arrangements
Internship Benefits
Selected interns will enjoy numerous professional benefits, including:
- Paid internship at USD $110 per day.
- Real-world experience working with the United Nations.
- Exposure to humanitarian diplomacy.
- Professional mentorship.
- International networking opportunities.
- Hands-on policy and advocacy experience.
- Enhanced research and communication skills.
- Opportunity to contribute to global humanitarian initiatives.
- Potential internship extension.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- Resume (CV)
- Cover Letter
The cover letter should clearly indicate:
- Number of days available per week
- Desired internship duration
Applications should be submitted via email to:
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application Deadline
Deadline: July 7, 2026 (11:59 PM Eastern Time)
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Why You Should Apply
The IFRC Humanitarian Diplomacy Internship is an outstanding opportunity for graduate students interested in humanitarian affairs, diplomacy, international policy, disaster management, and global development. Working alongside experienced humanitarian professionals at the United Nations offers valuable exposure that can open doors to future careers with international organizations, NGOs, governments, and multilateral institutions.
If you are committed to humanitarian action and aspire to make a global impact, this internship provides the knowledge, practical experience, and international exposure needed to advance your career.
For more information, visit the official website
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