The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for a Communications Internship at its Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition in Rome, Italy.
This full-time internship offers an opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in communications, media, digital content, graphic design, marketing, climate action and sustainable development to gain practical experience within the United Nations system.
The internship will run for six months and will involve supporting the Rome Centre’s communications activities, including content development, digital communications, social media, event communications, website management, research and creative digital content.
The application deadline is 17 September 2026 at 03:59.
About the UNDP Communications Internship
The internship is based within the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition, which focuses on areas including youth engagement in climate action, energy for development and climate finance.
The Rome Centre implements programmes including the Technical Assistance and Investment Support Facility, the Energy for Growth initiative and Youth4Climate.
These initiatives work to support climate and energy transitions, mobilize finance for sustainable development and strengthen youth participation in climate action.
As a Communications Intern, the successful candidate will support the Communications Lead across a range of communications and digital activities.
Key Areas of Work
1. Content Development
The intern will support the creation and editing of communications materials.
Responsibilities include:
- Drafting and editing web stories.
- Creating social media posts.
- Supporting newsletters.
- Preparing key messages and event blurbs.
- Supporting the development of visual content for programmes and events.
- Maintaining the Rome Centre’s media asset library.
- Organizing photos, videos and graphics.
- Supporting multilingual adaptation of content where relevant.
2. Digital Communications and Social Media
The intern will also contribute to the day-to-day management of the Rome Centre’s digital platforms.
This includes:
- Supporting social media channels such as LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
- Tracking content performance across different platforms.
- Helping adapt stories and content to different platform formats.
- Assisting with scheduling, drafting and posting.
- Monitoring analytics and engagement.
3. Event Communications
The intern will support communications activities surrounding events and programmes.
Responsibilities may include:
- Preparing event communications packages.
- Developing visuals and hashtags.
- Supporting photo and video briefs.
- Providing live event coverage.
- Gathering photographs, quotes and key takeaways.
- Turning event materials into social media and web content after events.
4. Website Support
The selected intern will also gain experience supporting website communications.
Tasks include:
- Drafting and formatting content for UNDP’s website.
- Publishing content using the content management system.
- Following UNDP’s brand and editorial guidelines.
- Building and updating basic campaign and event pages.
- Uploading and tagging media.
- Writing alt text and captions.
5. Research and Creative Ideas
The internship will also involve supporting research and developing ideas for digital communications.
The intern may conduct desk research for campaigns and storytelling and contribute ideas for creative digital content and formats.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the specified education requirements at the time of application.
Candidates may qualify if they:
- Are enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme, such as a Master’s degree or higher, in Communications, Media Studies, Graphic Design, Marketing or a related field.
- Are enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme at bachelor’s level or equivalent in a related field.
- Have recently graduated with a relevant university degree and, if selected, can begin the internship within one year of graduation.
- Are enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and will undertake the internship as part of that programme.
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants should have a strong understanding of digital media and how content works across major platforms.
Relevant experience and skills include:
- Understanding of LinkedIn, Instagram, X and short-form video.
- Ability to adapt content for different platforms.
- Proficiency with social media tools and content management systems.
- Familiarity with scheduling platforms.
- Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards.
- Experience with Canva, CapCut, Adobe Creative Suite or other design tools is an asset.
- Interest in climate action, energy transition and sustainable development.
- Knowledge of the UN system is an asset.
Important Portfolio Requirement
One of the most important requirements for this internship is the submission of a portfolio of relevant work.
UNDP states that applications will only be considered if they are accompanied by a portfolio.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their portfolio is included with their application and demonstrates relevant communications, digital media, design, social media, writing, video or other creative work.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Working knowledge of Italian or another UN language is an asset.
What Happens If You Are Selected?
Successful applicants will be required to provide several documents electronically.
These may include:
- A letter from their university confirming current enrollment and graduation date.
- A university letter confirming sponsorship for the internship, where applicable.
- A letter of recommendation from a professor.
- Their most recent academic transcript.
- A copy of their passport.
- A completed UNDP Internship Application Form.
- A signed UNDP Internship Agreement.
- A Medical Certificate of Good Health.
- Proof of medical insurance.
- Their available internship period.
Internship Duration
The internship has a six-month contract duration and is a full-time internship programme based in Rome, Italy.
Internship Stipend
UNDP states that interns may receive a stipend under the applicable conditions.
Where an intern is not financially supported by another institution or programme, UNDP may provide a monthly stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to the internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station.
Where an intern receives external financial support, UNDP may pay the difference between that support and the applicable UNDP stipend, subject to the relevant rules.
Travel, Visa and Living Expenses
Applicants should note that costs and arrangements relating to travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of the nominating institution, related institution or government where applicable, or the intern.
Applicants should therefore carefully consider these costs before applying.
Medical Insurance
Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the entire duration of their internship.
UNDP states that it will not reimburse the intern’s medical insurance costs.
Applicants who are neither nationals nor residents of the duty station must ensure that their insurance provides appropriate coverage for situations including medical treatment and, where necessary, transportation to their home country or country of residence.
Does the Internship Lead to Employment at UNDP?
The vacancy states that there is no expectation of employment with UNDP following completion of the internship.
Interns also cannot apply for or be appointed to another UNDP position during the period of their internship.
Diversity and Inclusion
UNDP states that diversity, equity and inclusion are core principles of the organization.
The organization encourages applications from people belonging to marginalized or excluded populations and emphasizes fairness, inclusion and representation in its workforce.
How to Apply for the UNDP Communications Internship 2026
Interested applicants should submit their application through the official UNDP recruitment platform.
Applicants should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their relevant education, digital communications experience, creative skills and interest in climate action, energy transition and sustainable development.
Most importantly, candidates must include a portfolio of relevant work, as applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
Application Deadline
17 September 2026 at 03:59
The vacancy timeline indicates that the recruitment window is approximately one week, so eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Conclusion
The UNDP Communications Internship 2026 in Rome, Italy offers an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in communications and digital media within an international development organization.
The six-month internship provides exposure to content development, social media, website management, event communications, research and creative digital communications while working within the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition.
Candidates with relevant communications or creative backgrounds should pay particular attention to the portfolio requirement, as UNDP clearly states that applications will only be considered when accompanied by a portfolio of relevant work.
Eligible applicants should prepare their application and portfolio carefully and submit them before the 17 September 2026 deadline.
Discover more internship opportunities on the OFY Webpage.
