UNDP Internship in Effective Development Cooperation 2026–2027: Paid Internship in Switzerland or Home-Based

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for its Internship in Effective Development Cooperation, offering an opportunity for eligible university students and recent graduates to gain professional experience in international development, policy research, communications, advocacy, and global partnerships. The internship offers two positions, with the duty location listed as Geneva, Switzerland, or home-based, providing an opportunity to contribute to international development initiatives through research, policy analysis, digital communications, and event coordination.

This six-month UNDP internship is particularly relevant to candidates interested in international development, economics, public administration, international relations, development studies, and related disciplines. Interns will support the work of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC), contributing to initiatives that strengthen development cooperation, improve policy coordination, promote transparency, and support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The internship is situated within UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA), where the team contributes to global policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, development effectiveness monitoring, and collaboration between governments and international partners. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside specialists supporting the OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team and contribute to activities involving governments, development practitioners, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.

Applications must be submitted before the official deadline of 10 November 2026. Candidates interested in building careers in international development, public policy, research, communications, or multilateral cooperation should review the eligibility requirements, responsibilities, application documents, and internship conditions carefully before applying.

Overview of the UNDP Effective Development Cooperation Internship

The UNDP Effective Development Cooperation Internship is designed to support the organization’s work in strengthening development cooperation and advancing international development priorities. The selected interns will contribute to research, policy analysis, communications, advocacy, knowledge management, and event coordination activities associated with the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation.

The vacancy includes two internship positions and lists Geneva, Switzerland, and home-based arrangements as locations. The contract duration is six months, and the position is classified under the UNDP Internship Programme.

Key details of the opportunity are provided below.

• Opportunity Name: Intern – Effective Development Cooperation
• Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Number of Positions: 2
• Opportunity Type: Internship
• Duty Location: Geneva, Switzerland, or home-based
• Contract Duration: 6 months
• Job Schedule: Full-time
• Practice Area: Effectiveness
• Department: Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA)
• Programme: Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC)
• Joint Initiative: OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team
• Required Language: English
• Additional Languages: French or Spanish are an asset
• Financial Support: Monthly stipend in accordance with UNDP internship policy
• Posting Date: 27 October 2026
• Application Deadline: 10 November 2026
• Job Identification Number: 37749

Candidates should note that the vacancy lists both Geneva and home-based locations. Applicants should consult the official recruitment page for the precise arrangements applicable to each position and any additional requirements associated with the selected duty location.

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The United Nations Development Programme is a major international development organization that works with governments and partners to address development challenges, strengthen institutions, improve public policies, and advance sustainable development.

Operating in approximately 170 countries and territories, UNDP supports governments in developing the policies, institutions, and partnerships needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Its work encompasses a wide range of development priorities, including poverty reduction, governance, institutional capacity, resilience, sustainable development, and international cooperation. UNDP also supports knowledge sharing and policy development by connecting practitioners and specialists who provide advice and technical support in important areas of development.

Through its work on effective development cooperation, UNDP helps countries strengthen their capacity to manage and coordinate development assistance and partnerships. This includes encouraging transparency, supporting monitoring activities, facilitating policy dialogue, and promoting mutual learning between countries and development partners.

For interns, this provides an opportunity to contribute to work connected with international development policy and multilateral cooperation while gaining experience in a professional environment focused on global development objectives.

About the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC)

The internship supports the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation, a multistakeholder partnership focused on improving the effectiveness of development cooperation.

The partnership promotes the principles of effective development cooperation and supports countries and development partners in making cooperation more transparent, inclusive, coordinated, and results-oriented.

Its work includes global policy dialogue, monitoring development cooperation commitments, sharing practical knowledge, and strengthening relationships between governments and other development stakeholders.

The GPEDC is supported by the OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team, which works to advance the partnership’s objectives and facilitate collaboration on development effectiveness.

During the internship, successful candidates will contribute to activities related to the partnership’s 2027–2029 Work Programme and its fifth monitoring round. These activities include research, policy and practice products, stakeholder communications, monitoring support, and the development of communications materials.

The work is intended to help strengthen the availability of information about development cooperation and support participating countries in implementing and monitoring effective development cooperation principles.

For candidates interested in international policy, development research, government partnerships, and multilateral institutions, this internship offers exposure to work that connects global policy discussions with country-level development practices.

Objectives of the Internship

The primary objective of the internship is to support UNDP’s work on effective development cooperation through research, policy analysis, communications, advocacy, and coordination.

The two interns will work under the overall guidance of the GPEDC Senior Team. One intern will report directly to the Policy Specialist, while the other will work under the direct supervision of the Partnership and Advocacy Specialist. Both interns will provide day-to-day updates to relevant team members responsible for specific thematic areas.

The role combines analytical and communications responsibilities with practical coordination tasks. Interns may contribute to research publications, monitoring exercises, digital communications, stakeholder engagement, and international events.

The experience is intended to support the team’s work while allowing interns to develop practical skills in international development, research, policy communication, and professional collaboration.

Roles and Responsibilities

The responsibilities are divided into three main areas: policy analysis and secretariat support, communications and advocacy support, and event liaison.

1. Policy Analysis and Secretariat Support – 40%

Approximately 40% of the internship responsibilities will focus on policy analysis, research, and secretariat support.

Interns will help implement activities under the 2027–2029 Work Programme as part of the OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team. This work includes researching trends in development effectiveness and development cooperation and identifying connections and areas where UNDP can support the advancement of the global development effectiveness agenda.

The vacancy refers to work supporting an agenda involving 100 countries, making research, country engagement, and policy coordination important elements of the assignment.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Conducting research on trends and emerging issues in development effectiveness and development cooperation.
• Identifying relevant policy developments and areas where UNDP can contribute to the global development effectiveness agenda.
• Supporting activities under the GPEDC’s 2027–2029 Work Programme.
• Contributing to the partnership’s fifth monitoring round through policy research and analysis.
• Supporting the preparation of policy briefs, discussion papers, country stories, blog posts, and practice notes.
• Helping develop practical knowledge products that communicate research findings and lessons from development cooperation.
• Supporting the rollout of the fifth GPEDC monitoring exercise.
• Drafting briefing documents, guidance materials, and other resources for participating governments and stakeholders.
• Communicating with governments involved in the monitoring exercise.
• Assisting with meetings and consultations involving development partners and other stakeholders.
• Providing administrative and analytical support for follow-up activities with partner countries.
• Supporting data analysis, the preparation of analytical products, and knowledge management practices.

These responsibilities may be particularly suitable for candidates who enjoy research, writing, information gathering, and the analysis of international development policies.

Applicants with experience preparing research papers, policy briefs, reports, academic publications, or development-related content may find this aspect of the internship especially relevant.

2. Communications and Advocacy Support – 40%

Approximately 40% of the internship will involve communications and advocacy activities related to the GPEDC monitoring process.

Effective development cooperation requires clear communication with governments, development partners, practitioners, and the wider international development community. Interns will help communicate progress, share information, and support the visibility of the partnership’s activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting implementation of the fifth monitoring round’s launch plan.
• Drafting newsletters and blog posts.
• Preparing video interview content and stories highlighting development progress.
• Developing key messages and talking points for communications and advocacy activities.
• Creating social media content in line with UNDP guidelines.
• Updating the partnership’s official Trello board.
• Supporting website updates and maintaining relevant online information.
• Helping maintain the data visualization platform.
• Supporting monitoring of the Global Dashboard.
• Drafting and publishing content on the GPEDC’s official X and LinkedIn platforms.
• Assisting with the coordination and organization of communications materials.
• Contributing to digital outreach activities that communicate monitoring results and development cooperation progress.

This area of work may be particularly relevant to candidates interested in development communications, digital advocacy, public information, social media management, and knowledge dissemination.

Applicants who can combine research skills with clear writing and effective digital communication may be well positioned to contribute to these activities.

Experience with social media scheduling tools, analytics platforms, graphic design, video production, website management, and content creation may be advantageous.

3. Events Liaison – 20%

The remaining 20% of the internship responsibilities will focus on event coordination and liaison activities.

The GPEDC works with governments, development partners, and other stakeholders through meetings, workshops, webinars, and international events. Interns will help coordinate these activities and support the communications and administrative processes associated with them.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing logistical support for annual events.
• Assisting with the organization of international workshops.
• Supporting side events and regional monitoring webinars.
• Helping coordinate Steering Committee meetings.
• Assisting with other events led by the GPEDC team.
• Drafting emails and event-related communications.
• Supporting the preparation of event briefings.
• Coordinating information for meetings involving multiple partners.
• Assisting with communications involving the OECD and GPEDC Steering Committee members.
• Supporting engagement with partner countries and other stakeholders.

These responsibilities will require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective written communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.

Candidates with experience in event planning, conference coordination, workshop administration, stakeholder communication, or project support may find this component of the internship particularly valuable.

Skills and Competencies Required

UNDP is seeking candidates who can contribute effectively to research, policy support, communications, and event coordination activities.

The vacancy highlights several important competencies that applicants should demonstrate through their application documents and, where applicable, their previous academic or professional experience.

Organizational and Time-Management Skills

Interns should be able to organize their work, prioritize tasks, coordinate activities, and meet deadlines.

Because the position involves research, communications, meetings, and events, effective time management will be important for completing assignments accurately and efficiently.

Attention to Detail

The role requires careful handling of research findings, policy documents, monitoring information, communications materials, and administrative tasks.

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to accuracy and an ability to review information carefully before submitting or publishing it.

Independent Working Ability

Candidates should be capable of working independently, managing assigned responsibilities, observing deadlines, and achieving expected results.

At the same time, the role requires collaboration with supervisors and colleagues across different thematic areas.

Research and Information-Gathering Skills

Strong online research skills and the ability to gather, evaluate, and organize information are important for the policy analysis component of the internship.

Applicants should be prepared to support the development of research-based materials, policy documents, and knowledge products.

Communication Skills

Excellent written and spoken English is required.

The internship involves drafting reports, blogs, newsletters, emails, talking points, briefing materials, and social media content. Clear communication will therefore be important across several areas of responsibility.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Interns will work with specialists and colleagues supporting the GPEDC’s activities. The ability to collaborate professionally, share information, and contribute to common objectives is essential.

Commitment to Learning and UNDP’s Mission

Candidates should demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to UNDP’s vision, mission, and values.

An interest in international development, development effectiveness, public policy, and multilateral cooperation may help applicants explain their motivation for applying.

Eligibility Criteria for the UNDP Internship

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements established under the UNDP Internship Programme. The vacancy specifies several acceptable educational pathways, allowing eligible current students, final-year undergraduate students, recent graduates, and students enrolled in postgraduate professional traineeship programmes to apply.

Candidates should review the following educational requirements carefully before submitting an application.

1. Current Postgraduate Students

Applicants currently enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme may qualify if they are pursuing a master’s degree or a higher qualification in a relevant academic discipline.

Relevant fields include:

• Development Studies
• Economics
• Public Administration
• International Relations
• Other related fields

Students pursuing postgraduate qualifications in disciplines connected to international development, governance, public policy, or development cooperation may be well suited to the position, provided their academic programme meets UNDP’s eligibility requirements.

2. Final-Year Undergraduate Students

Applicants enrolled in the final academic year of their first university degree may also be eligible.

The vacancy identifies the following relevant fields:

• Development Studies
• Economics
• Public Administration
• International Relations
• Other related fields

Eligible candidates must be in the final year of their bachelor’s degree or an equivalent first university qualification at the time of application.

This pathway allows qualifying undergraduate students to gain practical experience in international development before completing their degrees.

3. Recent University Graduates

Recent graduates may apply if they have completed a university degree that meets the educational criteria specified in the vacancy.

However, an important condition applies: if selected, recent graduates must begin the internship within one year of graduation.

Applicants who have already graduated should therefore consider their graduation date and whether they can start the internship within the required period.

Candidates should be prepared to provide evidence of their completed qualification if selected.

4. Students in Postgraduate Professional Traineeship Programmes

Applicants enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme may also qualify if their programme is in Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field.

The internship must form part of the relevant professional traineeship programme.

Candidates following this pathway should ensure they can demonstrate their enrolment and the relationship between the internship and their academic or professional training.

Important Eligibility Considerations

Meeting one of the educational pathways is a fundamental requirement, but applicants should also consider the experience, language, and competency requirements listed in the vacancy.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate relevant academic preparation, strong research abilities, professional communication skills, and an interest in international development.

The vacancy does not specify a nationality restriction or identify a particular country or continent from which applicants must originate. Applicants should nevertheless consult the official recruitment announcement for any additional conditions relevant to their circumstances.

Required Experience and Technical Skills

Although the vacancy provides several educational pathways, UNDP also identifies technical skills and relevant experience that may strengthen an application.

The following skills are particularly relevant to the internship’s responsibilities.

Microsoft Office Proficiency

Applicants should have proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

These tools can support research, report preparation, data organization, presentations, communications, and administrative work.

Candidates who can prepare well-organized documents, manage spreadsheets, and create professional presentations may find these skills useful throughout the internship.

Strong Online Research Skills

Strong online research skills are important because the position involves examining development cooperation trends, identifying policy developments, collecting information, and supporting the preparation of analytical materials.

Applicants should be comfortable locating relevant information, organizing research findings, and contributing to written outputs.

Social Media Scheduling, Monitoring, and Analytics

Familiarity with social media scheduling, monitoring, and analytics tools is an asset.

Interns may help develop and publish content for the GPEDC’s official X and LinkedIn accounts, support digital outreach, and contribute to communications campaigns.

Experience managing organizational social media accounts or preparing content calendars may therefore be useful.

Graphic Design and Video Production

Skills in graphic design and video production are considered advantageous.

These abilities may help interns support newsletters, digital campaigns, video interviews, stories of progress, and other communications products.

Candidates who have worked with visual content or multimedia communications can highlight this experience in their CV and motivation letter.

Advanced Excel, Database Management, and Power BI

Advanced Excel skills, database management experience, and familiarity with Power BI are additional assets.

These technical abilities may be relevant to data analysis, information management, monitoring activities, and the maintenance of data visualization resources.

Applicants with experience handling datasets or producing analytical dashboards may wish to emphasize these skills.

Communications, Advocacy, and Digital Outreach

Previous experience supporting communications campaigns, events, or digital outreach activities is an asset.

Relevant experience may include:

• Preparing newsletters and blog posts.
• Managing social media accounts.
• Supporting advocacy campaigns.
• Producing communications materials.
• Coordinating online outreach activities.
• Preparing presentations and briefing documents.
• Supporting public information initiatives.

Research and Policy Development

Experience in research, policy development, communications, advocacy, or large-scale event planning is also advantageous.

Applicants may highlight relevant academic projects, research assignments, internships, volunteer work, or professional responsibilities that demonstrate their ability to contribute to these areas.

The vacancy also identifies knowledge of or direct experience working on effective development cooperation issues as an asset.

Experience working in developing countries is desirable, although the announcement does not present it as a mandatory requirement.

Language Requirements

Language proficiency is an important requirement for this internship because the role involves preparing written materials, communicating with stakeholders, conducting research, and supporting international meetings.

English Language Proficiency

Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Interns will use English to prepare communications materials, draft reports and policy documents, coordinate with colleagues, and support engagement with participating governments and development partners.

Applicants should be able to communicate clearly and professionally in English.

French or Spanish

Knowledge of French or Spanish is an additional asset.

These languages may be useful in international development environments involving stakeholders from different linguistic backgrounds. However, the vacancy identifies French or Spanish as desirable rather than mandatory.

Applicants who speak either language should mention their proficiency in their CV.

Internship Duration, Working Arrangements, and Financial Support

The UNDP Effective Development Cooperation Internship has a stated duration of six months and is listed as a full-time opportunity.

The vacancy identifies Geneva, Switzerland, and home-based arrangements as the available locations.

Internship Duration

The contract duration is six months.

Applicants should consider whether they can commit to the internship for the required period and meet the expectations associated with a full-time role.

Internship Locations

The vacancy lists two location options:

Geneva, Switzerland: One listed duty location is Geneva, where the selected intern may support the team through the applicable arrangements for that position.

Home-based: The vacancy also lists a home-based location.

Candidates should check the official vacancy announcement to confirm the arrangements for each position before applying. The announcement lists these locations but does not establish that every applicant can choose either arrangement without further conditions.

Monthly Internship Stipend

Under UNDP’s internship policy, eligible interns receive a monthly stipend. The amount varies according to the duty location, and part-time arrangements, where applicable, are prorated.

If an intern receives financial support from an institution, government, or another third party, UNDP will pay the difference, if any, between that external support and the applicable UNDP stipend.

Important financial consideration: The vacancy does not specify a fixed stipend amount for this particular internship. Applicants should therefore consult the official recruitment announcement or seek clarification from UNDP rather than assume a specific monthly payment.

Other Expenses

The vacancy states that, apart from the stipend, all other expenses associated with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring government, or sponsoring institution.

Applicants should consider this condition when planning their participation, particularly if they are considering the Geneva duty location.

The announcement does not state that accommodation, travel, relocation, or other personal expenses will be separately covered.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UNDP

UNDP identifies diversity, equity, and inclusion as core principles of its work.

The organization emphasizes the value of diverse national and cultural backgrounds, inclusion in the workplace, and fairness in its actions.

Its approach also seeks to increase the representation of underserved populations and ensure that people from marginalized or excluded communities have opportunities to contribute to its mission.

People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

UNDP also states that it is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks. UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct.

Documents Required to Apply

Applicants must prepare the required documents before submitting their applications.

The vacancy specifies two documents that must be included in the initial application.

1. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applicants must submit an updated CV containing their contact details, including an email address and telephone number.

A strong CV should clearly present the applicant’s educational background, relevant experience, technical abilities, language skills, and achievements.

For this internship, applicants may wish to emphasize experience or academic work related to:

• International development.
• Development Studies and development cooperation.
• Economics and public administration.
• International relations and public policy.
• Research and analytical writing.
• Communications and advocacy.
• Social media management and digital outreach.
• Event planning and coordination.
• Data analysis and information management.

These areas are relevant to the vacancy’s responsibilities, although applicants should include only skills and experience they can substantiate.

2. Motivation Letter

Applicants must also submit a motivation letter explaining their interest in the internship.

The letter should demonstrate why the applicant wants to work with UNDP and how their academic background, experience, and skills relate to effective development cooperation.

A well-prepared motivation letter may address:

• The applicant’s interest in international development.
• Their relevant academic qualifications.
• Their research, communications, or policy-related experience.
• Their interest in the GPEDC and its work.
• Their ability to contribute to the internship’s responsibilities.
• Their professional goals and motivation for joining UNDP.

Applicants should ensure that the letter is clear, relevant, and tailored to the specific vacancy rather than using a generic statement intended for multiple positions.

Important Document Submission Rule

The updated CV and motivation letter must be combined into a single PDF document.

The recruitment system allows the submission of only one document for this part of the application. Applicants should therefore combine the two required documents into one PDF before uploading it.

They should check that both documents are complete, readable, and correctly formatted.

Additional Documents Required After Selection

Candidates selected for the internship will be asked to submit additional supporting documents electronically.

According to the vacancy, these documents include:

1. University enrolment and graduation confirmation: A letter from the university confirming current enrolment and the expected graduation date. Applicants who have already graduated must provide a copy of their graduation certificate, and the internship must begin within one year of graduation.
2. Academic recommendation: A letter of endorsement or recommendation from a professor.
3. Academic transcript: A copy of the applicant’s recent school transcript.
4. Identification document: A copy of the applicant’s passport or national identification card.
5. Medical certificate: A recent Medical Certificate of Good Health issued by a recognized physician.
6. Proof of medical insurance: Evidence of medical, accident, and repatriation insurance coverage valid for the duration of the internship programme.

Applicants should understand the difference between the initial application requirements and the additional documents requested after selection.

The vacancy instructs applicants to submit their CV and motivation letter in a single PDF during the initial application. The other documents are requested from selected candidates.

Preparing these additional documents in advance may help candidates respond promptly if they are selected.

How to Apply for the UNDP Effective Development Cooperation Internship

Interested candidates should apply through the official UNDP recruitment portal using the vacancy identification number 37749.

Before starting the application, candidates should review the educational requirements, language criteria, responsibilities, internship conditions, and documentation requirements.

Follow these steps to prepare and submit an application.

Step 1: Review the Official Vacancy

Read the official recruitment announcement carefully to understand the internship’s responsibilities, duration, location options, eligibility requirements, and financial conditions.

Applicants should verify that they meet one of the specified educational pathways before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare Your CV

Update your CV to reflect your current academic status, relevant experience, research skills, communications abilities, and technical competencies.

Make sure the contact details are correct and that your CV clearly explains your qualifications.

Step 3: Write Your Motivation Letter

Prepare a motivation letter specifically for the Effective Development Cooperation Internship.

Explain how your academic background and interests relate to the role, and identify relevant skills that could help you contribute to policy analysis, research, communications, advocacy, or event coordination.

Step 4: Combine Your Documents into One PDF

Combine your updated CV and motivation letter into a single PDF document.

Check the final file before uploading it to ensure that both documents are included and can be read clearly.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Online

Open the official UNDP recruitment portal and locate the internship vacancy using job identification number 37749.

Complete the requested application information and upload the combined PDF according to the portal’s instructions.

Review your application before submitting it to ensure that the information is accurate and all required fields have been completed.

Step 6: Monitor Your Email

After applying, monitor the email address associated with your application for recruitment-related communications.

UNDP states that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants should therefore ensure that their contact information is accurate and check their email regularly.

Application Deadline

The official application deadline for the UNDP Effective Development Cooperation Internship is 10 November 2026 at 21:09, as displayed in the vacancy announcement.

The vacancy was posted on 27 October 2026 and lists a two-week vacancy timeline.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.

Submitting early provides additional time to check the combined PDF, correct errors, and ensure that the online application has been completed successfully.

Candidates should verify the deadline and any time-zone information displayed on the official recruitment portal before submitting their applications.

Official Application Link

Apply for the UNDP Effective Development Cooperation Internship:
Apply Now – UNDP Internship, Job ID 37749

Important Information About the Recruitment Process

Applicants should keep several additional points in mind.

Selection Is Not Guaranteed

Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection or an interview. UNDP will assess applications according to its recruitment procedures and the requirements of the position.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted, according to the vacancy announcement.

Similar Positions May Also Be Considered

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from the vacancy announcement.

The organization may also retain applications and consider candidates for other similar positions at the same grade level with comparable job descriptions, experience requirements, and educational requirements.

Beware of Recruitment Scams

The vacancy includes an important warning about recruitment fraud.

The United Nations does not charge applicants an application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other recruitment fee.

If anyone requests payment in connection with this recruitment process, applicants should disregard the request.

Candidates should also exercise caution when submitting personal information online because organizational names, addresses, and logos can be copied or reproduced.

Applications should be submitted through the official UNDP recruitment portal rather than through unofficial individuals or organizations claiming to represent the United Nations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the UNDP Effective Development Cooperation Internship?

It is a six-month internship within UNDP’s Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy. Interns will support the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation through policy research, monitoring, communications, advocacy, knowledge management, and event coordination.

2. How many internship positions are available?

The vacancy lists two positions.

3. Where is the internship located?

The vacancy lists Geneva, Switzerland, and home-based arrangements. Applicants should consult the official recruitment page for details about the arrangements applicable to each position.

4. What is the duration of the internship?

The stated contract duration is six months.

5. Is the UNDP internship paid?

UNDP interns are eligible to receive a monthly stipend under the organization’s internship policy. The rate varies according to the duty location. The vacancy does not specify a fixed stipend amount for this particular internship.

6. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include students enrolled in relevant postgraduate programmes, students in the final academic year of a relevant first university degree, recent graduates who can begin the internship within one year of graduation, and students enrolled in qualifying postgraduate professional traineeship programmes.

Relevant fields include Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, and related disciplines.

7. Is English required?

Yes. Fluency in spoken and written English is required. French or Spanish is an additional asset.

8. Is previous professional experience mandatory?

The vacancy identifies several technical skills and areas of experience as assets rather than universal mandatory requirements. These include research, policy development, communications, advocacy, social media management, graphic design, video production, data analysis, and event planning.

Applicants must still satisfy the applicable educational eligibility requirements and should demonstrate the competencies relevant to the position.

9. Can applicants from any country apply?

The vacancy does not specify a nationality restriction or list particular eligible countries. However, candidates should review the official recruitment announcement for any additional conditions that may apply.

10. What documents must be submitted with the initial application?

Applicants must submit an updated CV containing their email address and telephone number, together with a motivation letter. Both documents must be combined into a single PDF because the system permits only one document upload.

11. What additional documents may be required after selection?

Selected candidates will be asked for documents including university enrolment or graduation confirmation, a professor’s recommendation, an academic transcript, identification, a recent medical certificate, and proof of medical insurance covering medical, accident, and repatriation expenses for the internship period.

12. When is the application deadline?

The vacancy lists 10 November 2026 at 21:09 as the application deadline.

13. Will every applicant receive an interview invitation?

No. UNDP states that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Conclusion

The UNDP Internship in Effective Development Cooperation 2026–2027 offers an opportunity for eligible students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in international development, policy research, communications, advocacy, and multilateral cooperation.

With two positions listed in Geneva, Switzerland, and on a home-based basis, the six-month internship involves supporting the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation and the OECD-UNDP Joint Support Team. The responsibilities cover policy analysis, development cooperation monitoring, research publications, social media communications, website updates, data visualization support, stakeholder engagement, and international event coordination.

Candidates with academic backgrounds in Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, or related fields may find the internship particularly relevant. Strong English communication, online research, organizational, and teamwork skills are important, while experience in policy development, digital communications, social media, graphic design, video production, data analysis, and event planning can strengthen an application.

The internship offers a monthly stipend in accordance with UNDP policy, although the specific amount is not stated in the vacancy. Applicants should also account for the fact that expenses other than the stipend are the responsibility of the intern or an applicable sponsoring institution or government.

Interested candidates should prepare an updated CV and a tailored motivation letter, combine both documents into a single PDF, and submit their application through the official recruitment portal.

The application deadline is 10 November 2026 at 21:09. Candidates should review the official vacancy details and complete their applications before the deadline.

Explore more internships at Opportunities for Youth (OFY).