The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is recruiting two interns in Effective Development Cooperation for a six-month, paid internship that can be done in Geneva, Switzerland, or home-based. The interns will support the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) and the OECD–UNDP Joint Support Team. Applications close on 10 November 2026.
It is open to all nationalities, and the home-based option means students and recent graduates in Africa can take part without moving to Europe.
Key Details
- Organisation: UNDP, Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA)
- Positions: 2
- Duration: 6 months
- Location: Geneva or home-based
- Stipend: monthly, rate set by duty location
- Job ID: 37749
- Deadline: 10 November 2026
What the Interns Will Do
Policy analysis and secretariat support (40%)
- research trends in development effectiveness for the 2027–2029 Work Programme
- support the 5th GPEDC monitoring round: briefs, discussion papers, country stories, blogs and practice notes
- draft guidance materials and communicate with participating governments
- help with data analysis and knowledge management
Communications and advocacy (40%)
- draft newsletters, blogs, video interviews, key messages and social media posts for X and LinkedIn
- update the website, data visualisation platform and Global Dashboard
- keep the team’s Trello board up to date
Events liaison (20%)
- logistics for workshops, side events, regional webinars and Steering Committee meetings
- drafting emails and event briefings for partners, including the OECD and partner countries
Benefits
- a monthly stipend from UNDP (amount depends on the duty location; part-time is prorated)
- hands-on experience inside a UN–OECD global partnership covering around 100 countries
- policy, communications and events experience for your CV
- the option to work from home
Apart from the stipend, interns pay their own costs, including travel, visa, accommodation (if in Geneva) and medical insurance.
Eligibility
At the time of application you must be one of the following, in Development Studies, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations or a related field:
- enrolled in a master’s degree or higher
- in the final year of a bachelor’s degree
- a recent graduate of either, able to start within one year of graduating
- enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship that includes the internship
Also required: fluent English, Microsoft Office and strong online research skills, and familiarity with social media tools. A plus: French or Spanish, graphic design, video, advanced Excel, Power BI, and experience in communications, events or developing countries.
How to Apply
- Prepare your updated CV with email and phone number.
- Write a motivation letter.
- Combine both into one PDF — the system accepts only one file.
- Apply on the official UNDP careers portal (job 37749) before 10 November 2026.
If selected, you will also need an enrolment or graduation letter, a professor’s recommendation, transcripts, an ID or passport, a medical certificate and proof of medical insurance. Only candidates chosen for interview are contacted.
Scam warning: the UN never charges fees at any stage of recruitment.
Tips
- Show writing samples or links: blogs, briefs, social media content.
- Mention any knowledge of development cooperation, aid effectiveness or the SDGs.
- State clearly whether you want the Geneva or home-based option.
- Get your enrolment letter and recommendation ready now.
Related Opportunities
- UNDP Remote Internship in Digital, AI and Innovation 2026
- ActionAid Nigeria Digital Engagement Internship 2026
- WINGS Communications Coordinator 2026 (Remote)
Deadline: 10 November 2026.
