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United Nations Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Political Intern

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

This internship is UNPAID in person and full-time (35 hours per week), on the United Nations premise working arrangement from (New York, USA). This internship is designed to be full-time and in ...

Social Media Intern

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

We have been honored by both the White House and the United Nations as one of the Top 100 companies ... This internship is extremely hands-on, providing an incredible experience for those looking to get ...

Social Media Intern

Dallas, TX

$14.75 - $19/hr

We have been honored by both the White House and the United Nations as one of the Top 100 companies ... This internship is extremely hands-on, providing an incredible experience for those looking to get ...

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United Nations Internship information

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How much do united nations internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for united nations internship in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a United Nations intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a United Nations Intern, you typically need to be enrolled in a graduate or final year undergraduate program, with strong research, analytical, and communication skills. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and proficiency in multiple UN official languages are often required. Cultural sensitivity, adaptability, teamwork, and initiative are valuable soft skills that help interns navigate the diverse and dynamic UN environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively contributing to international projects, collaborating across cultures, and gaining meaningful experience in global affairs.

What is a United Nations internship?

A United Nations Internship is a temporary position offered to students and recent graduates who wish to gain practical experience in the work of the United Nations. Interns work in various departments and locations worldwide, supporting the UN's mission and day-to-day operations. These internships provide exposure to international diplomacy, policy-making, and humanitarian issues. They are generally unpaid and last between two to six months, offering valuable networking and learning opportunities for those interested in international relations and development.

What are the typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a United Nations intern?

As a United Nations intern, you can expect to assist with research, draft reports and briefing notes, help organize conferences or meetings, and support communication activities within your assigned department. You'll often work closely with experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, gaining insight into international diplomatic processes and global development initiatives. This hands-on exposure allows interns to develop valuable skills such as cross-cultural communication, project coordination, and policy analysis, all while expanding their professional network in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

What is the difference between United Nations Internship vs UN Volunteer?

AspectUnited Nations InternshipUN Volunteer
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates, some academic background in international relations or related fieldsVaries; often professionals or individuals with relevant skills, sometimes with specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, international organization setting, project-focusedField or office-based, community engagement, operational roles
Employer & Industry UsageUnited Nations agencies, international development, diplomacyUnited Nations, NGOs, international development projects

While both roles involve contributing to international development and diplomacy, United Nations Internships are typically geared towards students or recent graduates seeking experience within UN offices. UN Volunteers are usually more experienced individuals working directly in the field or office to support UN missions and projects. Both offer valuable international exposure but differ in eligibility and scope.

More about United Nations Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for United Nations Internship jobs? Cities with the most United Nations Internship job openings:
What states have the most United Nations Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for United Nations Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various United Nations Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Political Intern

United Nations

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Work Location
Flexible (Hybrid, all remote, or in-person)
Expected duration
6 months. Desired start date is 5 October 2026, or sooner.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duration of the internship is for six (6) months. This internship is UNPAID in person and full-time (35 hours per week), on the United Nations premise working arrangement from (New York, USA). This internship is designed to be full-time and in-person but can be adjusted based on the needs of the successful candidate to part-time (20 hours per week) and/or remote. The internship are located in the Europe and Central Asia Division in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Europe and Central Asia Division (ECAD) is one of the eight regional divisions in the shared regional structure of the UN Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The shared structure, established in 2019 following the reform of the UN's peace and security architecture, is responsible for the entire range of UN political and operational engagements on peace and security issues, including the provision of strategic, political and operational guidance, analysis and direction, and integrated operational support for prevention and sustaining peace, as well as crisis monitoring and response. ECAD consists of four sub-regional teams. The intern will work as a member of the Eastern Europe team contributing to its daily work. The Eastern Europe Team covers 12 countries and three regional organizations, and backstops the DPPA Liaison Office in Kyiv and the UN Liaison Office for Peace and Security in Vienna. Duties and responsibilities of the intern may include but are not limited to: Monitoring media reports and political and security developments in the region; Conducting background research and analysis of relevant issues and trends in the region; Following and reporting on relevant meetings of the UN Security Council and General Assembly; Attending other meetings and events and preparing summary notes; Providing logistical and other assistance in organizing meetings and events; Preparing briefing material for senior officials; Performing other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/special skills
Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's degree or equivalent). Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work. experience. However, a field of study that is closely related to the type of internship that you are applying for is required. Applicants must be a student in the final year of the first university degree (bachelor or equivalent), Master's or Ph.D. Programme or equivalent, or have completed a Bachelor's, Master's or PH.D. Programme. Do you meet any of the above criteria? If yes, please indicate which one and attach proof to the application. Please note that you will have to provide an official certificate at a later stage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in spoken and written English is required for the internship. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish are the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
Additional Information
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applicants who have previously served six months, in total, as an intern in one or more UN Common Systems cannot be engaged as an intern. Applicants who are children, siblings, and sons or daughters-in-law (including stepchildren, half-siblings, or stepsiblings) of an active staff member in a UN Common System cannot be engaged as an intern. In your Motivational Statement, please indicate when you are available to start your internship. Please note that the start and end dates are flexible. A complete online application is required. The Motivational Statement must also include: โ€ข Title of degree you are currently pursuing. โ€ข Graduation Date (When will you be graduating/have graduated from the programme?) โ€ข Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship. โ€ข Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.
Intern Specific text
Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.