Looking to launch your international development career from anywhere in the world? The UNDP Research and Innovation Internship (Home-Based) offers emerging professionals the chance to engage with frontier governance issues from a global platform. This remote, full-time, 6-month internship allows individuals to contribute to cutting-edge research within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—the UN’s primary agency for sustainable development. With a focus on innovation, financial and information integrity, and fair green transitions, this internship provides invaluable exposure to governance-related projects with a global impact.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading global development organization operating in more than 170 countries and territories. It supports governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through six core areas: poverty eradication, democratic governance, resilience building, climate and environmental solutions, clean energy access, and gender equality.
The UNDP Global Policy Centre for Governance (GPCG), where this internship is based, plays a strategic role in advancing UNDP’s mission. It focuses on key “frontier” issues in governance including:
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Financial Integrity
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Information Integrity
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Fair Green Transitions
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New Ways of Governing
As a Research and Innovation Intern at GPCG, you’ll contribute to important research initiatives, support public outreach, help implement innovative governance projects, and assist in strengthening global policy networks—especially across the Global South and Nordic countries.
This internship is an opportunity for students and recent graduates passionate about governance, equity, and inclusive development to experience the work of an international organization first-hand—all while working from home.
🌍 Explore the UNDP Research and Innovation Internship (Remote) – A Unique Opportunity to Shape Global Governance
Tasks
Interns will be responsible for a variety of dynamic and high-impact tasks that contribute to the GPCG’s broader mission. These include:
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Conducting literature reviews and contributing to policy research reports related to governance frontier topics.
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Supporting the analysis of global governance trends, stakeholders, and new policy mechanisms.
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Assisting in the conceptualization and execution of innovative governance initiatives.
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Drafting advocacy and communication materials such as concept notes, presentations, social media content, and speeches.
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Supporting the launch of UNDP flagship reports, virtual events, and stakeholder webinars.
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Expanding the GPCG’s partnerships with research and academic institutions in Nordic countries and the Global South.
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Attending and contributing to internal and external meetings, roundtables, and brainstorming sessions.
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Taking on additional support tasks as required by the Centre’s operational and strategic needs.
This internship is designed to offer a comprehensive and flexible learning environment, where interns can grow their professional network and gain deep insight into global development governance.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
To be eligible for this UNDP internship, applicants must meet at least one of the following academic criteria at the time of application:
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Be in the final year of a bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Psychology, Sociology, or a related social science.
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Be enrolled in a postgraduate program (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant field.
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Have recently graduated (within the last 12 months) with a university degree in the aforementioned disciplines.
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Be enrolled in a professional traineeship program, where the internship is a component of the curriculum.
Experience
While formal experience is not required, the following skills and competencies are highly desirable:
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Demonstrated interest in governance, policy analysis, and international development.
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Solid organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks.
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Prior experience with academic research, social media content design, or report writing is a plus.
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Familiarity with Norwegian governance structures or policy institutions in the Global South is an added advantage.
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Comfort with digital communication platforms and visual design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe, or similar).
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Work experience within international organizations or NGOs is beneficial but not mandatory.
Languages
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Fluency in English (spoken and written) is mandatory.
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Additional language skills (especially French or Spanish) are a bonus.
Additional Information
Internship Duration & Compensation
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Duration: 6 months (Full-time)
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Work Location: Home-Based (Remote)
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Start Date: Flexible, but must begin within 12 months of graduation (if recently graduated)
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Compensation: In accordance with the UNDP Internship Policy, interns may receive a monthly stipend, the amount of which depends on the duty station and individual circumstances.
If interns are financially supported by a university or third-party institution, UNDP will supplement any difference to meet its standard stipend rate.
General Conditions
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Interns are not considered staff members and are not eligible for employment benefits or entitlements.
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There is no expectation of future employment with UNDP upon internship completion.
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Interns must cover their own costs related to insurance, accommodation, and living expenses unless otherwise supported externally.
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All applicants will undergo rigorous background checks, in line with UNDP’s zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, and abuse of power.
Application Requirements
To apply, prospective candidates must submit one combined PDF file that includes:
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Updated CV
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Contact details for three professional references
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A brief statement outlining why they are a suitable candidate for this internship
Applications must be submitted via the UNDP Job Portal before June 22, 2025 (11:39 AM UTC). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Why Apply for This UNDP Internship?
This is not just any internship—it’s a gateway into global policy innovation, offering meaningful exposure to one of the most pressing topics of our time: how governance systems can evolve to be more inclusive, transparent, and resilient. The experience will help young professionals build networks, deepen research capabilities, and make tangible contributions to the United Nations’ development agenda—all without needing to relocate.
If you’re driven by global justice, international cooperation, and equitable governance, this internship will serve as a strong foundation for a career in the UN system or in the broader development sector.
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