The UNDP Programme Management Intern 2026 in Manila, Philippines: Apply Before September 16 opportunity is open to eligible students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in international development, programme management, climate resilience, research, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is recruiting a Programme Management Intern to support the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Programme in the Philippines.
This is a six-month internship based in Manila, Philippines, and applications are due by September 16, 2026. The position combines programme implementation support, research, events coordination, communications and administrative responsibilities.
Candidates interested in UN careers, sustainable development, disaster resilience, and international development should review the eligibility requirements carefully, especially the education and language requirements, before applying.
UNDP Programme Management Intern 2026: Overview
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Position: Programme Management Intern
Programme: SHIELD Programme
Location: Manila, Philippines
Opportunity Type: Internship
Duration: 6 Months
Working Arrangement: On-site or remote arrangements to be agreed with selected candidates
Languages Required: Filipino and English
Application Deadline: September 16, 2026
Reference: 36693
The vacancy identifies project management, training and capacity building, data analysis, research, report writing, SharePoint, design tools, and event coordination among the relevant skills for the position.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the UN’s global development network and works in approximately 170 countries and territories.
Its work includes supporting countries in reducing poverty and inequality while strengthening institutions and resilience.
UNDP identifies three major areas of focus:
- Sustainable development
- Democratic governance and peacebuilding
- Climate and disaster resilience
The organization also incorporates human rights, inclusion and the empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized populations into its development work.
For students and graduates interested in international development careers, an internship within UNDP can provide exposure to the practical implementation of development programmes and partnerships.
About the SHIELD Programme
The internship sits within the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Programme 2021–2028.
The Government of Australia has invested AUD 20.6 million in the programme to support the Government of the Philippines in strengthening institutional and community resilience against climate change and natural hazards.
SHIELD aims to make people in targeted communities safer and more resilient.
The programme works toward three interconnected outcomes.
First, it seeks to strengthen collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society within targeted local government units so that they can unlock financing and implement inclusive resilience measures.
Second, it aims to encourage relevant national government agencies to prioritize local climate and disaster resilience.
Third, it supports Philippine scientific agencies in producing information that can be practically used for local resilience initiatives.
Who Implements the SHIELD Programme?
SHIELD is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Government of the Philippines and several consortium partners.
These include UN-Habitat, Philippine Business for Social Progress, National Resilience Council Foundation Incorporated, and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government serves as the lead government partner.
A SHIELD Support Unit is responsible for the programme’s day-to-day management and coordination across its three components.
This allows the successful intern to gain experience within a programme involving government institutions, development organizations and multiple stakeholders.
What Will the Programme Management Intern Do?
The internship primarily focuses on programme management support.
The successful intern will report directly to the Project Manager and coordinate closely with the Programme Manager and Knowledge Management Analyst, particularly on communications-related responsibilities.
The responsibilities are divided into several important areas.
1. Project Implementation Support
The intern will support the Project Manager in coordinating with key government agency partners and contractors involved in implementing project activities.
Additional responsibilities include providing technical and administrative support to SHIELD staff.
Research is another important part of the internship.
The intern may be required to research topics and consolidate relevant data and information that can contribute to project documentation and reports.
Participation in project-management meetings is also expected.
Potential outputs from this area of work include research briefs and activity trackers.
This aspect of the internship could be particularly valuable for students interested in project management, research, public administration or development programme implementation.
2. Events Management Support
The intern will also assist with meetings, workshops, consultations and other programme activities.
Responsibilities can include:
- Supporting logistics
- Coordinating schedules
- Preparing event materials
- Communicating with partner agencies
- Coordinating with stakeholders
- Documenting meetings and events
- Preparing event highlights
- Producing post-activity reports
- Supporting administrative requirements
Expected outputs can include activity designs, meeting documentation and event reports.
Candidates who have previously helped organize university events, conferences, workshops or community programmes should consider highlighting this experience in their applications.
3. Communications Responsibilities
The internship also includes a significant communications component.
The successful candidate will support the Programme Manager and Knowledge Management Analyst with the development and implementation of the SHIELD Programme’s communications plan.
Responsibilities may include helping manage the programme’s communications calendar and creating communications materials.
The vacancy specifically mentions content such as:
- Quote cards
- Event highlights
- Press releases
- Social media content
- Other communications materials
The intern may therefore gain experience that combines programme management with digital communications and knowledge management.
Technical Skills Required
UNDP is looking for candidates who can use common productivity and digital tools.
Applicants should be proficient in Microsoft Office productivity tools.
Knowledge of Excel functions and SharePoint is particularly desirable.
The vacancy also seeks proficiency with creative tools such as:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Other multimedia design tools
Knowledge of collaborative online tools is useful, although candidates who are willing to learn these platforms may also be considered.
Technical Writing Sample Required
One particularly important application requirement is the technical writing sample.
Candidates must submit:
One technical writing sample of between 2 and 5 pages.
The sample should demonstrate the applicant’s ability in areas such as:
- Analytical writing
- Research
- Report writing
Applicants should not overlook this requirement because it is specifically identified in the vacancy announcement.
Additional Competencies UNDP Is Looking For
Academic qualifications alone will not determine whether someone is suited to the internship.
UNDP also expects candidates to demonstrate appropriate professional attitudes and competencies.
These include an interest in working within an international organization and good analytical ability when gathering and consolidating research and data.
Candidates should communicate effectively when working independently and as part of a team.
Good organizational skills are also important because interns may need to manage several responsibilities simultaneously.
UNDP additionally emphasizes cultural sensitivity, adaptability, openness to feedback and a constructive willingness to learn.
Education Requirements
Applicants must satisfy at least one of UNDP’s stated educational conditions.
Candidates must be:
Currently enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree;
OR
Currently enrolled in a master’s degree;
OR
Have graduated from a master’s degree or equivalent programme no more than one year ago.
These conditions are important. The vacancy does not simply state that any graduate is automatically eligible.
Applicants should carefully determine whether their current educational status falls within one of the listed categories.
Preferred Fields of Study
UNDP identifies several academic backgrounds as advantageous for the internship.
These include:
- Urban Planning
- Environmental Science
- International Studies
- Development Studies
- Public Management
- Public Administration
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Related disciplines
Candidates from closely related academic fields may also be relevant depending on how their education connects with the responsibilities of the position.
Language Requirements
Applicants need fluency in both Filipino and English.
Knowledge of another United Nations language is considered an advantage.
This requirement is particularly important for international applicants. Candidates should not assume that English proficiency alone is sufficient for this specific internship.
Is the UNDP Programme Management Internship Paid?
Applicants should carefully understand the financial conditions before applying.
The supplied vacancy information does not state a salary or stipend amount for this internship.
It explicitly explains that interns need to obtain financing for their subsistence and make their own arrangements for expenses including travel, visa and accommodation.
Interns are also responsible for obtaining required visas where necessary and must provide proof of enrollment in a health-insurance plan.
The vacancy further states that interns are expected to have their own laptop and internet connectivity.
For accuracy, candidates should therefore avoid assuming that this particular vacancy provides comprehensive financial support unless UNDP’s official recruitment documentation explicitly confirms additional benefits.
Is the Internship Remote?
The official duty station is Manila, Philippines.
However, the internship conditions state that mobility arrangements—whether onsite or remote—will be agreed between the Project Manager and selected candidates in accordance with UNDP Philippines Country Office policy.
This should not be interpreted as guaranteeing a fully remote internship to every successful applicant.
Internship Working Hours
Interns are generally expected to work full time.
However, UNDP states that some flexibility can be provided to accommodate educational programmes.
This can be particularly relevant for applicants who are completing the final year of their bachelor’s degree or are currently enrolled in a master’s programme.
How to Apply for the UNDP Programme Management Intern 2026
Candidates should submit their applications through the official UNDP recruitment platform associated with vacancy Reference 36693.
Before beginning the application, candidates should carefully review the complete vacancy requirements and prepare all requested information.
Particular attention should be given to the required 2–5 page technical writing sample.
Applicants should also ensure that their CV or application clearly demonstrates experience relevant to the position, such as:
- Research
- Data analysis
- Report writing
- Project coordination
- Event management
- Communications
- Microsoft Office
- Excel
- SharePoint
- Adobe design software
- Social media content
- Stakeholder engagement
Applicants should use genuine examples from their own education, work, volunteering or extracurricular experience rather than making unsupported claims.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is:
September 16, 2026
Because the deadline is close, interested candidates should review the requirements and prepare their application materials as early as possible.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This opportunity may be particularly suitable for candidates interested in careers involving:
- United Nations programmes
- International development
- Programme management
- Project management
- Climate change
- Disaster resilience
- Sustainable development
- Public administration
- Research
- Communications
- Knowledge management
- Government partnerships
It could also provide practical exposure for students considering longer-term careers with international organizations, development agencies, governments or NGOs.
Important UNDP Internship Conditions
Candidates should understand that interns are not UNDP staff members and cannot officially represent UNDP.
Interns must maintain their own health insurance and may be responsible for visas, travel, accommodation and subsistence arrangements.
The internship does not automatically create eligibility for another UNDP position during the internship period.
Where official field missions outside the duty station are required, the appropriate project may cover those mission-related expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the UNDP Programme Management Internship based?
The official duty station is Manila, Philippines.
How long is the internship?
The listed duration is six months.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are due by September 16, 2026.
Can bachelor’s students apply?
Yes, but the candidate must currently be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree.
Can master’s students apply?
Yes. Candidates currently enrolled in a master’s programme can meet the educational requirement.
Can recent graduates apply?
The vacancy allows candidates who graduated from a master’s degree or equivalent studies no longer than one year ago.
Is English required?
Yes, but English and Filipino are both required for this particular internship.
Is a writing sample required?
Yes. Candidates must provide a 2–5 page technical writing sample demonstrating analytical, research or report-writing skills.
Is the internship fully remote?
Not necessarily. Manila is the listed duty station, while onsite or remote mobility arrangements will be agreed with selected candidates according to the relevant UNDP Philippines policy.
Does UNDP charge an application fee?
No. The vacancy includes a clear scam warning stating that the United Nations does not charge application, processing, training, interviewing or testing fees during recruitment.
Final Thoughts
The UNDP Programme Management Intern 2026 in Manila, Philippines: Apply Before September 16 opportunity provides eligible students and recent master’s graduates with an opportunity to develop practical experience within a major international development programme.
The internship is especially relevant for candidates interested in programme management, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, research, communications and stakeholder coordination.
Successful applicants could contribute to the SHIELD Programme while gaining exposure to project implementation, research, event management, communications and collaboration involving government and development partners.
However, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying. In particular, applicants need to satisfy UNDP’s specified educational criteria, demonstrate fluency in Filipino and English, and submit the required 2–5 page technical writing sample.
The application deadline is September 16, 2026.
Strong SEO Keywords
UNDP Programme Management Intern 2026, UNDP Programme Management Internship 2026, UNDP internship Philippines 2026, UNDP Manila internship 2026, UNDP internships 2026, United Nations internships 2026, UN internships Philippines 2026, UNDP careers 2026, UNDP vacancies 2026, UNDP internship application 2026, UNDP internship deadline September 2026, Programme Management internship Manila, international development internships 2026, sustainable development internships 2026, climate change internships 2026, disaster resilience internships 2026, project management internships 2026, UN internships for students 2026, UN internships for graduates 2026, UNDP SHIELD Programme, SHIELD Programme Philippines, international organization internships 2026, development studies internships 2026, public administration internships 2026, political science internships 2026, environmental science internships 2026, research internships Philippines, NGO internships Philippines 2026, United Nations careers Philippines, UNDP jobs Manila, UNDP Philippines careers, UNDP internship eligibility, how to apply for UNDP internships, UNDP Programme Management jobs
Also Check
Save the Children Business Analyst Job 2026: Apply for a Full-Time Position in The Hague
British Embassy Internships 2026: 2 Paid Internship Positions – Salary, Eligibility and How to Apply
USDA Internship Program 2027 in the USA
Follow Us On Our Social Media Platforms
WhatsApp Group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/CculATjfuTNKDISQGtP0uw?s=cl&p=a&mlu=4&ilr=4
WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7isAg6buMKEWUmte0K
Facebook Page:
