Are you a university student or recent graduate looking for an opportunity to gain international work experience and contribute to a meaningful cause? The UN Women Internship Programme could be an excellent opportunity to take your first steps toward a career in international development, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
UN Women is a United Nations entity dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls around the world. Through its internship programme, eligible students and recent graduates can gain practical experience while learning how an international organization develops and implements programmes that make a difference in people’s lives.
Internship assignments may be available in areas such as communications, research, policy, programme management, strategic partnerships, finance, human resources, and information and communications technology (ICT). Opportunities depend on the needs of individual offices and the availability of suitable assignments.
If you are interested in working in a multicultural environment and developing professional skills, here is what you need to know before applying.
UN Women Internship 2026–2027: Overview
- Organization: UN Women – United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
- Opportunity type: International internship
- Who can apply: Eligible university students and recent graduates
- Fields: Communications, research, policy, programme support, finance, human resources, ICT, and related areas
- Duration: Generally 2–6 months
- Work arrangement: Depends on the specific vacancy
- Financial support: Internships are generally unpaid, although eligible interns may receive a stipend under the applicable arrangements
- Application deadline: Varies by vacancy
- Application method: Online through the official UN Women Careers portal
Important: UN Women does not have one universal deadline for all internships. Applicants should check individual vacancy announcements for current openings, locations, requirements, and closing dates.
What Is the UN Women Internship Programme?
The UN Women Internship Programme gives qualified students and recent graduates an opportunity to learn about the work of the United Nations in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Interns may support ongoing projects, conduct research, prepare reports, assist with communications activities, contribute to programme planning, or help teams monitor and evaluate their work.
The experience is designed to help interns understand how international development programmes operate in practice. Depending on the assignment, participants may also have opportunities to work alongside professionals from different cultural and professional backgrounds.
For graduates who hope to build a career in international organizations, public policy, humanitarian work, development, or human rights, this type of experience can be a useful addition to their professional background.
Internship Fields and Areas of Work
UN Women works across several professional areas. The opportunities available to interns depend on the needs of the recruiting office.
1. Communications and Advocacy
Interns may assist with writing articles, preparing communication materials, supporting social media activities, researching campaign topics, and sharing information about gender equality initiatives.
2. Research and Policy
Assignments may involve collecting information, reviewing documents, conducting background research, preparing summaries, or supporting policy-related activities.
3. Programme Planning and Management
Interns may help teams organize activities, maintain programme documentation, prepare reports, and support the implementation or monitoring of development projects.
4. Strategic Partnerships
This area may involve researching potential partners, preparing briefing materials, organizing meetings, and supporting collaboration with other organizations.
5. Finance, Human Resources, and Operations
Depending on the vacancy, interns may assist with administrative processes, documentation, financial support activities, recruitment-related tasks, or general office operations.
Applicants should choose positions that match their education, interests, and relevant skills.
Who Can Apply for the UN Women Internship?
The programme welcomes applicants from different nationalities and academic backgrounds, provided they meet the eligibility conditions.
According to UN Women’s general internship requirements, applicants must normally meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Be enrolled in a master’s, post-master’s, or doctoral degree programme.
- Be in the final year of a first university degree programme, such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Be enrolled in an eligible national service programme that includes the internship.
- Be enrolled in a qualifying professional traineeship programme connected to postgraduate study.
- Be a recent university graduate who can begin the internship within two years of graduation, subject to the programme’s requirements.
Applicants should also demonstrate professionalism, integrity, respect for diversity, and a genuine interest in the organization’s work.
Please note: Specific vacancies may include additional educational, technical, language, or experience requirements. Always read the eligibility section of the official announcement before submitting an application.
Is the UN Women Internship Open to International Applicants?
UN Women welcomes applications from people of different nationalities and backgrounds. However, eligibility does not automatically mean that every internship is open to applicants worldwide.
Some vacancies are international, while others are restricted to candidates who meet specific national or location-based conditions.
If you are applying from outside the country where an internship is based, carefully check the vacancy announcement for any nationality restrictions, work authorization requirements, visa arrangements, and relocation conditions.
Is the UN Women Internship Fully Funded?
Applicants should understand the financial arrangements before applying.
UN Women internships are generally unpaid. Under the organization’s published internship policy, a stipend may be available to help cover basic daily expenses for eligible interns who are not receiving financial support from another institution or programme.
However, applicants should not assume that every internship includes a stipend or that all expenses will be covered.
Depending on the assignment and applicable arrangements, interns may be responsible for:
- International travel and transportation.
- Accommodation and living expenses.
- Health and travel insurance.
- Visa and other immigration-related expenses.
Before accepting an offer, ask the relevant UN Women office to clarify the available financial support and the costs you would need to cover yourself.
For this reason, the programme should not automatically be described as a fully funded internship.
How Long Does the Internship Last?
UN Women internships generally last between two and six months.
Assignments are usually full-time, although the exact working arrangements depend on the internship and the needs of the office.
Internship opportunities may be advertised throughout the year. Some positions are based in country offices, while others may be offered through regional offices or headquarters.
Benefits of the UN Women Internship
Although the financial arrangements vary, the programme can provide valuable professional and personal development opportunities.
1. International work experience
You can learn how a United Nations organization operates and how its teams contribute to global development goals.
2. Practical professional skills
Depending on your assignment, you may develop your research, writing, communication, administrative, analytical, or project-support skills.
3. Exposure to gender equality and development work
You can learn more about women’s empowerment, equal opportunities, human rights, and international development programmes.
4. A multicultural working environment
Working with people from different backgrounds can help you develop collaboration, communication, and intercultural skills.
5. Career development
The experience may strengthen your CV and help you explore future opportunities in international development and related fields. However, completing an internship does not guarantee future employment with the United Nations.
Required Documents
The documents required can differ from one vacancy to another. Before applying, prepare the following where applicable:
- An updated CV or résumé.
- A motivation letter or cover letter, if requested.
- Details of your educational background.
- Information about relevant work experience, volunteering, research, or projects.
- Evidence of language skills or other qualifications, if required.
- Proof of university enrolment or graduation, when requested.
UN Women instructs applicants to complete all required fields in its online application system. Uploading a CV alone does not replace the information requested in the application form.
Check the individual vacancy announcement carefully to confirm which supporting documents are required.
How to Apply for the UN Women Internship 2026–2027
Follow these steps to find a suitable opportunity and submit your application.
Step 1: Visit the Official Internship Programme Page
Start by reading the official UN Women internship information, including the eligibility requirements, duration, financial arrangements, and application procedure.
Official internship programme:
https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/internship-programme
Step 2: Open the UN Women Careers Portal
Visit the official careers website to search for available internship positions.
Official application and vacancies portal:
https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/jobs
Step 3: Search for Internship Vacancies
Look for positions listed under the internship category. Review the job title, location, responsibilities, qualifications, language requirements, and application deadline.
You can explore roles related to your degree or professional interests, including communications, research, programme support, policy, finance, and operations.
Step 4: Read the Full Vacancy Announcement
Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for that specific position. Pay particular attention to educational requirements, nationality restrictions, work arrangements, and any financial or relocation considerations.
Step 5: Complete Your Online Application
Create an account or sign in to the recruitment portal. Complete all required sections of your profile, including education, employment history, skills, and other requested information.
Make sure the information is accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.
Step 6: Upload the Required Documents
Attach your CV, motivation letter, and any other documents requested in the vacancy announcement.
Use your motivation letter to explain why you are interested in the position, how your education or experience relates to the work, and what skills you can contribute.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Review your application carefully before submitting it. Confirm that all required fields are complete and that your documents are attached correctly.
Keep a record of your submission and monitor your email and recruitment account for any updates.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for international internships can be strong, so take time to prepare a thoughtful application.
- Tailor your CV: Highlight skills and experiences relevant to the specific position.
- Write a focused motivation letter: Explain why you want to work with UN Women and how your background relates to the role.
- Use practical examples: Include relevant research, university projects, volunteering, writing, communications, or administrative experience.
- Show your commitment: Demonstrate an understanding of gender equality, inclusion, and women’s empowerment.
- Proofread everything: Check your spelling, dates, contact information, and document formatting.
- Apply early: Do not wait until the final day to submit your application.
You do not need to claim experience you do not have. Instead, clearly explain the skills you have developed through your studies, projects, volunteering, or other relevant activities.
Important Warning for Applicants
Applying for a UN Women internship should be free. UN Women states that it does not charge application, processing, interview, testing, or recruitment fees.
Use the official UN Women website and recruitment portal rather than relying on unofficial advertisements or individuals claiming they can secure a position for you.
Never pay someone who promises guaranteed selection or an internship offer.
Official Application Links
Use the following official resources to learn more and apply:
- UN Women Internship Programme: https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/internship-programme
- UN Women Careers – Current Vacancies: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/jobs
Check the recruitment portal regularly because new opportunities may be published at different times throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
The UN Women Internship Programme can be a valuable opportunity for eligible students and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience and contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Whether your background is in communications, research, public policy, finance, administration, or another relevant field, the key is to identify a suitable vacancy and prepare an application that clearly demonstrates your skills and motivation.
Before applying, verify the current vacancy details and financial arrangements through the official website. With careful preparation and a realistic understanding of the requirements, you can take a meaningful step toward building an international career.
Ready to explore the opportunity? Visit the official UN Women Careers portal, review the available internships, and submit your application if you meet the requirements.