UNDP Washington Representation Office Internship Opportunity (2026)

Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office: Washington Representation Office (WRO) Location: Washington, D.C., USA Internship Type: Graduate Internship Application Deadline: 15 June 2026 (For Fall 2026 Intake)

Table of Contents

Program Overview

The UNDP Washington Representation Office (WRO) serves as a critical diplomatic bridge. It acts as the primary liaison between the UNDP and key U.S. institutions, including the U.S. Congress, the State Department, USAID, and the World Bank Group.

We are currently inviting applications for our 2026 Internship Program. This is a highly competitive opportunity for graduate students from around the world to gain first-hand experience in international development diplomacy. As an intern, you will not just be an observer; you will be an integral part of a team that shapes the narrative of global development in one of the world’s most powerful political capitals.

Available Internship Profiles

The office recruits for two distinct profiles. Applicants must specify which track they are applying for.

1. General Intern

Focus: Policy, Research, and Liaison.
Responsibilities:
- Attend and report on Congressional hearings and high-level policy events in D.C.
- Research and draft briefing notes on specific countries or thematic areas for UNDP staff.
- Assist in the organization of events and meetings with U.S. government agencies and civil society.
Ideal Candidate: Students of International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Law, or Public Administration.

2. Communications & Outreach Intern

Focus: Digital Media, Public Relations, and Content Creation.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and update the UNDP Washington website and social media channels.
- Draft press releases, newsletters, and media clips.
- Monitor U.S. media coverage of UNDP and global development issues.
- Assist in the formulation of new communications tactics to increase UNDP’s visibility.
Ideal Candidate: Students of Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or Media Studies. Skills in video editing, HTML, or graphic design are a strong asset.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, you must meet the following strict UN requirements:

1. Academic Status

You must be currently enrolled in a Graduate-level degree program (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent).
Note: Undergraduate students are generally not eligible for this specific office’s program unless they are in the final year of a combined degree program.
You must be able to return to your studies upon completion of the internship.

2. Skills & Competencies

Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of another UN language (Spanish, French, Arabic) is an asset.
Interest: Demonstrated passion for global development and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Availability: Must be able to work for 3 consecutive months (minimum) to 6 months (maximum), for at least 3 days (24 hours) per week.

3. Administrative Requirements

Visa: International applicants are responsible for obtaining the necessary G-4 visa (UNDP will provide supporting letters).
Insurance: You must provide proof of valid medical and life insurance coverage in the USA.
Financial: Interns receive a modest monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses, but all travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the intern.

Key Dates & Deadlines

The UNDP Washington office typically recruits on a semester basis:

Spring 2026 Intake (March – June): Apply by 15 January 2026.
Fall 2026 Intake (September – December): Apply by 15 June 2026.

Note: Applications received after the deadline are rarely considered due to the volume of submissions.

Educational Guide: How to Ace Your UN Application

Getting an internship at the UN is notoriously difficult. Here is how to make your application stand out for the Washington D.C. office.

1. Tailor Your Cover Letter

Don’t be generic: Do not write “I want to save the world.”
Be specific: Mention the specific profile (General or Comms). If applying for the General profile, mention your ability to synthesize complex policy documents (a key skill for Congressional reporting). If applying for Comms, mention specific software tools you can use (Canva, Adobe Premiere, Drupal).
Connect the dots: Explain why D.C. matters. Show that you understand the relationship between the US Government and the UNDP.

2. The CV Strategy

Keep it short: The UN prefers a 1-2 page CV.
Highlight “International” experience: Have you studied abroad? Do you speak a second language? Have you volunteered for an NGO? These are crucial markers of “cultural sensitivity.”

3. Follow Instructions Perfectly

The Washington office often handles its own recruitment via email rather than the central UN Inspira portal. If the instructions say “send 4 documents,” send exactly 4. Missing a reference letter or the signed application form is an automatic rejection.

How to Apply

Application Method: Email Submission Deadline: 15 June 2026 (For Fall Intake)

Interested candidates must submit the following four (4) documents as a single package:

Cover Letter: Clearly stating your motivation and availability dates.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Maximum 2 pages.
UNDP Internship Application Form: (Available on the UNDP website).
One (1) Reference Letter: From a professor or past supervisor.

Submission Email: undp.washington@undp.org CC: Ebru.Kuran@undp.org Subject Line: “Internship Application Fall 2026 – [Your Name] – [Profile: General or Comms]”

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