Thank you for your interest in UNCDF's Internship Programme. Please be informed that UNCDF internships programme at Headquarters is temporarily suspended. Please continue to check this site regularly for the opening of the application process for the new Internship Programme.
Interns are often assigned, on a demand-driven basis, in one of the following units:
- Partnerships Unit
- Evaluation Unit
- Local Development Unit
- Inclusive Finance Unit
The Partnerships Unit: BDC manages strategic relationships and communications with donors, development partners, the UN System, the media and the general public, increasing awareness and support for UNCDF's work in Local Development and Inclusive Finance.
The Evaluation Unit: The Evaluation Unit undertakes the task of assessing the impact of programmes run by the functional units of UNCDF. The work of the Evaluation Unit entails understanding assessment methodologies, the operational procedures of the programmes and the nature of the work of the functional units of UNCDF.
The Local Development Unit: LDU works with Local Governments in Least Developed Countries to build capacity for improved infrastructure service delivery to the poor.
The Inclusive Finance Unit: FIPA works in Least Developed Countries to promote inclusive financial sectors and to give financial and technical support to programmes that provide financial services for the poor.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for the programme:
- Applicants are enrolled in a degree programme in a graduate school (second university degree or higher) at the time of application and during the internship, or are within one year of graduation from a graduate programme; or
- Applicants pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.
In addition, applications should be studying any of the following disciplines: Law, Economics, International Relations, International Business, Urban/Rural Planning, Development Studies, Communications or Information Technology. For Communications Interns, knowledge of journalism, film or photography is an advantage.
As UNCDF works in both English and French, speaking both is an asset.
Conditions
Applications should be aware that they will not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in the United Nations during the period of the internship or for the six months immediately following the end of their internship.
Financial
As with other UN internships, interns at UNCDF are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibilities of interns or their sponsoring institutions. In addition, the United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage and provide a medical certificate of good health.
Duration
The normal duration of an internship is two months, which can be extended for an additional two months. The total duration may be exceptionally extended to maximum of six months when there are special academic requirements or special needs of the receiving department/office.
Application Process
Send a cover letter to interns@uncdf.org, stating which unit you would like to work with, and attach the forms below, together with your CV.
Internship application form:
English [ Word Document ]
French [ Word Document ]
If you are accepted, you will be required to sign the UN Internship Agreement Form: [ pdf ]
For background information on internships at the UN, please consult the United Nations Internship Programme Website
