How to Get Internship at United Nations

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There are many ways of getting internship at the United Nations regardless of the country you come from.

UN is among the most prestigious organizations in the world. Getting internship in this organization will go a long way into helping you scale the career ladder, resulting to humongous salary coupled with prestige.

What is required when applying for internship at UN?

The minimum requirement for an internship at UN is at least a degree course from a recognized university. Some of the most preferred degrees include:

  1. Public Relations
  2. Statics
  3. Monitoring & Evaluation
  4. Project Management
  5. Law
  6. Computer Science/IT
  7. Marketing
  8. Human Resource Management
  9. Journalism & Communication
  10. Economics
  11. Medicine/Nursing
  12. Public Health & HIV
  13. Political Science
  14. Criminology & Forensic Science
  15. Bachelor of Commerce
  16. Bachelor of International Relations

Apart from the university degrees outlined above, a student/job seeker should demonstrate leadership skills, which must be clearly outlined in the CV or the official United Nations form.

(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher);

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent);

(c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) above) and

(b)  if selected, must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation

United Nations has more than 20 affiliated organizations, which is where you should seek your internships. The organizations include:

  1. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  2. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
  3. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
  4. International Labour Organization (ILO)
  5. International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  6. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  7. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  8. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
  9. United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
  10. Universal Postal Union (UPU)
  11. World Bank Group (WBG)
  12. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
  13. International Finance Corporation (IFC)
  14. International Development Association (IDA)
  15. World Health Organization (WHO)
  16. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
  17. World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
  18. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
  19. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
  20. International Organization for Migration (IOM)
  21. Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
  22. World Trade Organization (WTO)

How do you start searching for internships?

You have to regularly check on to the UN organizations’ websites to determine whether there are opportunities.Normally,internships occur in different locations where the UN offices are located  every three months, sometimes every month. The internships come with the following conditions

  • Duration: The internship programme lasts for at least two months and can be as long as six months. Once selected, you must begin your internship either prior to or within one year of graduation.
  • Cost: United Nations interns are not paid. All costs related to travel, insurance, accommodation, and living expenses must be borne by either the interns or their sponsoring institutions.
  • Visa: You will be responsible for obtaining and financing the necessary visas.
  • Travel: You will arrange and finance your travel to the United Nations location where you will be an intern.
  • Medical insurance: You will be responsible for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the internship and must show proof of a valid major global medical insurance coverage.
  • Confidentiality: You must be discreet and keep confidential any and all unpublished information obtained during the course of the internship and may not publish any documents based on such information.
  • Academic Credit: You may get academic credit from your institution of higher education for the internship. Check with your university to confirm their academic credit policy for internships.

If you are interested in internships with other United Nations funds and programmes listed, please apply with them directly through the links below.

Does internships at UN Pay?

United Nations does not pay interns, but when you are assigned duty in the field,you are paid a small stipend.

Can I get a job at UN after completing internships?

yes

When you join UN as an intern you have upper hand over other job seekers. Sometimes opportunities arise within the institution and interns are given first priority. Even if you don’t get a chance to work for UN, your star will be up there since your CV is already decorated.