Embark on a Meaningful Journey: UNAIDS Internship Programme 2025

EugenMarch 24, 2025

3 minutes read

Vacancy No.: UNAIDS/25/ISHIP1

The UNAIDS Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity for passionate individuals eager to make a difference in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. As a pivotal part of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, UNAIDS is dedicated to leading and inspiring the world towards achieving its bold vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. With a commitment to address and overcome societal issues surrounding health, UNAIDS welcomes interns from diverse backgrounds to contribute to this vital mission.

Internship Overview

Title: UNAIDS Internship 2025
Contract Type: Internship
Duration: 2 to 6 months, contingent on the welcoming division, with options for in-person or remote work depending on specific department needs.
Application Period: Opens 5 March 2025 and closes 31 May 2025
Duty Station: Varied—multiple duty stations available globally.

About UNAIDS

UNAIDS works in collaboration with 11 UN organizations, including UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO, and the World Bank, to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. The organization’s multifaceted approach includes prevention strategies, advocacy, and policymaking to eliminate the spread of HIV/AIDS globally.

The Importance of Gender and Geographic Diversity

UNAIDS is committed to fostering gender parity and encouraging geographic and socioeconomic diversity among its interns. As such, this internship presents a platform for individuals from varying backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives to the organization—a vital component in addressing a multifaceted global issue like HIV/AIDS.

Internship Incentives

While there may be a stipend offered to assist with living expenses, it is important to note that this is available exclusively for candidates who are not already receiving financial support elsewhere. This support aims to make the internship more accessible to all qualified candidates, enabling them to focus on their professional development and contribution to UNAIDS’s mission.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UNAIDS Internship Programme, candidates must satisfy a series of criteria:

Educational Requirements: Candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program at a recognized educational institution. Alternatively, those who have completed a course of study and received their degree within the last year are eligible to apply. Recent graduates should ideally start the internship within 12 months of graduation.
Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 20 years old at the time of application.
Language Proficiency: A working knowledge (both oral and written) of at least one of the official WHO/UNAIDS languages—Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish—is required.
Family Considerations: Persons with immediate family members employed by the UNAIDS Secretariat (e.g., son/daughter, brother/sister, or mother/father) are not eligible for the internship. Additionally, candidates should not have previously participated in the UNAIDS internship program.

Skills and Competencies

UNAIDS is looking for individuals who embody several key competencies:

Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within teams and support collective objectives.
Effective Communication: Skills in conveying ideas clearly and producing concise written reports and correspondence.
Adaptability and Initiative: Willingness to learn and improve performance while showing enthusiasm for the assigned responsibilities.
Result Orientation: Skills in managing time effectively to meet high-quality results in alignment with objectives.
Innovative Thinking: Capacity to find new approaches to improve outcomes while maintaining a strong service orientation.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

UNAIDS not only welcomes applications from those directly affected by HIV but also encourages applications from women and individuals from non- and under-represented member states. This is part of UNAIDS’s broader goal to create a workplace that is reflective of society’s diversity, including individuals with disabilities.

UNAIDS maintains strict policies regarding discrimination, harassment, and abuse of authority. The organization is dedicated to fostering a work environment that ensures the dignity of all individuals, demonstrating zero tolerance for abusive conduct.

Application Process

To apply for the UNAIDS Internship Programme, interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications ahead of the closing date of 31 May 2025. Detailed information regarding the application process can be found on the UNAIDS official website, where candidates can submit their applications and learn more about what to expect during their internship experience.

Conclusion

The UNAIDS Internship Programme is an invaluable opportunity for young professionals aiming to make a significant impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS. By joining the UNAIDS team, interns can contribute to a truly global movement toward a healthier, more equitable world. Individuals who are passionate about public health, human rights, and social justice are strongly encouraged to apply. As UNAIDS continues to push forward in its mission to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, the contributions of such talented interns will be crucial. This internship not only offers a stepping stone into the world of international public health but also a chance to be part of something much larger—a movement toward a future free of AIDS.

Seize the opportunity to help shape a healthier world and apply today!