Global Internship Roster 2025: Unlock Your Potential with UNFPA

EugenMarch 23, 2025

4 minutes read

Level: Internships / Fellowships
Contract Type: Internship
Closing Date: 31 Dec 2025, 10:44 AM (America/New_York)
Duty Station: Multiple Locations

The Position

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is excited to announce its Global Internship Roster for 2025, aimed at attracting innovative and motivated individuals who aspire to contribute to global development and women’s empowerment through hands-on experience. This program provides a unique opportunity for interns to immerse themselves in the multifaceted workings of UNFPA, the lead UN agency dedicated to achieving a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

How You Can Make a Difference

UNFPA’s mission is underpinned by a strategic plan that seeks transformative results over the period of 2022 to 2025. This strategic framework focuses on three key objectives:

Ending Preventable Maternal Deaths: Through comprehensive support and initiatives, UNFPA aims to reduce maternal mortality rates and ensure safe childbirth for all women.
Ending Unmet Need for Family Planning: By empowering women and men with access to family planning services and education, UNFPA strives to fulfill the rights of individuals to plan their families and futures.
Ending Gender-Based Violence and Harmful Practices: UNFPA is committed to preventing gender-based violence and combating harmful practices that violate the rights and dignity of women and girls.

These objectives align closely with the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. The current global context, marked by the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, underlines the necessity of “building forward better.” UNFPA’s strategic plan highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing the negative impacts of the pandemic on access to sexual and reproductive health services and reproductive rights, with a focus on recovering lost gains.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the internship position at UNFPA, candidates must meet the following educational and other requirements:

Educational Requirements:

Candidates must be either:
Enrolled in a first university degree program (such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and have completed one full academic year.
Enrolled in a postgraduate degree program (such as a master’s program or higher).
A recent graduate with a university degree who can start the internship within one year of graduation.
Enrolled in a postgraduate professional trainee program and undertaking the internship as part of this program.

Other Requirements:

Demonstrated interest in the field of international development.
Proficiency in written and spoken English or French, and fluency in one of the official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish) relevant to the UNFPA office.
Ability to adapt to diverse working environments and establish strong working relationships with individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

Note: Individuals with immediate family members (parents, siblings, children) working at UNFPA are not eligible for internship applications.

Required Competencies

Interns are expected to embody UNFPA’s core values and demonstrate several competencies:

Values:

Exemplifying Integrity: Interns should display honesty and adhere to ethical principles in their work.
Demonstrating Commitment: A sincere dedication to UNFPA’s goals and the broader UN system.
Embracing Cultural Diversity: An appreciation for and openness to various cultures and perspectives.
Embracing Change: A willingness to adapt and thrive in an evolving work environment.

Core Competencies:

Achieving Results: A proactive approach to meeting or exceeding objectives.
Being Accountable: Taking responsibility for one’s actions and outcomes.
Developing Professional Expertise: Continuously honing skills and knowledge relevant to the field.
Thinking Analytically and Strategically: The ability to analyze complex situations and devise effective solutions.
Teamwork and Relationship Management: Effectively collaborating with others and managing interpersonal relationships.

Financial Support

UNFPA provides financial support to interns who do not receive funding from external sources such as academic institutions or governments. Eligible interns may receive a stipend to assist with living expenses, which is typically disbursed in local currency at the end of each month. The amount will depend on the intern’s place of work, especially if remote arrangements are in place.

UNFPA Work Environment

At UNFPA, the work environment is characterized by the values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages women to apply actively. Additionally, UNFPA values diversity in its workplace and invites individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities to participate in the internship program.

Conclusion

The Global Internship Roster for 2025 represents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain direct experience in international development and contribute to the impactful work of UNFPA. By joining this dynamic organization, interns will not only advance their skills but also play a meaningful role in transforming lives and communities.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the closing date of December 31, 2025, by visiting the UNFPA careers page for more information on available internship roles and application procedures. Together, let’s make a difference and lead the way toward a better, more equitable world.