Apply for the United Nations OCHA ERS Internship in Geneva. Gain hands-on humanitarian coordination experience in the world’s leading emergency response network. Deadline: November 9, 2025.
Location: Geneva, Switzerland (in-person, remote, or hybrid)
Duration: December 2025 – June 2026
Deadline: November 9, 2025
Department: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Category: Internship (I-1 Level)
🌍 A New Generation of Humanitarians
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced an exciting opportunity for aspiring global changemakers to join as ERS Interns.
Based in Geneva, Switzerland, this internship within the Emergency Response Section (ERS) offers a dynamic, hands-on experience in one of the world’s most influential humanitarian coordination offices. Interns will have the chance to contribute directly to OCHA’s mission of ensuring effective and principled humanitarian action in times of crisis.
⚙️ About OCHA and the ERS
The Emergency Response Section (ERS) plays a pivotal role in coordinating rapid humanitarian responses to emergencies and disasters around the globe. Through this section, OCHA supports countries and partners to respond swiftly, efficiently, and collaboratively when crises strike.
ERS leads coordination in:
- Rapid deployment of humanitarian staff and experts
- Operational logistics support for humanitarian missions
- Disaster assessment and response preparedness
- Partnership and capacity building across national and international actors
From responding to earthquakes and floods to managing complex emergencies, ERS ensures that humanitarian action is organized, efficient, and aligned with global standards of excellence.
🎯 What the Internship Involves
The ERS Internship is structured to provide immersive experience and training in humanitarian coordination. The intern will work full-time, either in-person in Geneva, remotely, or in a hybrid model — allowing flexibility while maintaining engagement with OCHA’s operations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting ERS in coordinating global emergency response efforts.
- Assisting in the rapid deployment of OCHA staff and experts during emergencies.
- Helping compile and disseminate operational guidance for humanitarian partners.
- Contributing to capacity-building activities and partnerships that strengthen disaster response mechanisms.
- Aiding in the management of rosters and networks such as the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) and International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
- Providing technical and administrative support to field operations.
- Supporting the development of international standards and best practices for emergency response.
- Engaging in communication, event planning, and data organization related to humanitarian surge capacities.
This hands-on internship allows participants to experience the full scope of global humanitarian coordination, from planning and logistics to field response and policy development.
🧭 Networks You’ll Engage With
As part of the ERS team, interns may collaborate with a range of international humanitarian networks and partnerships, including:
- UNDAC (United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination)
- INSARAG (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group)
- IHP (International Humanitarian Partnership)
- SBP (Stand-by Partnership)
- Environmental emergency expert rosters and surge capacity groups
These partnerships are the backbone of the global humanitarian response system — ensuring that expertise and resources are mobilized when and where they are needed most.
🎓 Who Can Apply
OCHA encourages applications from students and recent graduates who are passionate about humanitarian affairs and international development. Applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent or higher); or
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s degree); or
- Have recently completed one of the above degrees.
Note: Applicants will be required to provide official proof of enrollment or completion later in the recruitment process.
💡 Skills and Competencies
Ideal candidates for the ERS Internship demonstrate a combination of analytical ability, communication skills, and adaptability.
Essential skills include:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under pressure in fast-paced environments.
- Knowledge of event management tools or social media platforms is an advantage.
Languages:
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
- Knowledge of French is highly desirable.
🌐 Work Modality and Duration
This internship will run from December 2025 to June 2026, offering flexibility for the successful candidate to work in one of three modalities:
- In-person at OCHA headquarters in Geneva,
- Remote, or
- Hybrid (a combination of both).
The chosen work arrangement will depend on the intern’s availability and operational needs within OCHA.
🚀 Why Apply?
This internship offers a unique entry point into the United Nations humanitarian system. Beyond professional growth, it provides an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the global response to emergencies.
Interns will gain:
- Practical experience in international humanitarian coordination.
- Exposure to real-world emergency operations.
- Mentorship from leading UN experts in disaster response.
- Networking opportunities within global humanitarian circles.
By the end of the internship, participants will have developed valuable skills in coordination, communication, and leadership — essential for any career in international development or humanitarian affairs.
🧾 Important Notes
- Applicants do not need prior professional experience to apply.
- The internship is unpaid, but it provides an invaluable professional foundation within the UN system.
- OCHA does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Candidates are reminded to remain cautious of fraudulent job offers claiming to represent the UN.
🧩 How to Apply
If you’re passionate about humanitarian action and eager to learn how the United Nations coordinates global disaster response, this is your chance.
👉 Apply Now on the UN Careers Portal
📅 Deadline: November 9, 2025
💬 Join the Global Humanitarian Network
This internship is not just a career opportunity — it’s a calling to serve humanity at a time when the world needs it most. From disaster coordination to humanitarian logistics, the ERS Internship at OCHA offers a gateway to becoming part of the next generation of humanitarian professionals.
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