The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is recruiting a Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Intern in Pretoria, South Africa. The six-month internship runs from September 2026 to February 2027, with applications closing on 6 August 2026.
UNODC Opens Applications for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Internship in Pretoria
Graduates and final-year university students interested in international development, criminal justice, public policy, and global governance now have an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the United Nations. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has announced a Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Internship within its Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSAF), based in Pretoria, South Africa.
The internship offers aspiring professionals the chance to contribute to projects addressing transnational organized crime, illicit financial flows, international cooperation, and criminal justice issues affecting the Southern African region.
With applications closing on 6 August 2026, this opportunity is expected to attract strong interest from graduates seeking international exposure and practical experience within one of the world’s most respected multilateral organizations.
About the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime serves as the UN’s leading agency for combating illicit drugs, organized crime, corruption, and terrorism.
Operating in countries around the world, UNODC supports governments and institutions through policy development, technical assistance, capacity building, research, and international cooperation initiatives.
The Pretoria-based Regional Office for Southern Africa works closely with governments, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to strengthen criminal justice systems and address regional security challenges.
Through this internship, participants will gain insight into how international organizations contribute to crime prevention, justice reform, and sustainable development.
Internship Overview
The internship falls within the Drug Control and Crime Prevention job family and is based at the UNODC Regional Office for Southern Africa in Pretoria.
The successful intern will work directly under the supervision of the Regional Project Coordinator while also receiving overall guidance from the Regional Representative for Southern Africa.
Internship Details
- Position: Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Intern
- Organization: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Duration: 1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
- Type: Full-Time Internship
- Working Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
- Application Deadline: 6 August 2026
This internship provides a valuable opportunity for young professionals to gain exposure to international development programmes while contributing to initiatives focused on transnational organized crime.
Supporting Critical Criminal Justice Projects
The selected intern will contribute to a variety of activities supporting UNODC’s regional projects and operations.
Responsibilities will include assisting with research, communications, policy development, event coordination, and project support.
Interns will have opportunities to work on issues related to:
- Transnational organized crime
- Asset confiscation
- Illicit financial flows
- International cooperation
- Criminal justice systems
- Public policy development
- Strategic communications
The role offers a unique blend of research, administration, and policy support, making it ideal for graduates interested in both analytical and operational work.
Key Responsibilities
During the six-month placement, the intern will assist with a range of professional tasks.
These include:
Research and Analysis
The intern will conduct research on organized crime and criminal justice issues affecting Southern Africa and contribute to policy-related initiatives.
Report and Document Preparation
Responsibilities include assisting with:
- Reports
- Policy documents
- Concept papers
- Briefing notes
- Talking points
- Articles and publications
Strategic Communications
The intern will support the development of presentations, visual materials, communications products, and awareness initiatives.
Event Coordination
The position involves providing logistical support for both virtual and in-person meetings, workshops, conferences, and stakeholder engagements.
Database and Information Management
Interns will assist with maintaining project databases, organizing information, and monitoring project-related materials.
Meeting Support
Successful candidates may attend conferences and meetings, take notes, prepare summaries, and assist with event servicing activities.
Who Should Apply?
UNODC is seeking highly motivated candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, strong communication skills, and a genuine interest in international development and criminal justice.
Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
Eligible Candidates
- Currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Master’s degree or higher), or
- Have completed a graduate programme, or
- Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme, or
- Have recently completed a bachelor’s degree
Graduates who are selected must begin the internship within one year of graduation.
Preferred Academic Backgrounds
UNODC welcomes applications from graduates in fields such as:
- Law
- International Relations
- International Development
- Political Science
- Economics
- Information Technology
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Public Policy
- Governance Studies
- Related Social Science Disciplines
Applicants must provide official proof from their university confirming their academic status or qualification.
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Skills and Competencies Sought
The United Nations is looking for candidates who possess both technical capability and a commitment to its values.
Strong candidates are expected to demonstrate:
- Excellent academic performance
- Strong written communication skills
- Research and analytical abilities
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Strong organizational abilities
- Interest in international affairs and development
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including:
- MS Word
- MS PowerPoint
- MS Teams
is also required.
Additional skills that may strengthen an application include:
- Social media content creation
- News article writing
- Survey design
- Poll development
- Data collection and analysis
Why This Internship Stands Out
United Nations internships are highly sought after because they provide direct exposure to international policymaking, development programmes, and global governance processes.
This opportunity is particularly attractive because it focuses on issues that have significant regional and international relevance, including organized crime, illicit financial flows, and criminal justice reform.
Interns will gain:
- United Nations work experience
- Exposure to international development projects
- Professional networking opportunities
- Research and policy experience
- Event management exposure
- Multicultural workplace experience
These experiences can significantly strengthen future applications for graduate programmes, fellowships, postgraduate studies, and international careers.
Working in a Multicultural Environment
As part of the United Nations system, the internship provides an opportunity to work alongside professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
UNODC values inclusion, collaboration, respect, and professionalism. Candidates who thrive in multicultural environments and are committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter are strongly encouraged to apply.
Important Application Deadline
Interested candidates should note the closing date:
📅 Application Deadline: 6 August 2026
Due to the competitive nature of United Nations internships, early applications are highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
The UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Internship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for graduates interested in criminal justice, international relations, public policy, development, and governance.
By joining the Regional Office for Southern Africa in Pretoria, successful candidates will gain firsthand experience supporting initiatives that address some of the most pressing crime and justice challenges facing the region.
For ambitious graduates seeking meaningful international experience and a pathway into global development careers, this internship could be an important stepping stone toward a future within the United Nations system or broader international affairs sector.
Application Deadline: 6 August 2026
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Duration: 1 September 2026 – 28 February 2027
Organization: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
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