Internships with International development organisations

International Monetary Fund - Internships are available here.

International Finance Corporation - The IFC run a summer internship programme designed for undergraduates in their first year of study who are fluent in English and proficient in one or more of Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish

United Nations – generally without pay and open to current students (usually postgraduate students, but not always) studying a relevant subject. However, internships are competitive, unpaid, and frequently require fluency in more than one UN language (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese or Chinese). Those applying from developed countries may also find it harder to secure a position than those who are applying from developing nations.

·                       UN Environment Programme – full time, 3 to 6 months

·                       UNAIDS– not paid, only in Switzerland. 6 weeks to 3 months.

·                       UN Human Rights (UNHCHR) - Offers internships each year. Interns are recruited up to a maximum age of 30 years old and are selected from graduate students and holders of graduate level degrees in disciplines related to the work of the United Nations, e.g. International Law, Political Science, History and Social Sciences. Preference will be given to those, within these disciplines, who have specialized in human rights issues. Typically, interns do not have previous working experience of this nature. Applicants must be sponsored by an academic institution and must have a good command of at least two of the six official languages of the United Nations.

·                       UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) - Typically Interns are undergraduate or graduate students studying in the area of law, political science, economic and social development, international relations, public policy and administration. Interns must be able to work fairly independently and demonstrate initiative and flexibility to effectively benefit from an internship in UNHCR.

·                       UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)

·                       UN Development Programme - A great opportunity to intern with the U.N, this position asks for students following a graduate-level degree programme in a development related field such as economics, international relations, anthropology, sociology, public or business administration, or environmental studies. Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible. Students must also have the following language skills: written and spoken proficiency in at least two of the three working languages used by UNDP: English, French and Spanish. Fluency in Arabic, Portuguese, Russian or Eastern European language is an asset.

·                       UN Industrial Development Organization - The UNIDO ad hoc internship programme has been established for students from diverse academic backgrounds. Its purpose is to promote a better understanding of our Organization's goals and objectives and, at the same time, to afford interns with an insight on how attempts are made to solve problems confronting developing economies in the area of industrialization. Interns will receive practical experience on the work of UNIDO, or be able to conduct research on items of direct relevance to UNIDO's programme of work. An internship lasts at least 3 to 6 months and can be extended up to 9 months. See website for further details and the application form
 

The World Bank - The internship programme is open to students who are nationals of the Bank's member countries and attracts a large number of highly qualified candidates. It aims to offer successful candidates an opportunity to improve their skills as well as the experience of working in an international environment.

UNICEF - These internships are for those who are currently enrolled on a graduate or postgraduate study in a field related to UNICEF’s interests. You must be fluent in English and one other UNICEF working language i.e. French or Spanish and have an excellent academic record.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development - OECD periodically offers unpaid traineeships in areas related to the organisation’s work. Those who are interested in applying for one of these should consult the vacancy notice of the website and apply from there.

The European Union Institute for Security Studies(EUISS) - aims to help
create a common European security culture, to enrich the strategic debate, and systematically to promote the interests of the Union. Internships are available to people having or about to obtain a first degree, as well as to young researchers from universities or research institutes. Applicants must be nationals of EU member states. The duration of interns’ stay at the Institute are normally between one and three months. Interns receive a symbolic payment. The Institute cannot pay for travelling expenses, accommodation in Paris or medical cover.

Global Policy Forum - aims to monitor policy making at the United Nations, promote accountability of global decisions, educate and mobilize for global citizen participation, and advocate on vital issues of international peace and justice. Global Policy Forum welcomes applications for internships. Applications from qualified undergraduates, as well as graduate students and those between degrees are encouraged. Enquiries from those who have studied the United Nations and international organizations are welcomed, but specialized academic training is considered less important than dedication, intelligence and enthusiasm for learning. GPF is looking for applicants who are students of Political Science, International Relations, International Law, Political Economy or International Public Policy Studies. Applications from those with broad international travel and work experience and those with a progressive,
egalitarian and global outlook are especially encouraged.