Fully Remote UNDP Research Internship 2025 | Apply Now to Work with the UN

Apply for the Fully Remote UNDP Research Internship 2025 and gain hands-on experience in international development, research, and donor relations. Open to students fluent in English and Japanese. Deadline: November 12, 2025.

Gain International Experience with the United Nations Development Programme

Applications are now open for the UNDP Research Internship 2025, a fully remote opportunity for motivated students and recent graduates who want to gain hands-on experience working with one of the world’s leading development organizations.

Offered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this five-month home-based internship focuses on research, reporting, and donor relations, particularly supporting the Area-Based Development Emergency Initiative (ABADEI) in Afghanistan — one of UNDP’s flagship resilience and humanitarian programs.

If you’re passionate about international development, humanitarian response, or donor relations, and fluent in English and Japanese, this opportunity allows you to work with the UN from anywhere in the world.

About UNDP and the ABADEI Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading UN agency dedicated to ending poverty, building democratic governance, and promoting resilience against climate change and inequality.

With operations in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inclusive and sustainable development initiatives.

About the ABADEI Initiative

The Area-Based Development Emergency Initiative (ABADEI) is a UNDP programme launched in Afghanistan following the country’s political transition in 2021. It focuses on:

Addressing worsening poverty and food insecurity
Supporting small businesses and livelihoods
Strengthening local resilience to climate shocks
Enhancing community social cohesion and gender inclusion

Funded by major donors — including Japan — ABADEI combines humanitarian assistance with long-term development, ensuring that vulnerable communities have sustainable pathways to recovery and growth.

UNDP Research Internship 2025 Overview

Location: Fully Remote (Home-Based)

Alternative Duty Station: Kabul, Afghanistan

Duration: 5 Months

Contract Type: Internship

Schedule: Full-time (minimum 3 working days per week)

Bureau: Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific

Application Deadline: November 12, 2025

Languages Required: English and Japanese (written and spoken)

This internship is part of UNDP’s Effectiveness Practice Area, offering students and graduates a real-world experience in donor relations, international development research, and project reporting.

Key Responsibilities

As a UNDP Research Intern, you will support the ABADEI Project Team in its efforts to strengthen partnerships, donor communications, and research activities.

Your Main Duties Will Include:

Drafting and translating donor reports and communications, particularly for Japanese partners.
Mapping potential Japanese institutional stakeholders (NGOs, academia, and private sector).
Developing outreach materials, such as presentations, concept notes, and reports.
Coordinating meetings and briefings for Japanese donors and partners.
Managing a contact database of key stakeholders.
Supporting day-to-day administrative and coordination tasks as needed.

Interns will work under the supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and the ABADEI Project Manager, gaining insight into the UNDP’s operational frameworks and international donor relations.

Skills and Competencies Required

The UNDP Research Internship is designed for individuals with a combination of academic background, global awareness, and communication skills.

Core Competencies

Results-Oriented: Delivers high-quality outputs within deadlines.
Innovative Thinking: Approaches problems creatively and practically.
Continuous Learning: Adapts to feedback and seeks improvement.
Agility: Handles ambiguity and shifting priorities effectively.
Collaboration: Works cooperatively in multicultural teams.
Ethical Conduct: Demonstrates integrity and respect for diversity.

Technical Competencies

Knowledge of climate resilience, sustainable development, or humanitarian issues.
Skills in data analysis, policy research, or communications.
Experience in partnerships or donor engagement preferred.
Fluency in English and Japanese for drafting and translating documents.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the UNDP Research Internship 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in international relations, development studies, political science, social sciences, or a related field; or
Have recently graduated within the past 12 months; or
Be enrolled in a postgraduate traineeship program as part of professional training.

Experience

Previous internship or professional experience with an international organization, NGO, or development agency is an advantage.
Familiarity with donor reporting, partnerships, or public relations is highly desirable.

Language

English and Japanese fluency (written and spoken) is required.
Additional languages are an asset.

Availability

Must be available to commit at least 3 working days per week for the 5-month duration.

Benefits of the UNDP Internship

While UNDP internships are unpaid, they offer unmatched professional exposure and career advancement opportunities within the UN system.

Key Benefits Include:

Work fully remotely from anywhere in the world.
Gain direct experience in UN operations, reporting, and development research.
Collaborate with global teams and international donors.
Build strong professional networks within the UN system.
Enhance your resume and skills for future roles in international development.

For students and recent graduates, this internship provides a steppingstone toward entry-level UN jobs, fellowships, or consultant roles.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, including underrepresented communities, individuals with disabilities, and first-generation university graduates.

The organization is committed to:

Gender equality and inclusivity
Zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, and abuse
Empowering diverse voices within the workplace

UNDP strongly encourages women and applicants from developing countries to apply.

How to Apply

Application Steps

Visit the UNDP Careers Portal at https://jobs.undp.org
Search for “Research Intern – Home-based (Job ID 29854)”
Create or log in to your UNDP profile.
Upload your CV, cover letter, and proof of enrollment or graduation.
Submit your application before November 12, 2025 (6:59 AM).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Tip: In your cover letter, highlight your writing, translation, and research skills — especially your ability to communicate effectively in both English and Japanese.

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Meta Description

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the UNDP Research Internship paid?
No, the internship is unpaid, but it provides valuable international experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities with UN professionals.

2. Who is eligible to apply?
Students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a university program in international relations, development, or related fields.

3. What languages are required?
Applicants must be fluent in English and Japanese.

4. Can I apply if I’m not based in Afghanistan?
Yes. The internship is fully remote and open to applicants worldwide.

5. What is the duration of the internship?
The internship runs for five months, with flexible working hours (minimum of three days per week).

6. What will interns do?
Interns will assist with donor reporting, research, Japanese partnership mapping, and translation work related to UNDP’s ABADEI programme.

7. What happens after applying?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the UNDP HR team for interviews or further documentation.

Keywords

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Fully Remote UNDP Research Internship 2025 | Apply Now to Work with the UN

Gain International Experience with the United Nations Development Programme