Apply now for the UNDRR Programme Management Internship 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Work with the United Nations on disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. Open to graduates and final-year students. Deadline: 6 November 2025.
Launch Your UN Career with the UNDRR Programme Management Internship in Geneva
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has announced an exciting opportunity for young professionals and graduate students interested in international development, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and sustainable development.
Applications are now open for the UNDRR Programme Management Internship (January–June 2026) in Geneva, Switzerland. This six-month, full-time, in-person internship offers practical experience in UN programme management, policy research, and international coordination within one of the UN’s most vital agencies.
Application Deadline: 6 November 2025
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 1 January – 30 June 2026 (6 months)
Organization: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Category: Internship (I-1)
Job ID: 266172
Type: Full-time, unpaid internship
About the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Established in 1999, UNDRR serves as the UN’s focal point for coordinating global efforts to reduce disaster risks. It leads implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, supporting both developed and developing countries to build resilience against natural and human-made disasters.
Headquartered in Geneva, UNDRR works with over 150 staff members across global and regional offices, engaging with UN agencies, national governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to advance global disaster preparedness and resilience.
By joining the UNDRR internship, participants contribute directly to global initiatives in sustainable development, humanitarian response, and climate resilience, while gaining hands-on experience in policy, research, and program coordination.
Internship Overview
The Programme Management Intern will work in the Interagency Cooperation Unit at UNDRR’s Geneva headquarters, reporting to the Programme Management Officer under the overall supervision of the Head of Unit.
Key Details
- Start Date: 1 January 2026
- End Date: 30 June 2026
- Type: Full-time, in-person (Monday to Friday, 5 days/week)
- Compensation: UN internships are unpaid
- Work Location: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Geneva, Switzerland
Responsibilities and Learning Objectives
The intern will assist in the daily operations of the Interagency Cooperation Unit and contribute to activities that strengthen strategic engagement and coordination within the UN system.
Main Duties Include:
- Draft and prepare background documents, reports, issue briefs, talking points, presentations, and meeting minutes.
- Support the organization of meetings, workshops, and interagency events, both in-person and online.
- Provide logistical and administrative assistance during conferences and virtual meetings.
- Assist in collecting and systematizing data on disaster risk reduction practices and sustainable development trends.
- Contribute to outreach, communication, and research activities related to DRR, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and UN country-level planning.
- Help in policy development by drafting analytical papers, reports, and talking points.
- Maintain knowledge management systems, including partner databases, websites, and mailing lists.
- Support in creating digital content for the UN Plan of Action on DRR for Resilience Multimedia Page.
This internship is designed to expose participants to high-level international policy work, interagency coordination, and real-world disaster management frameworks.
Qualifications and Eligibility for Programme Management Internship
To qualify for the UNDRR Programme Management Internship, applicants must meet the United Nations Internship Programme criteria and demonstrate strong academic and analytical capabilities.
Educational Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent).
- Be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s degree programme (minimum).
- Have recently graduated (within the past year) with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree.
Preferred Fields of Study
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Environmental Studies
- Disaster Risk Management
- Development Studies
- Public Policy or a related field
Technical and Professional Skills
- Strong research and analytical abilities.
- Computer literacy in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Knowledge of data management, policy writing, or content creation is an asset.
- Familiarity with design software such as Canva or Adobe InDesign is desirable.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated interest in UN values and international development.
- Cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to work in a multinational team environment.
Work Experience
- No prior professional experience is required.
- Relevant coursework, research projects, or volunteer work in disaster risk reduction or sustainable development are advantageous.
Language Requirements
- Required: Fluency in English (both written and spoken).
- Desirable: Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Important Internship Conditions
- The internship is unpaid.
- All expenses, including travel, visas, health insurance, and accommodation, must be borne by the intern or their sponsoring institution.
- Interns must arrange for their own medical insurance coverage valid in Switzerland.
- Non-residents may need to secure appropriate visa and work authorization before the internship begins.
- The internship cannot be extended beyond six months.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the official United Nations Careers Portal:
👉 https://careers.un.org
Application Deadline:
6 November 2025 (11:59 PM Geneva time)
When applying, candidates should:
- Create or update their UN Careers profile.
- Attach proof of current or completed university enrollment.
- Submit a cover letter highlighting motivation and suitability for the role.
Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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Why Join the UNDRR Internship?
The UNDRR Programme Management Internship provides a rare opportunity to:
- Gain first-hand experience in the United Nations system.
- Contribute to global disaster resilience initiatives.
- Build an international professional network in sustainable development and risk reduction.
- Develop key skills in research, analysis, communication, and project management.
- Strengthen your profile for future UN or international development careers.
Meta Description
Apply now for the UNDRR Programme Management Internship 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Work with the United Nations on disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. Open to graduates and final-year students. Deadline: 6 November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the UNDRR Internship paid?
No, the internship is unpaid. All related expenses must be covered by the intern or sponsoring university.
2. Where will the internship take place?
At the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
3. What is the duration of the internship?
Six months: 1 January – 30 June 2026.
4. Who can apply?
Students enrolled in or recently graduated from Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programmes in relevant fields.
5. What language is required?
Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of French or another UN language is an advantage.
6. What kind of work will I be doing?
You’ll support programme management, research, event coordination, communications, and policy documentation.
7. How do I apply?
Submit your application via the UN Careers Portal before 6 November 2025.
8. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, successful completion of the internship will be officially recognized by the United Nations.
Keywords
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