Applications are open for the UNDP Research Internships 2026 — a fully remote, five-month opportunity for global applicants passionate about international development, donor relations, and research. Open to undergraduate and graduate students fluent in English and Japanese.
About the UNDP Research Internships 2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is offering Research Internship opportunities for 2026, open to global applicants interested in development, donor engagement, and humanitarian impact.
This home-based internship provides selected interns with hands-on experience in international development research, report drafting, and partnership coordination, while contributing to the UNDP’s mission to eradicate poverty and foster sustainable development.
Interns will support UNDP’s Area-Based Development Emergency Initiative (ABADEI) — a critical program that strengthens livelihoods, community resilience, and social cohesion, particularly in fragile contexts such as Afghanistan.
This opportunity allows aspiring international professionals to work directly with UNDP experts, learning about field operations, donor communications, and program implementation in a global, multicultural environment.
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Internship Overview
- Position: Research Intern (Home-Based)
- Location: Remote / Home-Based (with optional placement in Kabul, Afghanistan)
- Duration: 5 months
- Deadline to Apply: 12 November 2025
- Start Date: Early 2026
- Languages Required: English and Japanese (written and spoken)
- Work Schedule: Full-time (or minimum 3 days per week)
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in more than 170 countries and territories, working to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable development.
In Afghanistan, UNDP has worked for over 50 years, addressing issues such as climate resilience, gender equality, governance, and livelihoods. Following the country’s power shift in 2021, the ABADEI initiative was launched to prevent socioeconomic collapse and to help Afghan communities rebuild through vocational training, small business support, and climate-resilient livelihoods.
Internship Responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and the ABADEI Project Manager, the intern will perform a range of research and coordination tasks, including:
- Supporting the drafting and translation of donor reports (particularly for Japan-funded projects).
- Conducting partnership research and mapping potential Japanese institutions such as NGOs, universities, and private-sector partners.
- Developing tailored donor engagement materials, including concept notes and presentations.
- Assisting in the coordination of stakeholder meetings and briefings with Japanese donors.
- Maintaining a database of donor contacts and partnership engagement records.
- Performing other related administrative and research tasks as required.
Required Qualifications
Education
Applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria:
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, or a related field;
- Enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s program; or
- Recently graduated within the past 12 months; or
- Enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program where the internship is part of the training requirement.
Experience
- Prior internship or volunteer experience with an international organization or NGO is an advantage.
- Experience in donor reporting, partnerships, or communications is desirable.
- Familiarity with translation work (Japanese-English) and cross-cultural communication will be beneficial.
Language Requirements
- Fluent written and spoken English and Japanese are required.
Desired Skills
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Ability to write clearly and concisely for international audiences.
- Experience in report writing and translation (English ↔ Japanese).
- Competence in coordinating meetings and preparing presentations.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
Competencies
- Achieve Results: Deliver quality work efficiently and on time.
- Think Innovatively: Apply creative solutions to practical challenges.
- Learn Continuously: Seek feedback and adapt to new challenges.
- Adapt with Agility: Respond positively to change and uncertainty.
- Act with Determination: Maintain motivation and focus under pressure.
- Engage and Partner: Build positive relationships with diverse teams.
- Enable Inclusion: Promote diversity and equality in all tasks.
Supervision and Mentorship
The intern will report directly to the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and work closely with the ABADEI Project Manager. Regular feedback sessions will be conducted to guide learning objectives and ensure professional growth.
Benefits of the UNDP Internship
- Gain hands-on international experience with a leading global development organization.
- Opportunity to contribute to real-world development programs and humanitarian work.
- Work with a diverse, multicultural team of professionals.
- Receive professional supervision and mentorship throughout the internship.
- Build practical skills in research, donor relations, and report writing.
Note: This internship is unpaid, but selected interns will receive professional guidance, access to UNDP’s global learning resources, and a certificate upon successful completion.
Equal Opportunity and Ethics
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Applicants from all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, sexual exploitation, and discrimination. All candidates will undergo reference and background checks in accordance with UNDP’s integrity standards.
How to Apply
To apply for the UNDP Research Internship 2026, follow these steps:
- Visit the official UNDP Careers page:
🔗 https://jobs.undp.org - Search for the position titled “Intern – Research (Home-Based)” or Job ID: 29854.
- Submit the following documents through the online application portal:
- Updated CV or Resume
- Cover Letter (detailing your motivation and relevant experience)
- Proof of Enrollment (from your university)
- Applications must be submitted before 12 November 2025, 06:59 AM (GMT).
APPLY NOW
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this internship paid?
No. The UNDP internship is unpaid, but it provides extensive professional exposure and certification upon completion.
2. Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. This internship is open to global applicants who meet the education and language requirements.
3. What is the expected time commitment?
Interns must be available for a minimum of three days per week for the five-month duration.
4. Are there travel opportunities?
The position is home-based, but collaboration with global teams and virtual events may be included.
5. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. All interns who successfully complete their assignment receive an official UNDP Internship Certificate.
6. What languages are required?
Applicants must be fluent in English and Japanese (both written and spoken).
7. Can recent graduates apply?
Yes, as long as you graduated within one year prior to the start of the internship.
Final Thoughts
The UNDP Research Internship 2026 is a unique opportunity for young professionals and students to gain firsthand experience working with one of the world’s most respected international development institutions.
If you are passionate about sustainable development, donor relations, and global collaboration, this internship provides the ideal environment to grow your skills and make a meaningful impact.
🔗 Apply Now: https://jobs.undp.org
Deadline: 12 November 2025
Keywords: UNDP Internship 2026, UNDP Research Internship, United Nations Internships, Home-Based Internship UNDP, International Development Internships, Donor Relations Internship, ABADEI Programme, UNDP Afghanistan Internship 2026
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