UNDP is recruiting a TICAD Unit HQ Communications Intern (6 months) to support results-based storytelling, digital outreach, and knowledge management for Japan–Africa–UNDP cooperation. Location: Home-Based and/or New York, USA. Apply by 2 March 2026.
Overview
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is hiring a TICAD Unit HQ Communications Intern under the Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA). This internship supports UNDP’s communications and outreach work linked to the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) process and Japan-funded development projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The role is listed with New York, United States and Home-Based as duty locations, with a 6-month contract duration and full-time schedule. UNDP internships do not pay a salary, but it provides a monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses (the exact amount can vary—confirm the stipend details in the official posting).
About UNDP and the TICAD Unit
It works in over 170 countries and territories to support sustainable development outcomes, including poverty reduction, governance, environment and climate action, crisis prevention and recovery, and gender equality.
UNDP is a co-organizer of TICAD alongside Japan and other partners. Following TICAD 9 (20–22 August 2025, Yokohama, Japan), expanded communications, advocacy, and public outreach efforts to amplify African priorities and highlight results from Japan-funded initiatives across the region. The TICAD Unit also supports coordination with country offices on Japan-funded projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Internship Details
Position Title: TICAD Unit HQ Communications Intern
Agency: UNDP
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Africa
Vacancy Type: Internship Programme (Grade: IN)
Contract Duration: 6 months
Schedule: Full time
Duty Locations: New York, United States and Home Based
Job ID: 31918
Posting Date: 16 February 2026
Apply Before: 02 March 2026, 06:59 AM (as listed)
Key Responsibilities
Intern assignments may include:
- Gathering success stories, content, and updates from Country Offices across Sub-Saharan Africa
- Supporting the drafting, editing, and design of communications materials
- Creating engaging visuals for internal communications for different audiences
- Supporting organization of knowledge-sharing materials among UNDP–Japan project recipient offices
- Assisting with other communications tasks as required by the TICAD Unit
Required Skills and Competencies
Core competencies
- Ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong organization and time management under tight deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Commitment to UNDP’s mission and strategic goals
Communications skills
- Strong English drafting and editing skills
- Ability to adapt tone, format, and style to different audiences
- Experience with content development and storytelling is a plus
Technical skills (highly relevant)
- Visual content creation and graphic design skills
- Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere (requested in the posting)
- Strong Microsoft Office skills
- Knowledge management support experience is useful
- French proficiency is an advantage
Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the following at the time of application:
- Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (Master’s or higher), or
- Enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme, or
- Recently graduated (and able to start within one year of graduation), or
- Enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme and undertaking the internship as part of it
Stipend and Internship Conditions
- UNDP internships do not provide a salary
- UNDP provides a modest monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses (e.g., meals and transportation related to the duty station)
- Other costs (travel, visas, insurance, etc.) are generally the intern’s responsibility
- Interns must provide proof of health insurance
- Interns cannot represent UNDP in an official capacity
- Interns are not eligible to apply for or be appointed to posts during the internship period (as stated in internship conditions)
How to Apply
Apply through the official careers portal using:
- Job Title: TICAD Unit HQ Communications Intern
- Job ID: 31918
- Deadline: 02 March 2026
Prepare a strong application by emphasizing:
- Writing samples or communications experience (articles, briefs, social posts, reports)
- Visual/creative portfolio links (design, video editing, infographics—if available)
- Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders (student orgs, NGOs, projects, teams)
- Any Africa-related development, policy, or communications exposure
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNDP |
| Role | TICAD Unit HQ Communications Intern |
| Bureau | Regional Bureau for Africa |
| Location | New York, USA and Home Based |
| Schedule | Full time |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Stipend | Monthly stipend provided (amount varies; confirm in official posting) |
| Apply By | 02 March 2026 |
| Job ID | 31918 |
FAQ
1) Is this internship fully remote?
The posting lists Home Based and New York, United States. Internship modality (remote or in-person) can depend on unit needs and candidate availability—confirm the arrangement during the selection process.
2) Does UNDP pay a salary for internships?
No. it states internships are unpaid (no salary), but it provides a monthly stipend to support basic daily expenses.
3) How long is the internship?
The contract duration is listed as 6 months.
4) What background fits this role best?
Applicants in communications, international development, public policy, international relations, journalism, or related fields—and those with proven writing plus visual content creation skills—tend to be strong matches.
5) What tools should I know?
The posting highlights Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere. Strong Microsoft Office skills are also expected.
6) What if I don’t speak French?
French is listed as an advantage, not a strict requirement. Strong English writing and visual content skills are the priority.
7) What should I include to stand out?
Add a portfolio link (design/video/writing), show evidence of storytelling skills, and highlight any experience working across teams and cultures with deadlines.
Keywords
UNDP internship 2026, TICAD Unit internship, UNDP communications intern, home-based UN internship, paid UNDP internship stipend, Regional Bureau for Africa internship, UNDP New York internship, international development communications internship, UNDP storytelling internship, Adobe Premiere internship, graphic design internship UN, Japan Africa development TICAD, UNDP knowledge management intern
