Apply for the UNDP Business and Human Rights Internship 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland and gain international experience supporting global human rights, sustainability, and responsible business initiatives.
Overview
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) has officially opened applications for the Business and Human Rights Internship 2026 based in Geneva.
This international internship offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to work with UNDP’s:
- Business, Human Rights and Peace Team
- Global governance initiatives
- Sustainable development programmes
The internship combines:
- International exposure
- Human rights policy work
- Sustainable business initiatives
- Hybrid work arrangements
Applications are open globally.
Internship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNDP |
| Internship Title | Business and Human Rights Intern |
| Location | Geneva |
| Duration | 6 Months |
| Contract Type | Internship |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid (Home + Office) |
| Deadline | 18 May 2026 |
| Start Date | Expected 22 June 2026 |
About the Internship
The internship is hosted within the:
- Governance, Rule of Law, and Peacebuilding Hub
and supports UNDP’s global:
- Business and Human Rights (B+HR) Initiative.
The initiative currently operates in:
- 42 countries worldwide
across:
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- Latin America
- Arab States
Key Focus Areas
Interns may work on topics such as:
1. UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
Supporting corporate accountability and human rights standards.
2. Sustainable Finance
Research and initiatives related to responsible investment and sustainability.
3. Human Rights Due Diligence
Supporting projects linked to ethical business operations and supply chains.
4. Environment & Sustainability
Work connected to:
- Environmental rights
- Sustainable development
- Climate-related business responsibility
5. Modern Slavery & Responsible Business
Contributing to initiatives addressing:
- Labor rights
- Ethical business conduct
- Human rights protections
Main Responsibilities
The selected intern may:
- Support international meetings and events
- Assist with the Global Forum on Business and Human Rights
- Draft reports and background papers
- Support webinars and online dialogues
- Assist with communications and social media content
- Conduct research for policy initiatives
- Help coordinate global practitioner networks
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Be enrolled in a Master’s programme or higher; or
- Be in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
- Have recently graduated within the past year.
Eligible Study Areas
Relevant fields include:
- International law
- Human rights law
- Political science
- International relations
- Public administration
- Development studies
- Corporate sustainability
- Business administration
Language Requirements
Required
- Fluency in English
Assets
Knowledge of:
- Arabic
- French
- Spanish
is considered beneficial.
Technical Skills
Preferred skills include:
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Web-based applications experience
- Research and drafting skills
- Organizational and communication abilities
Work Arrangement
The internship follows a hybrid format:
- Partly remote/home-based
- Partly office-based in Geneva
No travel is expected during the internship.
Financial Support
According to UNDP policy:
- Interns may receive a stipend if not financially supported by another institution or scholarship programme.
Required Documents
Applicants may need:
- Cover letter
- CV/resume
- University enrollment confirmation
- Academic transcript
- Recommendation letter
- Passport copy
- Medical insurance proof
Benefits of the Internship
1. UN Experience
Gain direct exposure to UNDP global policy and governance work.
2. International Networking
Work with:
- UN agencies
- Civil society organizations
- Businesses
- Global human rights experts
3. Professional Development
Develop skills in:
- Human rights policy
- Sustainable development
- International governance
- Corporate responsibility
4. Hybrid Flexibility
Benefit from both:
- Remote work
- International office exposure
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare One PDF Document
Combine:
- Cover letter
- CV/resume
into one file.
Step 2: Explain Your Motivation
Applicants should include:
- Why they are interested in the internship
- Preferred internship dates and availability
Step 3: Submit Through UNDP Careers Portal
Applications must be submitted online before:
- 18 May 2026
Why This Internship Stands Out
This opportunity is highly valuable because it combines:
- Human rights work
- Sustainability policy
- Global governance
- International development experience
within one of the world’s leading UN organizations.
Final Thoughts
The UNDP Business and Human Rights Internship offers a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to:
- Work on global sustainability challenges
- Support international human rights initiatives
- Build UN-level experience
- Develop international policy expertise
For applicants passionate about responsible business, sustainability, governance, and global development, this is one of the top UN internships available in 2026.
Keywords
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