Organization: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Program: Global Internship Roster 2026 Location: Global (Headquarters in New York, Regional Offices, and Country Offices) Financial Support: Yes (Monthly Stipend provided) Deadline: 31 December 2026 (Rolling Applications)
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is officially accepting applications for its 2026 Global Internship Roster. This is the primary entry point for students and recent graduates looking to launch a career with the UN agency dedicated to reproductive health and gender equality.
Unlike standard job vacancies, this is a roster recruitment. By submitting your application once, your profile becomes available to hiring managers across UNFPA’s global network—from New York and Geneva to field offices in Nairobi, Bangkok, and Dakar. When a need arises, managers search this roster to find talent.
Crucially, UNFPA internships are paid. In 2026, the organization continues its commitment to equity by providing a monthly stipend to all interns who do not receive third-party funding, making this opportunity accessible to candidates from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Also check Junior Accounting Officer 2026: WWF International (Latin America)
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Background & Program Description
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
The 2026 Internship Programme is aligned with the new UNFPA Strategic Plan (2026–2029), which focuses on three “zeros”:
- Ending unmet need for family planning.
- Ending preventable maternal deaths.
- Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.
As an intern, you will not just be observing; you will be contributing to these transformative results. You will work alongside international experts, supporting programmes that touch millions of lives.
UNFPA Global Internship Roster 2026: Paid Opportunities in SRHR & Development
Internship Tracks & Areas of Work
The roster covers diverse functional areas. You can express interest in specific tracks during your application:
1. Programme & Technical Track
- Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH): Supporting maternal health initiatives and family planning logistics.
- Gender & Human Rights: Working on programmes to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Marriage.
- Population & Development: Analyzing census data and demographic trends.
- Adolescents & Youth: Supporting youth leadership and comprehensive sexuality education projects.
2. Corporate & Operational Track
- Communications: managing social media, drafting web stories, and designing advocacy campaigns.
- Human Resources: Supporting talent acquisition and staff well-being initiatives.
- Resource Mobilization: assisting with donor reporting and partnership building.
- Finance & Supply Chain: Helping manage the logistics of delivering dignity kits and medical supplies.
Qualifications
The UNFPA internship is highly competitive. To be eligible for the 2026 roster, you must meet the following strict criteria:
Education status
You must meet ONE of the following at the time of application:
- Enrolled in a First-level University Degree (Bachelor’s): You must have completed at least one full academic year.
- Enrolled in an Advanced Degree (Master’s/PhD): You can apply at any stage of your program.
- Recent Graduate: You graduated within the last 12 months (and must start the internship within one year of graduation).
Skills & Competencies
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic) is a major asset, especially for field offices.
- Passion for Development: A demonstrated interest in the field of development, particularly in gender equality and reproductive rights.
- Adaptability: The ability to work in a multicultural environment and adapt to new challenges quickly.
Why Apply for This Position
1. Financial Support (Stipend) UNFPA provides a monthly stipend to help cover basic daily expenses (living costs) if you are not sponsored by a university or government. The amount varies depending on the duty station (e.g., the stipend in New York is higher than in a regional office to reflect the cost of living).
2. The “UN” Badge Interning at UNFPA is a prestigious credential. It gives you an insider view of the UN system, access to high-level meetings, and a network of contacts that can facilitate a future career as a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) or Consultant.
3. Global Mobility While New York HQ is popular, the roster allows you to be considered for offices worldwide. An internship in a Regional Office (e.g., Panama, Johannesburg, Istanbul) often offers more hands-on responsibility and direct field exposure than HQ roles.
Application Tips & Insights
1. Customize for the “Mandate” Your cover letter (motivation statement) is critical. Do not just list your courses. Explain why UNFPA’s mission matters to you. Use keywords like “ICPD Programme of Action,” “SDGs,” and “Demographic Dividend.” Show you know the language.
2. Be Open to Locations In the application form, you will be asked about location preferences. If you select “Any,” you significantly increase your chances of being contacted. Competition for New York is fierce; competition for a country office in Asia or Africa is often lower, but the experience is just as valuable.
3. Update Your Profile Regularly Since this is a roster, your application sits in the database for the whole year. If you gain a new skill or graduate, update your profile. Hiring managers search by keywords (e.g., “Data Visualization,” “French,” “Grant Writing”).
4. No Fee UNFPA never charges a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked for money, it is a scam.
Additional Information
- Duration: Normally 2 to 6 months.
- Insurance: You must have valid medical insurance for the duration of the internship (UNFPA does not cover this).
- Visa: UNFPA will provide the necessary supporting documents for you to obtain a G-4 visa (for US) or relevant visas for other countries.
How to Apply
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official UNFPA Careers Site.
- Search: Look for “Global Internship Roster 2026”.
- Register: Create an account on the Oracle e-Recruit system.
- Complete Profile: Fill in your education, experience, and languages.
- Motivation Statement: Copy and paste your tailored cover letter into the text box.
- Submit: You will receive an automated confirmation. You will only be contacted if a manager identifies your profile for a specific opening.
Suggested Focus Keywords
UNFPA Internship 2026, UN Paid Internship, Gender Equality Careers, Reproductive Health Jobs, United Nations Roster, NGO Internship Stipend, International Development Careers, UN Youth Opportunities
