About the Organization
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading global organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with a vast network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. In Africa, the Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), based in Addis Ababa, serves as a strategic hub that provides high-level policy advice and programmatic support to 46 Country Offices across the continent.
The Regional Programme for Africa (RP) is a flagship initiative within the RSCA designed to tackle development challenges that transcend national borders. By focusing on cross-border issues, regional integration, and collective action, the RP adds unique value to the work of individual country offices. From strengthening the Sahel region to advancing gender equality and climate security, the Regional Programme is at the forefront of driving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Working at UNDP means joining a multicultural environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but core operating principles. The organization fosters a culture of empowerment, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, can contribute meaningfully to the global mission. For an intern, this provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with world-class developmental experts and regional institutions like the African Union and various Regional Economic Communities.
Professional growth is central to the UNDP internship experience. Interns are treated as vital members of the team, gaining hands-on exposure to international development coordination, strategic planning, and knowledge management. The internship is designed to be a transformative career milestone, equipping graduate-level students with the analytical, technical, and interpersonal skills required to lead in the international public sector.
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer that thrives on a “leave no one behind” approach. We value the multiplicity of nations and cultures and strive to increase the representation of underserved and marginalized populations. We strongly encourage women, people with disabilities, and individuals from excluded groups to apply. We are committed to maintaining a workspace free from discrimination and harassment, where your unique perspective can help shape the future of development in Africa.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Intern for Regional Programme Support plays a critical role in the integrated coordination mechanism of the RSCA. In this capacity, you will support the Director of the Regional Programme in maintaining strategic coherence across diverse regional initiatives. Your work ensures that the various thematic hubs, country offices, and regional stakeholders remain aligned and informed, facilitating a unified approach to Africa’s most pressing development priorities.
Your strategic impact is felt through the enhancement of knowledge management and communications. By drafting briefs, concept notes, and analytical summaries, you help translate complex developmental data into actionable insights for policymakers and donors. This role is essential for maintaining the visibility of UNDP’s regional initiatives and ensuring that lessons learned in one part of the continent are effectively shared to benefit others.
A “day-in-the-life” of a UNDP intern involves high-level administrative and analytical multitasking. You might start your day by coordinating an internal consultation workshop, move to drafting an update for a flagship initiative like the Sahel engagement, and conclude by consolidating data for a major donor report. You are the operational “glue” that helps track follow-up actions and ensures that the Regional Programme meets its rigorous timelines and quality assurance standards.
The internship offers profound career development opportunities within the UN system. You will develop a deep understanding of UNDP’s mandate and values while strengthening your skills in project implementation, public relations, and cross-functional collaboration. For a graduate-level professional, this is an opportunity to build a global network and gain the specialized experience necessary to compete for professional-level posts in international organizations.
Ultimately, your contribution supports the effective delivery of regional development objectives. By providing administrative and analytical support, you allow technical experts to focus on emerging regional challenges. Your work helps strengthen the partnership between UNDP and continental bodies like the African Union, ensuring that collective regional approaches lead to sustainable transformation for millions of people across Africa.
Job Positions and Requirements
Intern – Regional Programme Support
Educational Qualification: Enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (Master’s or higher) OR in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree OR a recent graduate (within 1 year) in Development, Peace and Security, Social Science, Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or related fields.
Work Experience: No professional work experience required. However, a field of study closely related to international development or social sciences is mandatory.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Regional Service Centre for Africa)
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Internship Stipend)
No. Required: 1 (or more as per roster)
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time internship position with a contract duration of 6 months. UNDP provides a dynamic and supportive working environment that emphasizes learning and contribution over traditional clerical tasks.
Compensation for interns is provided in the form of a monthly stipend, the amount of which varies depending on the duty station and internal UNDP regulations. This stipend is intended to help cover basic living costs. In addition to financial support, interns gain access to the UNDP learning platform and international networking opportunities.
Internships at UNDP are highly prestigious and serve as a significant credential for future employment within the United Nations or other international NGOs. The role is designed to provide a solid foundation in the “ideal of the Charter” and the practicalities of international civil service.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their documentation through the official UNDP online careers portal. Please note that scanned copies of academic certificates or transcripts are NOT required at the initial application phase. Applicants should focus on providing an updated CV and a compelling cover letter in English that highlights their interest in international development.
Original testimony of education (Bachelor’s Degree or Proof of Enrollment) will be required only for physical verification if you are selected for the interview stage. This streamlined digital process ensures that all applicants are screened fairly based on their qualifications and potential.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. Due to the high volume of interest, if you do not hear from the recruitment team within a few weeks of the deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time. UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards scam solicitations; no fee is charged at any stage of the recruitment process.
The selection process is competitive and merit-based, focusing on analytical skills, communicative effectiveness, and cultural sensitivity. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a technical test and a competency-based interview to assess their fit for the Regional Programme team.
Interested candidates should submit their application via the UNDP Job Identification 33551 portal as the primary channel.
Application Deadline
May 1, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/33551