Education:

Master’s Degree (MA/MSc) or Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) in a related field (Check details)

About the Organization

The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) was established to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union across the broad pillars of peace and security, political affairs, and socio-economic development. Operating from the diplomatic heart of Africa in Addis Ababa, UNOAU provides a unique platform for professionals to engage with high-level multilateral cooperation and continental policy frameworks. The office plays a critical role in aligning UN support with AU-led initiatives, fostering a unified approach to addressing the continent's most pressing challenges.

By joining UNOAU, you become part of a global mission dedicated to the ideals of the United Nations Charter. The office offers an exceptionally diverse and multicultural environment where sensitivity, respect, and openness to differing perspectives are fundamental values. This is an institution where international cooperation meets local impact, providing a professional space that rewards dedication, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to the progress of the African continent.

We believe that fresh perspectives are essential for institutional growth. UNOAU is committed to nurturing the next generation of global leaders by providing them with direct exposure to the complexities of international diplomacy and programme management. We foster an inclusive atmosphere where interns and staff from all backgrounds can contribute meaningfully to the UN-AU partnership.

The United Nations is an equal opportunity employer. We explicitly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for our internship programmes. We are dedicated to maintaining a gender-balanced and diverse workforce that reflects the global community we serve, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to develop professionally within the UN system.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The Programme Management Internship within the Institutional Partnership and Operational Support (IOPS) team is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of how international partnerships are managed and sustained. As an intern, you will not just be observing; you will be actively contributing to the reporting, analysis, and coordination efforts that keep the AU-UN partnership moving forward. Your work in preparing briefing materials and monitoring thematic developments will directly support high-level policy discussions and planning processes.

The "day-in-the-life" of a UNOAU intern involves a dynamic mix of research, administrative support, and communication tasks. You will be responsible for drafting summaries of key meetings, managing knowledge databases, and assisting in the logistical arrangements for joint AU-UN activities. This role offers a unique vantage point to see how multilateral agreements are translated into operational reality on the ground.

Professional growth is a core component of the UNOAU internship experience. Interns gain invaluable skills in reporting, data visualization, and international coordination while building a professional network within the UN and AU systems. We view our internship programme as a mutual exchange where your academic training and fresh insights benefit the United Nations, and in return, you receive world-class mentorship and a practical understanding of international civil service.

The impact of this role is felt through the enhanced efficiency and visibility of the IOPS team’s work. By supporting communication platforms and documenting lessons learned, you help preserve the institutional memory of the partnership and promote best practices for future cooperation. Join us to contribute your skills to a mission that defines the future of peace and security in Africa.

Job Positions and Requirements

1. Programme Management Intern (Job Opening ID: 275311)

   • Educational Qualification: Applicants must be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (Master’s or higher), or be in the final academic year of a first university degree (Bachelor’s level).

   • Field of Study: International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Security Studies, African Studies, Public Policy, Gender Studies, Communications, Journalism, or related disciplines.

   • Work Experience: No working experience is required for the United Nations Internship Programme.

   • Required Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with data visualization and information management is desirable.

   • Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

   • Salary: Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. All costs for travel, visas, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution.

Employment Type and Salary

This is a full-time Internship with an expected duration of 6 months. As per UN policy, internships are unpaid; however, they provide significant professional credits and a competitive edge for future roles within international organizations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must meet the educational eligibility requirements at the time of application. Please note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, or training). You are not required to provide scanned certificates or attachments during the initial digital application phase.

The application should be completed through the official UN Careers portal. Ensure your profile accurately reflects your training, education, and specific skills that would benefit the United Nations. Successful candidates will be required to discuss their specific visa and work authorization requirements before accepting the offer.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. If you are not contacted within the review period, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time.

To apply, please visit the official UN Careers page for Job ID 275311.

Application Deadline

April 20, 2026