UNDP Internship roster (call for applications - Research interns, home-based, report to office in New York, USA)

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge, cutting-edge global perspectives, and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains in support of the strategic objectives and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 represents the organization’s commitment to accelerating human development while easing planetary pressures. The Plan is structured around four strategic objectives, prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet, supported by three accelerators: digital and AI transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. It emphasizes integrated solutions that drive systems change and support countries in advancing sustainable development pathways aligned with national priorities. 

As part of the Global Policy Network in the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy is UNDP’s dedicated pillar within the Healthy Planet Hub for energy and decarbonization, working at the intersection of energy policy, finance, digitalization, data, and AI. The team supports governments, partners, and UNDP Country Offices in advancing just energy transitions, strengthening energy security, enabling green industrialization, and delivering integrated solutions that connect decarbonization with broader development outcomes. It helps to translate global ambition into country-level action, aligned with the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029.

In this context, UNDP is looking for talented, motivated, and enthusiastic interns who will work closely with the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy team to support the with research and analytical skills. 

Summary of key functions:

• Research and analysis for strategic documents and materials for the UNDP energy narratives. 
• Support the team with the Country Office requests.

The Intern will support the management and tracking of UNDP’s energy portfolio, including the tracking of country office requests for support from Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy team.

• Support the Country Office request providing ad-hoc literature review, briefing note and policy research.  
• Contribute to publication and research paper under the supervision of the Head of the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy, Healthy Planet.
• Work with Country Offices to ensure they receive the right support from the Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy team.
• Support the team in developing partnerships with national and local stakeholders to promote energy access, just energy transition, and energy resilience.

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

• Background in research and empirical analysis with a focus on sustainable energy for development. 
• Background in data analytics and research skills relevant to the topic of energy access in off-grid settings  a just energy transition, energy resilience in fragile context;
• Knowledge of policy, innovative business models, and financial mechanisms in low-carbon energy to disrupt existing markets and to bring energy and development benefits to developing countries. 
• Knowledge of the social, gender, and governance impact of the just transition.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a simple, concise and persuasive manner.

• Ability to work and build partnerships with multiple stakeholders and partners across a wide range of disciplines;
• Demonstrated ability in strategic thinking; 
• Strong organizational, reporting and writing abilities;
• Able to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored, even under pressure; 
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; 
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.
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Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team and process.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language is required;
• Fluency in other official languages of the UN is considered an asset.

The interns will report to the Head, Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy, Healthy Planet Hub.

When completing a remote internship, interns will be responsible for providing their own equipment, internet and communication access and work space.

Where an intern is engaged in-person and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses related to an in-person internship, such as meals and transportation at the duty station, will be paid by the receiving office. 

Where an intern is engaged remotely and is not financially supported by any institution or programme, such as a university, Government, foundation or scholarship programme, a remote stipend intended to help cover expenses related to the internship, such as internet connections or other means to remain in contact with the receiving office, will be paid by the receiving office.

The stipend will be paid on a monthly basis and part-time internship arrangements are prorated accordingly.

Where an intern is financially supported by an institution, government or third party, UNDP will, subject to the rules of such institution, government or third party, pay the intern the difference, if any, between the external financial support provided and the applicable UNDP stipend.  No other payments of any kind will be made to an intern by the office in connection with an internship agreement, except for any reimbursements made to an intern under paragraph 33 of  UNDP Internship Policy.

Interns will accrue combined sick and annual leave at the rate of 1 ½ days per month, which will be prorated to the nearest half day for part-time internships. Any accrued leave days not used by the end of the internship will be forfeited. Any unjustified absences during the internship period exceeding a total of nine days or as prorated for part-time internships, will be deducted from the monthly stipend.

Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, passports, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of:

1. The sponsoring institution, related institution or Government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or
2. The intern.

Interns, whether engaged in-person or remotely, are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP and must provide self-certification of good health prior to starting the internship. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern. 

Selected candidates for in-person internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For interns that are neither nationals nor residents of the duty station of the internship, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

1. Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;
2. Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

UNDP accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. 

There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship.  

UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.

For more information on internship eligibility and conditions, please refer to the UNDP Internship Policy.