Global Internship Roster 2025 – Paid Opportunities

The UNFPA Global Internship Roster is an excellent entry point for students and recent graduates seeking to contribute to international development work with a focus on population, reproductive health, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Though it is not always hiring for specific roles, being part of the Roster positions you to be considered for upcoming internship opportunities that match your profile and skills.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for inclusion in the roster, applicants must satisfy one of the following:

  • Be currently enrolled in the final academic year of a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) programme.
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (master’s level or higher).
  • Have recently graduated (within one year) with a first university degree or higher.
  • Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme that includes an internship component.
  • Demonstrate interest in the field of development

Also, applicants must have good written and spoken command of English; fluency in another UN working language (French, Spanish, Arabic, etc.) is often an asset.

Cultural adaptability and ability to work in team environments are also important.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

  • Exemplifying integrity, 
  • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
  • Embracing cultural diversity, 
  • Embracing change.

Core Competencies: 

  • Achieving results,
  • Being accountable,
  • Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
  • Thinking analytically and strategically,
  • Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships.

What the Role/Internship Offers

  • Interns on the roster do not always receive fixed salaries, but if they do not receive external financial support (from a university, government, or scholarship), they may get a stipend contribution covering basic living expenses. The amount depends on the duty station.
  • There may be remote internship arrangements, depending on the needs of UNFPA.
  • Interns normally work under supervision of staff members, learning about UNFPA’s work in sexual and reproductive health, population issues, gender equality, and global development.
  • Interns can build skills in program planning, advocacy, research, communications, monitoring & evaluation, and project implementation.

Key Application Process

Here’s how you can apply and what to expect:

  1. Prepare required documents – have your CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and language proficiency ready.
  2. Complete UNFPA’s roster application – finish all sections in the form (academic background, skills, languages, etc.).
  3. Submit before deadline when the roster or internship announcement is open. (Check UNFPA’s official careers or jobs page regularly for these openings.)
  4. Wait for matching – after submitting, if UNFPA has an internship opportunity that matches your background, you may be contacted for further steps.
  5. Be ready for remote or on-site assignments depending on where the duty station is located.

Requirements & Expectations

  • Strong ethical values, professional integrity, and a desire to contribute to UNFPA values (gender equality, reproductive health, rights).
  • Good communication skills and ability to work across cultures.
  • Ability to take initiative, learn quickly, and adapt to changing environments.
  • Sometimes, willingness to relocate or do field work, depending on the internship.

Financial Aspects

  • The stipend offered is considered a contribution, not a full salary.
  • If you are being supported by another institution, that support may disqualify the stipend, but you can still be part of the roster.
  • Duty station and local cost of living affect stipend amounts.

Tips to Increase Chances

  • Regularly check UNFPA’s jobs and internships website so you know when the roster is being used for new positions.
  • Ensure your application is very well-written, with clear relevance to UNFPA’s mission and goals.
  • If you’re still studying, use your final year to engage in relevant volunteer work or projects to strengthen your profile.

Global Internship Roster – UNFPA Deadline

  • The roster is open for applications until December 31, 2025, 10:44 AM (EST)
  • Interns in the roster may be contacted anytime after that for assignments matching their skills and location.
  • Note: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.

For more information, check the  Global Internship Roster Website