UNOPS Opens Programme Management Internship with the UN Youth Office in New York
The UNOPS Programme Management Internship offers an exciting opportunity for students and recent graduates who want to gain practical experience working with the United Nations Youth Office in New York. Hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), this six-month internship allows young professionals to contribute to global youth engagement, international policy development, strategic communications, and major United Nations events.
This is a great opportunity for people who are passionate about international development, youth participation, sustainable development, peacebuilding, and human rights, and applications are open until July 23, 2026.
This internship gives you valuable experience working with leading experts in global development, which is great if you want to build a career in the UN or another international organization.
About UNOPS
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) supports governments, UN agencies, and international partners by delivering sustainable infrastructure, procurement, and project management services worldwide.
The New York Portfolio Office’s Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP), which provides operational support to the newly established United Nations Youth Office, houses this internship.
The Youth Office was created by the UN General Assembly in 2022 to strengthen meaningful youth engagement across the entire United Nations system.
UNOPS Programme Management Internship Overview
| Internship Details | Information |
| Organization | United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) |
| Department | United Nations Youth Office |
| Position | Programme Management Intern |
| Location | New York, United States |
| Duration | Six Months |
| Employment Type | Full-Time Internship |
| Application Deadline | 23 July 2026 |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students & Recent Graduates |
Internship Objectives
One of the main initiatives of the Youth Office that promotes meaningful youth participation throughout the United Nations system, the UN Youth Compass, will be strengthened through the internship.
Selected interns will help with:
- Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs)
- Participation by youth
- Initiatives for security and peace
- Human rights activism
- Making global policies
- International cooperation
- Effective communication
- Programming management
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidates will support a number of well-known international projects.
1. Support Major United Nations Events
Interns will assist with preparations for important UN meetings, including:
- High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)
- UN General Assembly High-Level Week
- Conferences for youth around the world
- Policy discussions
- Consultations worldwide
Among the responsibilities are:
- Creating schedules
- Making notes for a briefing
- Creating research papers
- Coordinating participant materials
- assisting with logistics
- Monitoring meeting outcomes
2. Support the UN Youth Compass
Interns will help one of the United Nations’ newest youth programs by:
- conducting research at the desk
- arranging educational resources
- Creating instructional materials
- Managing information storage spaces
- web content supporting
- providing assistance with digital resources
3. Conduct Policy Research
Through the following, participants will gain valuable research experience:
- Keeping an eye on youth policies around the world
- Putting together policy briefs
- Writing analytical reports
- promoting policymaking based on evidence
- Tracking regional developments
- Data collection for research
4. Communications and Outreach
Interns will help amplify youth voices through:
- Creation of website content
- Management of social media
- Campaign development
- Media surveillance
- Electronic communications
- Promotion of an event
5. Programme Coordination
The internship also involves administrative and coordination support, including:
- Scheduling meetings
- Controlling documents
- Making presentations ready
- collaborating with stakeholders
- assisting with project execution
- Keeping tabs on program progress
UNOPS Programme Management Internship Eligibility Requirements
One of the following academic requirements must be met by applicants:
- studying for a bachelor’s degree at the moment.
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree
- Participating in a PhD program at the moment
- completed their education in the last three years
No previous professional work experience is required.
Desired Qualifications
Candidates who stand out may possess:
- Experience in research
- Experience in administrative support
- Programme coordination skills
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Experience with Google Workspace
- familiarity with UN institutions
- An understanding of globalization
- a desire for youth involvement
- a working knowledge of the Middle East region
Language Requirements
Candidates must possess:
- English proficiency (required)
It would be advantageous to have additional UN languages:
- Arabic
- French
- Spanish
- Russian
- Chinese in a nutshell
Skills and Competencies
UNOPS is looking for professionals with the following skills:
- logical reasoning
- Skills for research
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Administration of data
- Reporting
- Time management
- Organization
- Professionalism
- Integrity
- Respect for otherness
- Inclusion
- Human rights education
Benefits of the UNOPS Programme Management Internship
Selected interns will enjoy numerous professional advantages.
Practical Experience
Work within the UN system to gain firsthand experience.
Professional Networking
Work with international experts, policymakers, and professionals in development.
Career Development
Develop highly valuable skills in:
- Management of programs
- Relations with other nations
- Public policy
- Research
- Communications
Exposure to Global Events
Work on internationally recognized events involving governments, youth leaders, and UN agencies.
Meaningful Contribution
bolster youth involvement in global decision-making.
Who Should Apply?
Candidates who are interested in:
- Students at universities
- Just graduated
- Millennial professionals
- Students studying international relations
- Students studying public policy
- Students studying political science
- Students who study development
- Advocates for human rights
- Teen leaders
Why This Internship Stands Out
The UNOPS Programme Management Internship, in contrast to many other internships, provides direct exposure to initiatives for youth engagement and international policymaking.
Interns will contribute to projects that influence sustainable development, peacebuilding, and global governance while building skills that employers worldwide highly value.
Additionally, working with the United Nations Youth Office offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to collaborate with professionals who are committed to empowering young people worldwide.
How to Apply
Candidates who are interested should prepare the following:
- CV updated
- Letter of Motivation
- Transcripts of academic work (if requested)
- Certificate of completion or evidence of enrollment
- Documents to back up
Before July 23, 2026, submit your application via the official UNOPS careers portal.
Tips for a Strong Application
To increase your chances of selection:
- Make sure the internship is on your CV.
- Highlight leadership experiences.
- Manifest your enthusiasm for youth development.
- Demonstrate your research and communication abilities.
- Mention work as a volunteer.
- Focus on your international experience.
- Carefully proofread each application document.
Is this internship open to international applicants?
Yes. Applicants from all eligible countries are encouraged to apply.
Is previous work experience required?
No. Professional experience is not mandatory.
Where is the internship located?
The internship is based in New York, United States.
How long does the internship last?
The internship runs for six months.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 23 July 2026.
Which students are eligible?
Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD students, and recent graduates within the past three years may apply.
Final Thoughts
Students and recent graduates who are looking for international experience in program management, youth engagement, policy research, and global development will benefit greatly from the UNOPS Programme Management Internship with the United Nations Youth Office. Participants will develop professional skills that can lead to careers in the UN system and other international organizations in the future and gain hands-on experience supporting major UN initiatives.
Don’t miss this chance if you’re passionate about bringing about positive change, empowering young people, and contributing to global development. Make the first step toward a rewarding international career by submitting your application by July 23, 2026.
