The United Nations (UN) offers both paid and unpaid
internship opportunities. The specific type of internship, as well as the
eligibility criteria and duration, will depend on the UN agency or program
offering the internship.
Paid internships are generally offered by UN agencies,
funds, and programs located in developed countries or high-cost areas, where
living expenses can be substantial. These internships are usually advertised as
"Junior Professional Officer" or "Associate Expert"
positions and offer a monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
Unpaid internships are more common in lower-cost areas or in
UN programs that are focused on volunteerism or community development. These
internships are typically offered on a voluntary basis and do not provide any
financial compensation.
In general, the eligibility criteria for UN internships are
similar to those for UN employment, including a strong academic record,
relevant experience or coursework, and fluency in one or more of the UN's
official languages. Some internships may also require specific skills or
qualifications, such as proficiency in a particular software program or
knowledge of a specific subject area.
Overall, whether or not UN interns are paid will depend on
the specific internship opportunity and location. Candidates can research
available internships on the UN's official website and carefully review the
internship description and eligibility criteria to determine whether the
position is paid or unpaid.