Work for the UN in 2025: Internships, Fellowships & Entry-Level Roles
Work for the UN in 2025: Internships, Fellowships & Entry-Level Roles — Looking to launch a global career with the United Nations? The UN is offering a wide range of internships, fellowships, and entry-level positions in 2025 for young professionals and graduates. This guide highlights the main paths to getting started, from paid internships to early-career fellowships across key UN agencies.
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Background & Job Description
The United Nations offers structured early-career opportunities for young professionals through internships, Junior Professional Officer (JPO) programs, United Nations Volunteers (UNV), and graduate fellowships. These roles are designed to help new talent gain experience in peacebuilding, development, humanitarian affairs, communications, and more.
Positions are available in UN headquarters, regional offices, and remote settings, depending on the program.
Tasks
- Conduct research and support program planning
- Draft reports, communication materials, or policy briefs
- Assist in logistics, data collection, and project monitoring
- Participate in workshops, conferences, or field missions
- Collaborate with international teams across UN agencies
Work for the UN in 2025: Internships, Fellowships & Entry-Level Roles
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or higher preferred for some fellowships
- Relevant fields include International Relations, Law, Public Health, Communications, Economics, Environment, etc.
Experience
- Internships: No prior work experience needed
- Fellowships and entry-level: Up to 2 years of relevant experience
- Strong writing, research, and cross-cultural communication skills
- Fluency in English; knowledge of French, Spanish, or other UN languages is an asset
Additional Information
- Most internships are now paid, and many include stipends or travel support
- Fellowships often include salary and relocation assistance
- Applications must be submitted via UN Careers or agency-specific portals
- Open to applicants from UN member states, with some programs prioritizing candidates from developing countries
