About the UNDP Early Warning & Preparedness Internship
The United Nations Development Programme is recruiting an Early Warning & Preparedness Intern for a six-month home-based assignment with its Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery for Building Resilience Team. The opportunity is designed for students and recent graduates interested in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, preparedness, risk intelligence and the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in development work.
The internship sits within UNDP’s Crisis Bureau and supports a global team that works with regional hubs and country offices. The role is not limited to routine administrative support. The intern will contribute to research, knowledge management, communications and the development of practical resources used in UNDP’s work on early warning and preparedness.
What You Will Work On
A major part of the assignment focuses on UNDP’s Risk Intelligence Service Line. The intern will research emerging tools and approaches that can strengthen disaster risk reduction, including artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, digital public infrastructure, data ecosystems, predictive analytics, remote sensing, risk modelling, digital twins and data-visualisation platforms.
The intern may help identify examples from UNDP country offices, document lessons, map relevant technologies and contribute to knowledge products such as concept notes, guidance materials, case studies, policy briefs, presentations and donor or partnership materials. The role also supports the identification of partnerships with research institutions, technology providers, academia and other UN entities.
Preparedness Learning Pathway Responsibilities
The second major workstream supports UNDP’s Preparedness Learning Pathway and related toolkit. Tasks can include researching and organising learning resources, helping expand thematic modules, supporting online repositories, assisting with self-paced learning content and helping organise webinars and other online learning activities.
The intern may also contribute to webinar planning, facilitation guidance, online collaboration boards, reports, social-media materials, presentations and briefing notes connected to UNDP’s global early-warning portfolio.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of UNDP’s internship education conditions. They can be enrolled in a postgraduate degree such as a master’s programme or higher in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, disaster management or humanitarian affairs; be in the final academic year of a first university degree in one of these areas; have recently graduated from a relevant university degree and be able to start the internship within one year of graduation; or be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship programme that includes an internship component.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Applicants should also be comfortable using information and communication technology and web-based collaboration tools. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage.
Skills That Fit the Role
The vacancy highlights clear writing, research ability, attention to detail and organisation. Familiarity with conversational AI tools and digital collaboration or design platforms is particularly relevant because the work combines research with knowledge products and online learning activities.
Candidates who can analyse information, summarise technical topics for different audiences and work effectively in a multicultural remote team will be well aligned with the assignment.
Internship Stipend
UNDP states that an intern who is not financially supported by another institution or programme may receive a stipend intended to help cover basic daily expenses. The amount is determined according to applicable UNDP internship policies. Where an intern receives external financial support, UNDP may pay the difference between that support and the applicable stipend, subject to its rules.
Documents for the Application
The initial application should include a brief cover letter in English explaining the applicant’s interest and qualifications, together with a current CV in English. UNDP instructs applicants to combine these documents into a single PDF because the system permits one upload for this part of the application.
Applicants selected later in the process may be asked for additional documents including evidence of university enrolment or recent graduation, a recommendation letter, academic transcript, passport, medical certificate and proof of medical insurance.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through UNDP’s official external careers platform. Review the vacancy carefully, prepare the cover letter and CV as one PDF and complete the online application before the closing time. The position is listed as home-based and the official deadline is 1 September 2026.
Applicants should use only the official UNDP recruitment system. UNDP does not charge application, processing, training, interviewing or testing fees.
Key Details
- Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Programme area: Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery
- Work arrangement: Home-based
- Contract type: Internship
- Duration: 6 months
- Language: English required
- Deadline: 1 September 2026
FAQ
Is this UNDP internship remote?
Yes. The vacancy is listed as home-based, so the assignment is designed to be performed remotely while collaborating with the UNDP team.
Can final-year bachelor’s students apply?
Yes, provided they are in the final academic year of a relevant first university degree and meet the other internship requirements.
Is the internship paid?
UNDP may provide an internship stipend under its policy when the intern is not fully supported by another institution or programme.
