The United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) is accepting applications for a Political Affairs Intern at its New York headquarters. The internship runs for six months in a flexible working arrangement that can be fully remote, hybrid, or in-person. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job opening so you have everything in one place.
What You Will Do as a Political Affairs Intern
As a Political Affairs Intern with DPKO, you will support country- and regional-level operations tied to real peacekeeping missions around the world. The role covers analytical, drafting, coordination, and administrative tasks:
🗂️ Support country- and regional-level backstopping activities
🔍 Gather, research, analyse, and present information from various sources
📝 Assist in drafting official documents, including minutes, briefing notes, and draft notes
🌏 Assist in the team's planning and preparatory efforts for field support
📊 Assist in data and information management, including monitoring
🗓️ Support the organisation of meetings
📌 Perform other duties as required
Working Arrangements and Duration
This internship offers genuine flexibility in terms of schedule and location:
🕐 Duration: Six (6) months
📅 Desired Start Date: 1 February 2027, or sooner
📆 Start and End Dates: Flexible (please indicate your preferred start date in the Motivational Statement)
🏢 Location Options: Fully remote outside the duty station, hybrid at the UN Premises in New York, or fully in-person
⏱️ Full-Time: 35 hours per week
⏱️ Part-Time: 20 hours per week
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Academic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following two academic criteria:
🎓 Be currently enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher)
🎓 Be currently enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent)
In practice, eligible profiles include:
📘 Final-year bachelor's students
📗 Master's students (currently enrolled or recently graduated)
📙 PhD students (currently enrolled or recently graduated)
Please indicate clearly in your application which category applies to you and attach proof of enrolment or completion. An official certificate will be requested at a later stage.
Technical Skills and Academic Background Required
🖥️ Good knowledge of MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Teams
✍️ Ability to draft news articles and social media posts
📋 Ability to design surveys and polls
📚 A field of study closely related to the internship type is required
🏆 Professional work experience is not required
Language Requirements
🗣️ Fluency in spoken and written English is required
🌐 Knowledge of an additional UN official language is an advantage
The six official languages of the United Nations Secretariat are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
How to Apply: Your Motivational Statement
A complete online application is required via the UN's Inspira platform (Job Opening ID: 287710). The Motivational Statement is a required document and must address the following points:
📌 When you would like to start the internship (start dates are flexible)
📌 Title of the degree you are currently pursuing
📌 Graduation date, or when you have already graduated
📌 Why you are the best candidate for this specific internship
📌 Why you are interested in the United Nations Internship Programme
Your Online Personal History Profile
In your online Personal History Profile on Inspira, you must include:
👤 All past work experiences
💻 IT skills
📞 Three professional references
Financial Arrangements and Visa Information
This internship is unpaid. The United Nations does not provide financial remuneration to interns. The following costs are the full responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution:
💸 Travel costs and arrangements
🏠 Accommodation and living expenses
🛂 Visa and work/employment authorisation (where applicable)
Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States may be required to obtain appropriate visa and work authorisation. Candidates are encouraged to discuss their specific visa requirements with the UN team before accepting the internship offer.
The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training, and does not request bank account information from applicants. Find more internship opportunities on Youth Works Hub.
Who Is Not Eligible to Apply
🚫 Applicants who have previously served a total of six months or more as an intern in one or more UN Common Systems
🚫 Applicants who are children, siblings, or sons or daughters-in-law (including stepchildren, half-siblings, or stepsiblings) of an active staff member in a UN Common System
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DPKO Political Affairs Internship paid?
No. This internship is unpaid. The United Nations does not financially remunerate interns. Travel, accommodation, visa, and living costs are entirely the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.
Can I do this internship remotely?
Yes. The working arrangement is flexible: fully remote outside the duty station, hybrid at the UN Premises in New York, or fully in-person. The arrangement can be discussed once you receive an offer.
Can I apply if I am not from the United States?
Yes. The internship is open to applicants of all nationalities worldwide. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you may need to arrange the appropriate visa and work authorisation before starting.
Can I apply if I have already completed a UN internship?
Only if your total UN internship experience across all UN Common Systems is less than six months in total. If you have previously served six months or more as an intern in any UN Common System, you are not eligible.
What is the Job Opening ID for this position?
The Job Opening ID is 287710. Use this number when searching for the position on Inspira, the UN's recruitment platform.
Do I need prior work experience to apply?
No. Applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience. A relevant field of study is required, but experience is not.
Can I do this internship part-time?
Yes. The internship can be undertaken either full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week).
Deadline
⏳ 17 November 2026
