The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has opened its doors to students and recent graduates worldwide through its dynamic Internship Programme. More than a traditional internship, this opportunity allows young professionals to contribute to real global challenges while gaining firsthand experience in international development, innovation, and sustainable industrial growth.
For those eager to transform their academic knowledge into meaningful action, UNIDO offers a supportive platform to learn, collaborate, and help shape a more inclusive and sustainable industrial future—one project at a time.
Why Consider a UNIDO Internship?
UNIDO’s work centers on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation, and advancing global economic development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an intern, you’ll work side-by-side with experts implementing solutions across energy, environment, technology, and economic development.
This internship is more than skill-building — it’s a chance to contribute directly to projects that help communities, support industries, and improve livelihoods across the globe.
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Eligibility Criteria
The Internship Programme is designed for motivated individuals who are completing or have recently completed higher education. To qualify, applicants must be:
- Currently enrolled in the final year of a bachelor’s program, or
- Enrolled in a master’s or higher-level program, or
- Graduates of a bachelor’s or master’s degree within the last 12 months.
Additional requirements include:
- Being a national of a UNIDO Member State
- Demonstrating proficiency in the working language of the duty station (usually English)
- Additional language skills — such as French, Spanish, or Arabic — are considered a strong advantage
Beyond academics, UNIDO values curiosity, commitment to global development, and a genuine interest in sustainable industrialization.
Internship Locations and Duration
UNIDO internships are available at:
- UNIDO Headquarters in Vienna, Austria
- Field and regional offices worldwide
This global footprint allows interns to work in diverse environments and experience how development challenges vary across countries.
Typical internships run for three to six months, with the possibility of extending to twelve months for research-based or sponsored placements. Start dates are flexible and usually begin on the first working day of any month, giving students the ability to plan around academic commitments.
What Interns Do: Real Responsibilities, Real Impact
During your internship, you will support ongoing UNIDO initiatives in areas such as:
- Sustainable energy and climate action
- Digital transformation and innovation
- Gender equality initiatives
- Circular economy and environmental sustainability
- Policy development and project monitoring
Interns work closely with professional teams and contribute to tasks that influence real global outcomes. This hands-on experience offers unmatched insight into how international organizations operate.
Financial Details
UNIDO internships are volunteer-based, meaning they are unpaid. However, interns do receive a monthly stipend to help cover basic living expenses.
Interns are responsible for arranging and financing:
- Travel and visas
- Accommodation and daily meals
- Health and accident insurance
UNIDO assists with necessary documentation, such as visa support letters and onboarding guidelines, to ease the preparation process.
While completing an internship does not guarantee future employment, it significantly enhances your professional profile and opens pathways into the UN system and broader international development sector.
What UNIDO Looks For in Applicants
UNIDO seeks candidates who bring both technical ability and values aligned with the organization’s mission. The ideal intern should:
- Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity
- Show a proactive attitude and eagerness to learn
- Possess strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills
- Have a genuine passion for sustainability and industrial development
Students from a wide range of academic fields are encouraged to apply, including:
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental science
- Communication
- Business and management
- International relations
- Information technology
UNIDO thrives on multidisciplinary perspectives and encourages creative approaches to global industrial challenges.
Application and Selection Process
UNIDO accepts applications on a rolling basis, posting new opportunities throughout the year. To apply, visit the Official Career website at https://careers.unido.org/content/Internship/
To apply, candidates should:
- Prepare an updated CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts
- Clearly communicate their motivation and how their background aligns with UNIDO’s mission
- Tailor their application to specific project areas or internship postings
- Submit all documents through the official UNIDO careers portal before the deadline
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews or assessments. Successful applicants receive onboarding materials and placement details prior to their start date.
Why You Should Apply
The UNIDO Internship Programme is more than an entry point into international work — it’s a launching pad for future leaders in development, sustainability, and industrial innovation. Interns gain firsthand experience working on global projects, collaborate with experts from around the world, and contribute to initiatives that foster economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Whether your interests lie in policy, technology, communications, engineering, or environmental protection, UNIDO offers a space to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference.
If you’re ready to step into the world of global development and help shape a sustainable industrial future, the UNIDO Internship Programme could be the perfect next step.
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