Intergovernmental organizations are international organizations formed by treaties between countries to promote partnership and cooperation toward shared goals. Prominent examples include the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, the World Health Organization, the International Labor Organization, and many others. Due to their stature within the international community, pursuing a fellowship or internship at an intergovernmental organization can be an excellent way to build professional skills and begin a career in policy, government, research, global affairs, international relations, diplomacy, human rights, administration, and other fields. In this list, you’ll find 10 fellowships and internships at intergovernmental organizations that offer exciting opportunities for travel, career development, and meaningful social impact throughout the world.
United Nations – Nippon Foundation Fellowship
This fellowship is designed to offer mid-level professionals and government officials aged 25-40 from developing countries the chance to pursue advanced education and research in the field of ocean affairs, the law of the sea, and other related disciplines like marine science. This program aims to equip fellows with the necessary knowledge and expertise to help their countries develop comprehensive ocean policies and implement the legal regime outlined in UNCLOS and other relevant instruments. The Fellowship Programme is a 9-month program consisting of two consecutive phases that provide fellows with customized and advanced research and training opportunities in their chosen fields.
AOSIS Climate Change Fellowship Program
This program invites early-career professionals from member countries of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to New York for one year to participate as part of each Fellow’s national delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and United Nations. During their fellowship, Fellows undergo a year-long training program that includes ongoing negotiation skills and media training. The aim is for Fellows to return to their home governments after the fellowship and continue to engage on these issues and in the UNFCCC process.
Community Solutions Program
The Community Solutions Program (CSP) is a one-year professional leadership development program that aims to empower individuals who are actively working towards improving their communities by addressing issues related to the environment, peace and conflict resolution, transparency and accountability, and women and gender. Community Solutions fellows are paired with host organizations across the United States to gain hands-on professional experience for a duration of four months. Fellows receive support for a J-1 visa, travel, and a living stipend. Applicants must be between 25 to 38 years old and citizens or permanent residents of eligible countries. US citizens and residents are not eligible to apply for this program.
Professional Fellows Program Oceania
The Professional Fellows Program Oceania (PFP Oceania) is a global exchange program that runs both ways. It is designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, and build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from the Pacific Islands and the United States (U.S.). The program has an economic empowerment theme, focusing on exploring how systems can support innovation and sustainable economic development. It also helps participants build their capacities in growing regional entrepreneurship, business leadership, and workforce development. Fellows who would like to participate in the program should already have a valid J-1 visa. They will receive a stipend from Cultural Vistas to cover their living expenses during the fellowship.
Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship
The Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship is a program that allows fellows to work in professional placements within foreign government ministries or institutions. This program allows fellows to gain hands-on public sector experience while conducting an academic research/study project. Fellows serve in a capacity similar to a “special assistant” for a senior-level official. Proficiency in the host country’s language of government is required. This fellowship is designed for early to mid-career entrepreneurial and self-starter professionals with a graduate degree in a field of public policy (e.g., JD, MPA, MPH). Fellowships are available in three world regions: Africa (Botswana, Ghana, and Rwanda); Western Hemisphere (Colombia and Peru); and East Asia and the Pacific (Cambodia, Fiji, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam).
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Internships
Internships provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to experience UNDP’s community and mission. These internships can be carried out in UNDP Country Offices, at Regional Hubs, or at Headquarters in New York. The selection process for interns is competitive, and UNDP seeks applicants who have a keen interest in the field of development and in the organization’s mission. Internships at UNDP should not exceed six months, except in cases where the internship is being completed for academic credit, in which case they may last up to nine months. To apply for UNDP internships, applicants must meet one of the following academic requirements at the time of application: (1) be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (2) be enrolled in the final academic year of a university degree (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); (3) have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and must begin the internship within one year of graduation if selected. UNDP interns are given a monthly stipend, which is dependent on the duty station, among other factors.
United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Internships
The UNHCR Internship Programme provides a great opportunity for eligible students and recent graduates to gain experience in the humanitarian sector in line with their academic programme and future career aspirations. To be eligible for an internship, candidates must be a recent graduates or current students enrolled in a graduate/undergraduate school programme from a university or higher education facility accredited by UNESCO. Additionally, they must have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a field relevant to, or of interest to, the work of the organization. Furthermore, they should not have any immediate relatives (father, mother, brother, or sister) working for UNHCR as a staff member on any contract type or affiliated with the organization at the time of application. Internships are offered at various locations, including UNHCR headquarters in Geneva, the Global Service Centres in Amman, Budapest, and Copenhagen, or in field country offices. Subject to the approval of their managers, interns may telework within or outside of the country of duty station.
European Union Traineeship Programmes
A traineeship programme with the EU institutions, bodies, and agencies can provide you with a unique opportunity to experience what an EU career is like. It is also a chance to improve your professional skills and personal growth. EU traineeships are available in various fields such as human resources, communication, information and communication technologies, competition law, environmental policy, external relations, development policy, and more. The duration of most traineeships is usually between 5 to 6 months, but some could be shorter or longer. EU traineeships are paid, and the amount of payment varies based on the host organization.
International Labor Organization Internship Programme
The Internship Programme of the International Labour Organization (ILO) offers a variety of opportunities to graduate and postgraduate students, as well as recent graduates, who wish to gain practical experience in fields related to the ILO’s mission and activities. The programme aims to provide interns with a comprehensive understanding of the ILO’s daily work over a period of three to six months. To be eligible for an internship at the ILO, you must be enrolled in a graduate degree programme (Master’s or equivalent), or a higher degree programme that aligns with the ILO’s work, or have completed such a programme in the year prior to your application. You should also possess a working knowledge of at least one of the ILO’s working languages (English, French, or Spanish) and be able to adapt to an international, multicultural, and multilingual environment. There is no age limit for applicants. The ILO opens the Internship Roster, which is a call for applications, two to three times per year. Once the application period is over, eligible candidate profiles are circulated to departments seeking interns for a given roster period. Therefore, internships can commence on the 1st or 15th of any month throughout the year.
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