Internship Programs

UNDRR Internships

Unpaid Internships

The goal of UNDRR’s internship program is to offer practical experience in international development – specifically in the area of disaster risk reduction (DRR). Under the guidance and supervision of experienced professionals, the selected candidate will have the opportunity to learn directly from them, contributing to the intern’s personal and professional training.

In pursuit of its mission, the OpenIGO network has prepared a comprehensive eBook and support and guidance services, with the aim of highly increasing your chances of success in these competitive processes. These services include revising your UN internships application documents (curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter) and a mock interview, as per the United Nations model. We also offer a range of packages that combine the eBook with different services.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR UN INTERNSHIPS PRODUCTS & SERVICES?

UN Internships – Products & Services

We have prepared a special offer for you!

UN Internships – PDF eBook

UNDRR Overview

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is a UN initiative focused on the coordination, development and implementation of international policies in the area of disaster risk reduction (DRR). That is, the agency seeks to mitigate damage caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes and droughts. Headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland), UNIDRS works to ensure synergy between the disaster risk reduction activities of United Nations system organizations and regional organizations in the socioeconomic and humanitarian fields.

UNDRR’s main focus: Promoting disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Themes addressed by the UNDRR:

Climate Change
Investments for DRR
Disaster-resilient Cities, Schools and Hospitals
Strengthening the International System for DRR

Description of the UNDRR Internship

What are the fields of study required for the UNDRR Internship?

This internship program includes students and recent graduates from the most diverse fields of knowledge. The areas of study with the highest demand in this program are:

Information Management
Disaster and Risk Management
Environmental Sciences
Geography
Economics
Agriculture
Ecology
Environmental Law
Urban Planning

What are the tasks performed by the selected for the UNDRR Internship?

The activities performed vary according to the opening and the requirements of the different departments to which interns are allocated. However, generally speaking, the main duties are:

Carry out research and analyse data about themes relevant to the area of the assigned project;
Support the activities of the project team;
Elaborate and update documents;
Take part in meetings;
Perform other related functions when requested.

What is the duration of the UNDRR Internship?

The internship period ranges from at least 2 months to up to 6 months at most.

What is the weekly workload of the UNDRR Internship?

The internship programs are full-time. Interns shall therefore work between 35 and 40 hours per week.

Where are the locations of the UNDRR Internship?

Geneva, Switzerland (headquarters)
New York, United States of America
Panama City, Panama
Bangkok, Thailand
Kobe-City, Japan
Suva, Fiji
Nairobi, Kenya
Brussels, Belgium
Cairo, Egypt

When does the UNDRR Internship start?

The initial date of the internship shall be coordinated between the intern and the organization.

Is there any feedback following the completion of the UNDRR Internship?

At the end of the internship, the supervisor is in charge of preparing an assessment report of the intern’s performance.

Subsequent employment:

Participation in the internship is not related to future employment with the agency. During the internship period and within six months immediately after the program you will not be eligible to apply for or be appointed to any effective position. However, the work experience in the agency will be a distinctive feature in your curriculum, which may facilitate your hiring by other organizations inside or outside the UN System.

UNDRR Internship - Salary

The internship is unpaid.

UNDRR Internship - Requirements

What is the education requirement of the UNDRR Internship Program?

Be enrolled in a graduate school program (Master’s or PhD), or;
Be enrolled in the last school year of an undergraduate school program (Bachelor’s level or equivalent), or;
Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate course in the last 12 months.

What is the language requirement of the UNDRR Internship Program?

Candidates must have proficiency in English or French. Having functional knowledge of another language belonging to the UN System (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) may be an advantage in the selection process.

What is the age requirement of the UNDRR Internship Program?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment.

What is the nationality requirement of the UNDRR Internship Program?

Applicants must be citizens of a UNDRR member state.

What are the competencies required for the UNDRR Internship Program?

The main competencies required are:

Communication skills;
Teamwork Skills;
Customer Support.

Other requirements:

Most internships require no work experience. However, previous experiences may be an advantage in the selection process.

What are the restrictions of the UNDRR Internship Program?

An applicant may not be a child or sibling of any organization staff member.

UNDRR Internship - Application process

When to apply for the UNDRR Internship Program?

Application deadlines vary depending on the openings and the needs of the organization. Therefore, it is important to search for internship opportunities on our website and social media platforms.

How to apply for the UNDRR Internship Program?

The application process is done via the UN Careers portal, where all openings are published. The application must be done on the Inspira Gateway and comprises the following steps:

Search for internship openings;
Register with the Inspira portal;
Fill out the profile data;
Fill out the application form;
Submit the application.

What are the phases of the selection process for the UNDRR Internship Program?

The selection process may vary depending on the department or office to which the intern is applying, but generally comprises the following steps:

Creating a profile and preparing an application;
Submitting the application;
Evaluation of the application;
Competency-based interview;
Selection notifications.

How is the UNDRR Internship Program interview?

Usually, only selected applicants will be contacted for the interview, which lasts about 30 minutes and may be done via Skype or phone. The main points covered in the interview vary according to the opening and department chosen. In general, however, the questions address subjective or behavioral aspects, such as your expectations about the job, your interests in the area of expertise you are applying for and your previous experiences.

What are the documents to submit for the UNDRR Internship Program?

The application process also requires you to submit:

Cover Note and Personal History Profile;
Internship agreement for the United Nations” signed by you;
Proof of enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program.

What is the evaluation criteria of the UNDRR Internship Program?

You will be evaluated regarding your previous experience, skills and competencies, and educational background.

Other information:

It is important to submit your application in advance. Internship openings at UN Careers are removed from the portal at midnight of the deadline, New York time (GMT-5). You will not be able to modify your application after submission.

UNDRR Internship - Costs

The agency offers no financial aid to cover costs related to preparing for or doing the internship. However, you may request financial aid from a sponsoring institution, for example, a university and/or government agency in your country.

Visa:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of obtaining the visa (if needed to do the internship).

Insurance:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs of enrolling in a valid global medical insurance plan. It is necessary to present a Medical Certificate of Good Health.

Accommodation:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for accommodation expenses during the internship period.

Other:

You or your sponsoring institution will be responsible for the costs and arrangements of the trip to the workplace to which you have been assigned.