UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship 2026 – Communications and Outreach Opportunity
The UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship is a professional development opportunity for students and recent graduates who want practical experience in communications, advocacy, and international development. This internship places participants within the communications environment of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where they contribute to strengthening public engagement, promoting development priorities, and supporting global outreach efforts.
UNDP plays a central role in advancing sustainable development, poverty reduction, and governance reform across more than 170 countries and territories. Through the UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship, interns directly support this mission by helping shape how development issues are communicated to the public, partners, and stakeholders. The internship offers hands-on exposure to development communications, media relations, and advocacy campaigns within a global organisation.
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Role Overview
The UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship focuses on supporting communications and advocacy functions within UNDP offices. Interns work under the supervision of communications and advocacy professionals and assist with day-to-day outreach activities, digital engagement, and content production.
Key responsibilities typically include:
- Assisting in the implementation of communication and advocacy strategies to strengthen public visibility of UNDP programmes.
- Supporting the creation of content for digital platforms such as websites, newsletters, and social media channels.
- Drafting short articles, stories, captions, and promotional materials related to UNDP projects and campaigns.
- Contributing to the preparation of advocacy materials, including presentations, briefing notes, and campaign documents.
- Assisting with media monitoring and compiling reports on news coverage and social media trends.
- Supporting the organisation and promotion of meetings, workshops, conferences, and outreach events.
- Maintaining communication records, content calendars, and archives of media and advocacy materials.
- Providing administrative and coordination support to the communications team as needed.
The UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship provides structured learning while allowing interns to contribute meaningfully to real development communication initiatives.
Who Qualifies for the UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship
This internship is intended for individuals who meet at least one of the following criteria at the time of application:
- Currently enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme,
- Enrolled in a Master’s degree programme or equivalent graduate qualification,
- Recently graduated with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, provided the internship begins within one year of graduation.
Preferred academic backgrounds include:
- Communications, journalism, media studies, or public relations
- International relations, development studies, or social sciences
- Political science, public administration, or related disciplines
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong written communication skills in English
- Interest in international development and advocacy work
- Ability to work in a multicultural and professional environment
- Basic knowledge of digital media and social platforms
- Organisational and time-management skills
Knowledge of additional languages is considered an advantage depending on the duty station.
The UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship is open to both national and international applicants, subject to UNDP internship policies and visa requirements.
Internship Conditions and Stipend
Interns selected for the UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship receive a monthly stipend in accordance with UNDP’s internship policy. The stipend is intended to assist with basic living expenses such as food and local transportation. The exact amount varies depending on the duty station and local cost of living.
Interns are responsible for:
- Travel arrangements
- Accommodation
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Health and medical insurance coverage
Interns are not considered UNDP staff members and do not receive staff benefits or privileges. The internship does not guarantee future employment with UNDP or the United Nations system.
The internship is typically full-time, though limited flexibility may be granted to accommodate academic commitments.
Skills and Experience Gained
The UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship provides valuable professional exposure in an international development setting. Participants gain:
- Practical experience in communications and advocacy
- Understanding of how development programmes are communicated to global audiences
- Exposure to policy-driven messaging and public engagement strategies
- Experience working in a multicultural professional environment
- Enhanced research, writing, and digital communication skills
- Insight into the operations of the United Nations system
This internship is especially useful for those pursuing careers in international development, media relations, nonprofit communications, public policy, or advocacy work.
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Why Apply for the UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship
The UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship offers more than routine administrative work. Interns contribute directly to global development communication efforts that influence public awareness and policy dialogue. It is an opportunity to:
- Build a professional portfolio
- Gain international work experience
- Network with development and communications professionals
- Strengthen employability in both public and nonprofit sectors
- Learn how large institutions communicate complex social and economic issues
Interns also gain insight into how advocacy campaigns are designed, implemented, and evaluated within a major international organisation.
Application Process
Applicants for the UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship are required to submit:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- A motivation or cover letter explaining interest in the internship
- Proof of academic enrolment or recent graduation
- Any supporting documents requested in the vacancy notice
Applications must be submitted through the official UNDP recruitment system before the stated deadline. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted for further assessment.
Final Summary
The UNDP Media and Advocacy Internship is a structured learning opportunity for students and recent graduates who want to gain professional experience in development communications and advocacy. It combines practical skills training with meaningful contributions to UNDP’s mission of promoting sustainable development and social progress worldwide.
For candidates passionate about media, storytelling, and international development, this internship provides a strong foundation for future careers in global communications and policy engagement.
Disclaimer: The Business Pulse shares verified opportunities from trusted sources. We are not a recruiting agency and do not request any payment for applications.
Head of Business Development, Alula Animation. With 10 years in advertising and sustained involvement in startups and entrepreneurship since graduating from business school and the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Beloved researches and writes practical business analysis and verified job-market insights for The Business Pulse Africa.
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