United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) Research Internship Program 2026 - Geneva, Switzerland | Apply before last date 8 December 2025

UNRISD Research Internship Program 2026 - Geneva, Switzerland | Apply before last date 8 December 2025

• Conduct research, fact-finding, and literature reviews on social development topics.
• Assist in policy analysis and summarizing insights from reports, papers, and expert discussions.
• Attend and report on meetings, conferences, and policy discussions.
• Support production of UNRISD publications and policy briefs (fact-checking, formatting, citations).
• Assist in organizing and preparing meetings for the Director's office.
• Accompany the Director to meetings, take notes, record action points, and follow up.
• Participate in internal UNRISD meetings related to research and strategy.
• Provide limited administrative support (scheduling, room booking).

• Education in social sciences, development studies, international relations, public policy, or related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills, experience in literature reviews and policy analysis.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English; additional UN languages are an asset.
• Familiarity with global social development agendas, including the SDGs.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks.

This internship is designed for motivated individuals interested in contributing to research, policy analysis, and knowledge dissemination on key social development issues. Interns will work directly with the Director's office and gain exposure to interdisciplinary research and global development policy.

• Start dates are flexible and will be mutually agreed upon.
• Interns must be based in Geneva or available to attend in-person meetings when required.
• Interns are not financially remunerated.
• UNRISD does not cover travel expenses or mandatory medical insurance.

Through this internship, you will gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and knowledge dissemination. You will work on key social development issues, interact with experts, and contribute to impactful UN publications and policy briefs.

UNRISD is an autonomous research institute within the UN system, focused on social dimensions of contemporary development issues. Its mission is to ensure social equity, inclusion, and justice are central to development thinking, policy, and practice.

• Exposure to global research and policy work.
• Opportunity to work with leading experts in social development.
• Hands-on experience in research, policy analysis, and publication production.
• Networking opportunities within the UN system.

• Enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or higher).
• Enrolled in the final year of a first university degree (minimum Bachelor’s level).
• Graduated with a university degree and commence internship within one year of graduation.

No specific age limit mentioned.

Graduate or undergraduate degree in social sciences, development studies, international relations, public policy, or related field.

Not specified; open to all eligible candidates.

No application fee mentioned.

Shortlisting based on CV and cover letter. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Submit a CV and a short cover letter outlining motivation, relevant skills, and preferred internship period via the official application link on the UNRISD website.

• Apply Online
• Official Website

• Is the internship paid? No, interns are not financially remunerated.
• Do I need to be in Geneva? Yes, interns must be based in Geneva or available to attend in-person meetings.
• How long is the internship? 3–6 months, January to July 2026.
• Can I apply after graduation? Yes, if you commence within one year of graduation.
• Are travel expenses covered? No, UNRISD does not cover travel or medical insurance.