The United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) is a UN body dedicated to policy-oriented research on the social dimensions of contemporary development challenges. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, UNRISD engages with researchers, policymakers, and civil society to generate knowledge that informs social development policy at national and international levels. As part of the UN system, UNRISD offers a unique platform for students and recent graduates interested in development studies, social policy, and international relations to gain direct exposure to UN research and institutional work.

Why You Should Apply

This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical work experience with a UN research institute, working alongside renowned researchers and policy experts in a genuinely international, multicultural setting. Interns get to directly support the Office of the Director, contributing to research projects, publications, meetings, and strategic discussions — exposure that goes well beyond typical entry-level internship tasks. The experience helps expand professional networks and significantly strengthens a candidate's profile for future careers in international development, policy research, or the UN system.

About the Post

Selected interns will work closely with the Office of the Director at UNRISD, supporting a range of research and administrative functions. Core responsibilities include conducting policy research and literature reviews, supporting policy analysis, attending meetings and preparing reports, assisting with organizing meetings for the Director's office, preparing meeting minutes and following up on action points, and supporting broader administrative tasks. The role offers well-rounded exposure to both the research and operational sides of running a UN institute's leadership office.

Recruitment Overview

UNRISD has opened applications for its Research Internship 2026, a full-time internship based in Geneva, Switzerland, within the Office of the Director. The internship duration ranges from 3 to 6 months, with the internship period running from September 2026 to March 2027. Applications are submitted entirely online through the official UNRISD application portal. The application deadline is August 16, 2026, at 23:59 Central European Time.

Important Dates

EventDate
Application Opening DateNot mentioned
Application DeadlineAugust 16, 2026 (23:59 Central European Time)
Internship Start DateSeptember 2026
Internship End DateMarch 2027
Result/Selection DateNot mentioned

Vacancy Details

Specific numerical vacancy figures (number of internship positions available) are not mentioned in the available information. The internship is for the role of Research Intern under the Office of the Director at UNRISD, Geneva.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit: Not mentioned in the available information.

Educational Qualification: Applicants must be enrolled in the final year of a bachelor's degree, or be a Master's or PhD student, or have graduated from a university degree in one of the qualifying fields, with an academic background in social sciences, development studies, economics, political science, international relations, public policy, or related fields.

Experience: Not mentioned as a mandatory prior professional experience requirement; the internship is designed for students and recent graduates.

Nationality: Not explicitly restricted by nationality in the available information.

Other Requirements:

  • Strong written and spoken English skills
  • Ability to work in a multicultural work environment
  • Genuine interest in contributing to research and policy analysis
  • Applicants must be based in Geneva to attend in-person meetings

Physical Standards

Not applicable for this internship.

Salary/Pay Scale

Not mentioned in the available information.

Selection Process

Detailed information on interview rounds or specific shortlisting criteria beyond application/document review is not mentioned in the available information. Selection is based on the submitted online application, including the CV and cover letter, evaluated against the stated eligibility criteria.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Not applicable — there is no written examination for this internship; selection is based on application review.

Application Fee

No application fee is required for the UNRISD Research Internship 2026.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official UNRISD application portal at https://www.unrisd.org/en/about/vacancies/research-intern-2026.
  2. Confirm your eligibility — ensure you are in your final year of a bachelor's degree, a Master's/PhD student, or a recent graduate in a qualifying field, and that you are able to be based in Geneva for in-person meetings.
  3. Prepare an updated CV highlighting your academic background and any relevant skills or experience.
  4. Draft a short cover letter explaining your motivation for applying, relevant skills and experience, and your preferred internship period.
  5. Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details.
  6. Upload your CV and cover letter as specified in the application portal.
  7. Review your application materials carefully before final submission.
  8. Submit your application online before the deadline of August 16, 2026 (23:59 Central European Time).
  9. Monitor your registered email for further communication regarding your application status.

Documents Required

Updated CV, and a short cover letter explaining your motivation for applying, relevant skills and experience, and your preferred internship period.

Important Instructions

  • No application fee is required for this internship.
  • Applicants must be based in Geneva, as the role requires attending in-person meetings.
  • The cover letter should specifically address motivation, relevant skills/experience, and preferred internship period, as required by the application format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the UNRISD Research Internship 2026? A1. It is a full-time, 3-6 month internship with the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, based in Geneva, Switzerland, within the Office of the Director, offering exposure to policy-oriented research and institutional work.

Q2. Who is eligible to apply for this internship? A2. Final-year bachelor's students, Master's or PhD students, or recent graduates in social sciences, development studies, economics, political science, international relations, public policy, or related fields, who can be based in Geneva, are eligible.

Q3. What is the last date to apply for the UNRISD Internship 2026? A3. The application deadline is August 16, 2026, at 23:59 Central European Time.

Q4. What is the duration of the UNRISD internship? A4. The internship duration ranges from 3 to 6 months, running from September 2026 to March 2027.

Q5. Is there a stipend for this internship? A5. Stipend/salary details are not mentioned in the available information; applicants are advised to check the official UNRISD application portal for specifics.

Q6. Is there an application fee for this internship? A6. No, no application fee is required.

Q7. Do applicants need to be physically present in Geneva? A7. Yes, applicants must be based in Geneva to attend in-person meetings as part of the internship.

Important Links

Conclusion

The UNRISD Research Internship 2026 offers students and recent graduates in social sciences, development studies, and related fields a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a UN research institute in Geneva, working directly with the Office of the Director on meaningful policy research and institutional work. Eligible candidates based in Geneva are encouraged to prepare a strong CV and cover letter and submit their application before the deadline of August 16, 2026. For more such international internship and career updates, keep visiting certifica.in.