UN Intern – Political Affairs 2026

The United Nations is inviting applications for an Intern – Political Affairs position within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations Shared Structure in New York. The internship offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in international affairs, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, political analysis, and the work of the United Nations.

The position is listed as Job Opening ID 282047 and falls under the Political Affairs job family. It is an I-1 internship position and is intended for candidates interested in developing professional experience in the field of international peace and security. The UN Careers portal lists the work location as flexible, with a strong preference for in-person participation in New York.

About the UN Political Affairs Internship

The United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) play important roles in supporting international peace and security. Their work includes conflict prevention, political analysis, mediation, peacebuilding, electoral assistance, and support for peace processes.

This internship is located within the shared structure of these two departments, giving the successful candidate an opportunity to gain insight into how the UN approaches complex political and peace and security issues.

As a Political Affairs intern, the selected candidate may support research, analysis, reporting, coordination, and other activities connected to the work of the department. The role is particularly relevant for students who want to understand how international organizations respond to political developments and conflicts.

The position is based in New York, although the official vacancy notice states that the work location is flexible, with a strong preference for in-person work. Applicants should therefore be prepared for the possibility of working from the UN's New York location.

Programme Benefits

The UN Political Affairs Internship provides valuable professional exposure to the work of a major international organization.

Benefits of the opportunity include:

• Practical experience within the United Nations.
• Exposure to international political and peacebuilding work.
• Opportunity to work alongside UN professionals.
• Experience in political research and analysis.
• Opportunity to strengthen professional and analytical skills.
• Exposure to international peace and security issues.
• Opportunity to build an international professional network.
• Experience that can strengthen a CV for future careers in international affairs.
• Insight into the work of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations.

Eligibility Criteria

The opportunity is intended for candidates interested in political affairs and related areas of international work. Applicants should have an academic background or demonstrated interest relevant to the responsibilities of the internship.

Relevant backgrounds may include:

• International Relations
• Political Science
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• International Development
• Law
• Security Studies
• Public Policy
• Government
• Diplomacy
• Area Studies
• Social Sciences
• History
• Economics

Available Areas Of Study

The internship is relevant to students and graduates interested in a range of disciplines connected to international affairs.

These include:

• Political Affairs
• International Relations
• Political Science
• Peacebuilding
• Conflict Prevention
• Peace and Security
• Diplomacy
• International Law
• Security Studies
• Public Policy
• International Development
• Governance
• Human Rights
• Regional Studies

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the information required by the United Nations online recruitment system.

This may include:

• Updated CV or Personal History Profile.
• Academic information.
• Details of educational qualifications.
• Information about previous experience.
• Language information.
• Responses to application questions.
• Any additional materials requested through the UN application system.

Selection Criteria

The selection process will consider the candidate's suitability for the internship and their ability to contribute to the work of the department.

Relevant factors may include:

• Academic background.
• Interest in political affairs and international peace and security.
• Research and analytical ability.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Relevant academic or professional experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Professional motivation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

How To Apply

Interested candidates should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official United Nations Careers website.
2. Search for Job Opening ID 282047.
3. Review the complete vacancy announcement and eligibility requirements.
4. Prepare your CV and relevant academic information.
5. Complete the online UN application.
6. Provide accurate information about your education, skills, and experience.
7. Review the application carefully.
8. Submit the application before the deadline.