The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) Internship 2026 offers highly motivated students and recent graduates the chance to gain professional experience within the United Nations Secretariat. Interns work in various departments, including political affairs, human rights, public information, and administration. For Nigerian students, this internship serves as an excellent entry point into the international civil service, providing exposure to the daily operations of global diplomacy at the UN European headquarters.
Eligibility
Candidates must meet the following UN requirements:
- Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or higher) or be in the final year of a first university degree program.
- Candidates who have recently graduated must commence the internship within one year of graduation.
- Fluency in English or French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.
- Applicants must have a strong interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
- While the UN has introduced some paid internship stipends, candidates should be prepared to cover their own travel and living expenses.
Benefits
The UNOG internship provides several career-defining benefits:
- Direct experience working with international civil servants on global issues.
- Invitations to attend UN conferences, briefings, and seminars taking place at the Palais des Nations.
- Access to the UN extensive library and internal learning resources.
- Opportunity to connect with peers and professionals from over 190 countries.
- A certificate and formal evaluation that are highly regarded by global employers.
Application Steps
To apply for a position at UNOG, follow these steps:
- Visit the UN Careers portal (Inspira) and search for Internship with the location set to Geneva.
- Create a Personal History Profile (PHP) in Inspira, ensuring all educational and professional details are accurate.
- Draft a cover letter that explains your motivation and why your skills are a match for the specific department.
- Submit your application through the portal. Note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview or a written assessment.
Deadlines
- Application Deadline: Varying dates throughout 2026 depending on the department.
- Internship Duration: Usually between two to six months.
Official Links
- UN Careers Inspira Portal: https://careers.un.org/
- UNOG Internship Information: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.unog.ch/internships
