Are you a university student or recent graduate looking for an opportunity to gain international work experience? UNRWA Internships provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to humanitarian and development work.
The UNRWA Internship Program allows qualified candidates to work in areas such as education, health, social work, protection, communications, advocacy, planning, finance, human resources, legal affairs, and external relations.
UNRWA Internships – Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) |
| Program | UNRWA Internships |
| Eligible applicants | University students, final-year undergraduate students and graduate students/recent graduates |
| Work experience | Not required |
| Minimum education | Final year of a bachelor’s degree or graduate-level study |
| Language | Working knowledge of English required |
| Duration | 6 weeks to 11 months |
| Workload | Full-time or part-time |
| Full-time hours | Approximately 35–40 hours per week |
| Work arrangement | In-person, remote or hybrid, depending on the assignment |
| Funding | Unpaid |
| Application platform | UN Careers / Inspira |
| Application fee | No application fee is indicated |
What Are UNRWA Internships?
The UNRWA Internship Program is designed to give students and recent graduates practical exposure to humanitarian and international development work.
Interns have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a professional environment and learn how a United Nations agency operates. The experience can include participating in professional meetings, preparing reports, analyzing quantitative data, using analytical frameworks, and supporting the work of UNRWA teams.
For students interested in international development internships, United Nations internships, humanitarian internships, and global development careers, an UNRWA Internship can provide valuable practical exposure.
Where Are UNRWA Internships Available?
UNRWA Internships may be available through different UNRWA offices and locations.
Opportunities mentioned by UNRWA include:
- UNRWA Headquarters in Amman, Jordan
- Field Offices in Jordan
- Field Offices in Lebanon
- Field Offices in the West Bank
- Representation Offices in New York
- Representation Offices in Brussels
- Representation Offices in Washington
The availability of a specific internship depends on current vacancies and the needs of the relevant UNRWA department.
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UNRWA Internships Areas of Work
UNRWA Internships can provide exposure to a wide range of professional fields. Depending on the available internship position, interns may contribute to areas including:
- Education
- Health
- Social work
- Protection
- Communications
- Advocacy
- Planning
- External relations
- Legal affairs
- Finance
- Human resources
This makes UNRWA Internships potentially relevant to students and graduates from different academic and professional backgrounds.
UNRWA Internships Requirements
To apply for an UNRWA Internship, applicants must meet one of the educational conditions specified by UNRWA.
1. Graduate-Level Applicants
Applicants can be:
- Enrolled in a graduate school program, such as a second university degree or equivalent or higher; or
- Applicants who recently completed such a graduate program within the previous 12 months.
2. Final-Year Undergraduate Applicants
Applicants can also be:
- Enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree program at the minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent; or
- Applicants who recently completed the final academic year within the previous 12 months.
3. Language Requirement
Applicants must have a working knowledge of English.
Knowledge of one or more of the UN’s other working languages is preferable. These include:
- Arabic
- French
- Spanish
- Russian
- Chinese
Therefore, when considering UNRWA Internship eligibility, applicants should make sure that they satisfy the education and language requirements before applying.
Do You Need Work Experience for UNRWA Internships?
No previous work experience is required for UNRWA Internships.
This is one of the important features of the UNRWA Internship Program for students and recent graduates.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their education, training, advanced coursework, knowledge, or skills could benefit UNRWA during the internship.
For students searching for internships with no work experience, the UNRWA Internship Program can therefore be an option worth exploring.
What Can You Gain From an UNRWA Internship?
An UNRWA Internship provides practical exposure to humanitarian and international development work.
Depending on the assignment, interns can develop skills and experience in areas such as:
- Report writing
- Quantitative data analysis
- Professional communication
- Research
- Planning
- Analytical thinking
- Teamwork
- Humanitarian and development operations
- Understanding UN systems and structures
- Professional meeting participation
UNRWA describes the internship environment as fast-paced and suitable for motivated and innovative individuals who are willing to share their perspectives and learn from others.
UNRWA Internship Duration
The UNRWA Internship duration can range from 6 weeks to a maximum of 11 months.
The exact duration depends on the particular internship opportunity and the assigned work.
Applicants should therefore check the individual internship vacancy for specific information about the expected internship period.
UNRWA Internship Working Hours
UNRWA Internships can be either full-time or part-time.
For full-time internships, the workload is approximately 35–40 hours per week.
Depending on the assignment and agreement with the supervisor, an internship may be:
- In person
- Remote
- Hybrid
Remote work is possible where the nature of the assigned duties allows it and where the supervisor agrees to the arrangement.
Is the UNRWA Internship Paid?
One of the most important points applicants should understand is that UNRWA Internships are unpaid.
According to the provided UNRWA internship information, the internship is not financially remunerated by UNRWA.
Interns are responsible for costs associated with:
- Travel
- Visas
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
However, some governments and educational institutions may provide scholarships or financial support for internship experiences.
Applicants should therefore investigate possible funding through their university, government, scholarship providers, or other sponsoring institutions before accepting an internship.
Who Should Apply for UNRWA Internships?
The UNRWA Internship Program may be suitable for:
- Final-year bachelor’s students
- Recent bachelor’s graduates within the specified 12-month period
- Graduate students
- Recent graduate-level students within the specified 12-month period
- Students interested in humanitarian work
- Students interested in international development
- Applicants interested in United Nations careers
- Candidates seeking international professional experience
- Applicants who want to develop practical workplace skills without requiring previous work experience
How to Apply for UNRWA Internships
The UNRWA Internship application process is conducted through the UN’s recruitment system.
Applicants should follow these general steps:
Step 1: Check the Eligibility Requirements
Before starting an application, confirm that you meet the educational and language requirements for the internship.
Step 2: Search for Available Internship Positions
Review the available UN internship opportunities and identify positions that match your academic background, skills, and interests.
Step 3: Read the Job Description Carefully
Each UNRWA Internship opportunity may have specific responsibilities and qualifications.
Read the vacancy carefully before applying.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Make sure the information in your application accurately reflects your:
- Academic qualifications
- Relevant coursework
- Skills
- Training
- Experience
- Language abilities
- Professional interests
Because previous work experience is not required, students should emphasize relevant education, coursework, projects, skills, and training.
Step 5: Submit the Application Through the Official UN Careers System
Follow the instructions provided in the official UN recruitment platform and submit your application according to the requirements of the specific internship vacancy.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Before applying for an UNRWA Internship, keep these points in mind:
1. The internship is unpaid.
UNRWA does not financially remunerate interns.
2. Previous work experience is not required.
Applicants can qualify based on their education, training, coursework, and skills.
3. The internship can last from 6 weeks to 11 months.
4. Full-time internships generally require 35–40 hours per week.
5. Remote and hybrid arrangements may be possible.
This depends on the assigned duties and supervisor agreement.
6. Applicants need working knowledge of English.
7. Educational eligibility is important.
Applicants should be in the final academic year of a first university degree or enrolled in/recently completed an eligible graduate program.
Frequently Asked Questions About UNRWA Internships
Is UNRWA Internship open to students?
Yes. UNRWA Internships are intended for eligible students and recent graduates, including final-year undergraduate students and graduate-level students/recent graduates who meet the stated requirements.
Can I apply for an UNRWA Internship without work experience?
Yes. No previous work experience is required for UNRWA Internships. Your education, training, advanced coursework, and skills should be relevant to the internship.
How long is an UNRWA Internship?
The UNRWA Internship duration can be as short as 6 weeks and can extend to a maximum of 11 months.
Is UNRWA Internship fully funded?
No. The UNRWA Internship is unpaid. UNRWA does not provide financial remuneration, and interns are responsible for travel, visa, accommodation, and living costs. Some governments and educational institutions may offer funding for internship experiences.
How many hours do UNRWA interns work?
Full-time UNRWA Internships generally involve 35–40 hours per week. Part-time arrangements are also possible.
Can an UNRWA Internship be remote?
Yes, remote internships may be possible depending on the assigned tasks and agreement with the supervisor. Some positions may instead require in-person or hybrid participation.
What fields are available through UNRWA Internships?
Potential fields include education, health, social work, protection, communications, advocacy, planning, external relations, legal affairs, finance, and human resources.
Where can UNRWA interns work?
Internship opportunities may be available at UNRWA Headquarters in Amman, field offices in Jordan, Lebanon and the West Bank, and representation offices in New York, Brussels and Washington.
Why Consider an UNRWA Internship?
For students and recent graduates interested in humanitarian internships, international development internships, UN internships, and international careers, the UNRWA Internship Program can provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional humanitarian environment.
The program can help eligible candidates connect their academic knowledge with real-world responsibilities while learning about the mandate, structure, and operational processes of a United Nations agency.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to applicants who want to build skills in areas such as communications, analysis, reporting, planning, advocacy, development, humanitarian affairs, finance, education, health, or social work.
UNRWA Internships – Key Takeaways
Here is a quick summary of the UNRWA Internship Program:
- Program: UNRWA Internships
- Organization: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
- Target applicants: Students and recent graduates
- Education: Final year of bachelor’s study or eligible graduate-level study
- Recent graduates: Generally within 12 months of completing the relevant program
- Work experience: Not required
- English: Working knowledge required
- Other languages: Knowledge of UN working languages is preferred
- Duration: 6 weeks to 11 months
- Workload: Full-time or part-time
- Full-time: 35–40 hours per week
- Format: In-person, remote, or hybrid depending on the assignment
- Salary: Unpaid
- Travel and living costs: Responsibility of the intern or sponsoring institution
- Application: Through the UN Careers recruitment system
Final Thoughts on UNRWA Internships
UNRWA Internships offer eligible students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in humanitarian and international development work.
With no previous work experience required, the program can be relevant to candidates who want to apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment and develop skills in areas such as reporting, data analysis, communications, planning, advocacy, education, health, social work, finance, and human resources.
Applicants should carefully review each available internship vacancy because specific positions may have additional requirements, responsibilities, or working arrangements.
Official UNRWA Internship Application Link
For the latest internship vacancies and to begin the UNRWA Internship application, use the official UN Careers recruitment platform:
👉 Apply for UNRWA Internships – Official UN Careers Application
For general information about the program, applicants can also visit the official internship page: Official UNRWA Internships Page
Note: Internship vacancies, availability, eligibility details, and application instructions can change. Always verify the specific vacancy and requirements on the official UN recruitment platform before submitting an application.
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