Fully Funded UN Traineeships & Graduate Programs 2025.

GRH May 10, 2025

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Explore Fully Funded UN Traineeships and Graduate Programs 2025 with remote work options and placements at UN headquarters worldwide. Apply now to secure a spot with UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, and more.

Fully Funded UN Traineeships & Graduate Programs Now Open

Background & Job Description

The United Nations and its affiliated agencies have opened applications for their 2025 fully funded traineeships and graduate programs. These global opportunities are designed for final-year students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals who are passionate about international development, diplomacy, humanitarian work, public policy, and global governance.

The programs aim to cultivate young talent for future leadership positions within the UN system. Successful applicants will work within diverse international teams, engaging in impactful projects aligned with the UN’s global mission.

Opportunities are offered by leading UN bodies such as:

UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)
UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)
UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
WFP (World Food Programme)

Available positions fall under prestigious schemes such as:

Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme
UN Young Professionals Programme (YPP)
Graduate Traineeships & Internships

These programs offer a structured combination of on-the-job learning, formal training, mentorship, and the possibility of transitioning into full-time roles within the UN.

Tasks

Participants in these UN traineeships and graduate programs may be expected to:

Assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of UN development programs
Conduct research, data analysis, and policy briefs
Draft and edit reports, summaries, and communications material
Coordinate with UN regional and field offices
Participate in workshops, conferences, and global training programs
Support cross-functional teams on issues such as gender equality, climate change, refugee support, or digital innovation

Responsibilities will vary based on placement, agency, and field office needs. Some roles will include field assignments, while others are based in headquarters or offered remotely.

Qualifications

Education and Certification:

Open to:
- Final-year undergraduate students
- Recent graduates
- Postgraduate degree holders
Preferred disciplines:
- International relations
- Law and human rights
- Economics and political science
- Public health and environmental science
- Engineering and technology
- Communications and media studies

Experience:

Entry-level internships: No full-time experience required
Graduate programs/JPO roles: 1–3 years of experience may be required
Must demonstrate:
- A strong academic background
- Proven interest in global development or public service
- Ability to work in multicultural environments
- Excellent verbal and written communication in English
- Knowledge of additional UN languages (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic) is a plus

Additional Information

🌍 Locations:

UN headquarters: New York, Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna, etc.
Field and regional offices: Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East
Remote work options: Available for select placements

💰 Benefits:

All UN graduate and traineeship roles listed under this call are fully funded, offering:

Monthly stipend or salary
Round-trip travel reimbursement
Visa and relocation support
Health insurance coverage
No application fees

⏳ Duration:

Program durations range from 6 to 24 months
Extensions and full-time employment may follow based on performance and organizational need

📝 Application Tip:

Due to high competitiveness, applicants should:

Write a tailored motivation letter aligned with UN values
Showcase global experience, volunteerism, and relevant coursework
Structure your resume using the UN competency framework: communication, teamwork, planning, and adaptability