In the rapidly shifting economic landscape of 2026, the traditional career path is being rewritten by social innovation and purpose-driven work. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently opening doors for the next generation of leaders through its Youth Entrepreneurship Internship Programme. This 6-month initiative is not just an entry-level position; it is a high-level immersion into the world of international development and venture building for social good.
What sets this opportunity apart in 2026 is its focus on the Youth Co:Lab initiative, the largest youth-led social entrepreneurship movement in Asia and the Pacific. This programme offers a paid stipend, addressing one of the most significant barriers to entering the UN system. By providing financial support, the UNDP is ensuring that cognitive diversity and talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The internship matters now because we are in the “Decade of Action,” where local solutions to global problems like climate change and economic inequality are being prioritized. For students and recent graduates, this role stands out as a practical laboratory for learning how to scale startups that don’t just generate profit, but drive systemic change. It provides a unique blend of project management, ecosystem mapping, and high-level diplomatic engagement that few other internships can replicate.
Whether you are passionate about climate tech, gender equality, or digital financial inclusion, this position offers the tools and network to turn that passion into a professional career. This is a chance to move beyond theoretical studies and gain hands-on experience in one of the most influential humanitarian organizations in the world.
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UNDP Youth Entrepreneurship Internship 2026: Launch a Social Impact Career with a Paid Global Programme
Table of Contents
Background & Job Description
The UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities. Within this framework, the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP) focuses on empowering the 700 million young people in the region. The Youth Entrepreneurship Internship is situated within the Youth Empowerment Team, which oversees flagship programmes like Youth Co:Lab and the ACCESS project.
The mission of this team is to position youth as the drivers of development. The internship role is designed to support the implementation of the Regional Youth Project on Leadership, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. By supporting young social entrepreneurs, the intern helps bridge the “innovation gap,” ensuring that marginalized voices have the resources to build sustainable businesses.
This position fits into broader organizational goals by directly contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The intern serves as a vital link between the UNDP’s high-level strategy and the grassroots reality of young founders, ensuring that programme activities remain relevant, tech-forward, and impact-oriented in a post-digital world.
Key Responsibilities
- Social Enterprise Support: Assisting in the management of the Climate Startup Support Programme, helping early-stage founders refine their business models for environmental impact.
- Event Coordination: Providing logistical and substantive support for the Youth Co:Lab Regional Summit, a massive gathering of ecosystem players, investors, and policymakers.
- Ecosystem Mapping: Identifying and documenting key stakeholders in the “Youth Empowerment Alliance,” including government ministries, private sector partners, and academic institutions.
- Research and Analysis: Conducting thematic research on emerging trends such as AI for Social Good or the Circular Economy, which informs the UNDP’s regional strategy.
- Communications and Outreach: Curating success stories from the field to be featured on global platforms, helping to increase the visibility of youth-led innovation.
- Data Management: Utilizing digital tools to track the progress of over 1,200 social enterprises currently supported by the programme, ensuring rigorous impact reporting.
Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Current Students: Must be enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s programme or currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD.
- Recent Graduates: Eligibility extends to those who have graduated within the last 12 months, provided they can start within a year of their graduation date.
- Fields of Study: Degrees in International Development, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, or Environmental Studies are preferred.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory; knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is a distinct advantage.
Experience
- Professional Level: This is an entry-level role, but a demonstrated interest in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and entrepreneurship is essential.
- Technical Competencies:
- High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with digital collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Trello.
- Basic knowledge of data visualization or graphic design tools (e.g., Canva or Power BI) is a plus.
- Domain Expertise: Understanding of the startup ecosystem or experience in community organizing is highly valued.
Why Apply for This Position
Career Growth in the Impact Sector
The UN brand remains the gold standard for careers in international affairs and social impact. Completing this internship places you in an elite group of alumni who often transition into roles within the World Bank, OECD, or major NGOs. In 2026, “purpose-driven” experience is increasingly valued by private sector firms looking for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) specialists.
Unrivaled Networking Potential
You will be working in a “Youth Empowerment Alliance” that includes over 200 ecosystem partners. This is an unprecedented opportunity to build relationships with venture capitalists, government officials, and tech leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. These connections often lead to mentorship opportunities and future job placements.
Cultural and Cognitive Diversity
The UNDP is a melting pot of global perspectives. Working in a multicultural environment helps you develop the “Global Intelligence” (GQ) required for leadership in a 2026 workforce. You will learn to navigate different communication styles and professional norms, which is a critical soft skill in any industry.
Application Tips & Insights
Tailoring Your CV for the UN
The UN uses automated screening systems (ATS) that look for specific keywords. Ensure your resume mentions the Sustainable Development Goals and specifically references any experience with “project coordination,” “stakeholder engagement,” or “impact measurement.” Use a clean, professional format without complex graphics that might confuse the scanner.
The “Motivation Statement” Secret
Your cover letter (or motivation statement) should not just repeat your resume. Instead, tell a story about a time you took initiative to solve a problem. The UNDP is seeking “self-starters” who can thrive in a large, sometimes bureaucratic organization by finding creative ways to move projects forward.
Interview Preparation: The STAR Method
UN interviews are typically competency-based. Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on competencies such as “Planning and Organizing,” “Communication,” and “Teamwork.” Be ready to explain how you handle working with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Additional Information
- Stipend: This is a paid internship. A monthly stipend is provided to help cover basic living costs (the amount varies based on the duty station).
- Work Arrangement: Both in-person (Bangkok/Regional Offices) and remote (home-based) modalities are available for 2026, depending on the specific project needs.
- Duration: The internship typically lasts for 6 months (with a minimum requirement of 6 weeks).
- Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines apply for various intakes, but the primary 2026 Spring cycle closes February 28, 2026.
- Equal Opportunity: The UNDP is committed to workforce diversity. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples are strongly encouraged.
How to Apply
- Visit the Careers Portal: Navigate to the UNDP Jobs site and search for “Youth Entrepreneurship Internship.”
- Create a Profile: You will need to create a candidate profile in the UN’s integrated talent management system.
- Upload Documents: Ensure you have a PDF version of your CV, a Motivation Statement, and proof of your current enrollment or recent graduation.
- Complete the Assessment: Some applications include a short screening questionnaire about your familiarity with the SDGs.
- Submit and Track: Once submitted, you can track your status through the portal. Note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply if I am an international student? Yes. The UNDP accepts applications from students of all nationalities. If the role is in-person, you will be responsible for obtaining your own visa, though the UNDP will provide a supporting letter of invitation.
Q2: Is the stipend enough to live on? The stipend is designed to contribute to your living expenses, not necessarily to cover all costs like a full salary. It is highly recommended that you have supplementary savings or a scholarship to support your stay, especially in higher-cost cities.
Q3: Can I receive academic credit for this internship? Absolutely. The UNDP encourages interns to coordinate with their universities to ensure the 6-month programme counts toward their degree requirements.
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