UNDP SART Intern UNDP Research Internship Stipend

Are you looking for a prestigious United Nations internship in research, economics, and policy analysis? The UNDP SART Intern 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for graduate students to gain practical experience at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) while supporting development research across Africa. Based in New York, United States
, this internship provides hands‑on experience in data analysis, policy writing, economic research, and strategic development planning within the Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA).

The UNDP SART Intern 2026 is ideal for Master’s and PhD students interested in international development, economics, public policy, political science, and research.

Program

UNDP SART Intern 2026

Organization United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Position SART Intern

Duty Station New York, United States

Job Type Full-Time Internship

Bureau Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA)

Practice Area Management

Contract Duration 3 Months (Extendable to 4 Months)

Grade IN

Education Master’s or Doctoral Students

Language English Required

French Desirable

Final date to receive applications 18 July 2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development agency working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable development worldwide.

The Regional Bureau for Africa supports 46 UNDP Country Offices across Sub‑Saharan Africa by providing strategic guidance, policy advice, development research, and technical support.

The Strategy, Analysis and Research Team (SART) delivers research‑driven policy recommendations that help governments and development partners respond to Africa’s most pressing development challenges.

The UNDP SART Intern 2026 provides graduate students with valuable exposure to international development policy and economic research.

Interns work directly with experts on projects involving:

• Development research
• Economic analysis
• Data interpretation
• Policy recommendations
• Strategic planning
• Knowledge management
• Event coordination
• Briefing preparation

This internship allows participants to understand how research supports UNDP’s development programmes across Africa.

Successful candidates will assist the SART team by:

• Analyzing statistical and development data
• Conducting economic and policy research
• Supporting the preparation of reports
• Writing policy briefs
• Drafting briefing notes
• Preparing talking points
• Organizing workshops and events
• Assisting with outreach and communications
• Supporting administrative activities
• Collecting information from multiple research sources

Applicants should possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Development Studies, Political Science or a related field
• Current enrollment in a Master’s or PhD programme

Previous UN experience is not mandatory.

Applicants should demonstrate knowledge in:

• Communication
• Research
• Data Analysis
• Economic Analysis
• Policy Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Quantitative Analysis
• Professional Writing

• French

Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an advantage.

Although the internship is unpaid, UNDP provides several valuable benefits, including:

• Monthly stipend to support daily living expenses
• International UN work experience
• Research experience
• Networking opportunities
• Practical UN experience
• Collaboration with global experts
• Professional references

Estimated Monthly Stipend:
USD $800–$1,500 (varies by duty station and UNDP policy).

The UNDP SART Intern 2026 is suitable for students studying:

• Economics
• Development Economics
• Political Science
• International Development
• Public Policy
• International Relations
• Statistics
• Data Science
• Public Administration
• Social Sciences

The UNDP SART Intern 2026 stands out because interns contribute to high‑level development research that influences policy across Africa. Participants gain practical experience working with economists, researchers, policy specialists, and development professionals while strengthening analytical, research, and communication skills within one of the world’s leading…