UNDP Is Hiring a Visionary Legal Intern – Administrative Law Team: A Gateway to Global Public Service (Apply by 15 January 2026)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has opened applications for an exciting Legal Intern position within its Administrative Law Team, based in New York, United States. This internship offers aspiring legal professionals a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience inside one of the world’s most influential international development organizations while contributing to meaningful global work.
As the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and build resilient institutions that support sustainable development. Its mission is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on sustainable development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience. Interns at UNDP are immersed in this global mandate, gaining exposure to international law, policy, and governance in practice.
About the Office of Legal Services and the Administrative Law Team
The internship is hosted within the Office of Legal Services (OLS) under the Bureau for Management Services. OLS acts as in-house legal counsel to UNDP, advising on a wide range of legal matters related to the organization’s operations. It is structured into three operational teams: the Corporate and Institutional Team, the Programmes and Projects Team, and the Administrative Law Team (AL).
The Administrative Law Team plays a critical role in advising senior management, country offices, and affiliated programmes on legal issues related to staff administration and UN Volunteers. Its responsibilities include reviewing and advising on policies and procedures, handling investigations into alleged misconduct, managing appeals against administrative decisions, and representing UNDP in litigation before the internal UN justice system. This makes the internship particularly valuable for candidates interested in administrative law, employment law, or international public service.
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Key Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities
Under the supervision of a Senior Legal Advisor, the Legal Intern will support AL Team lawyers in a variety of substantive tasks. These include conducting in-depth legal research based on UN Staff Regulations and Rules, as well as the jurisprudence of United Nations Administrative Tribunals. Interns will analyze investigation reports, identify legal and factual issues in disciplinary processes, and assist with legal analysis on cases, disputes, and inquiries.
The role also involves drafting legal documents such as formal correspondence, administrative decisions, and tribunal submissions. Interns may contribute to reviews of policies and procedures, assist with analysis related to privileges and immunities, and provide general support to ongoing legal work. Collectively, these responsibilities offer a strong foundation in legal writing, research, and analytical thinking within a real-world international context.
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Required Qualifications and Skills
Applicants must be enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a law degree or closely related program. Eligible candidates include postgraduate law students, final-year undergraduate law students, participants in professional legal traineeships, or recent graduates who can begin the internship within one year of graduation. Previous legal research experience and familiarity with the UN system are considered assets.
Fluency in written and spoken English is required, while knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage. Beyond academic credentials, UNDP values candidates who demonstrate strong competencies such as attention to detail, adaptability, innovative thinking, continuous learning, and the ability to work respectfully in diverse and inclusive environments.
Internship Terms and Application Process
The internship is full-time, runs for three months, and includes a monthly stipend that varies by duty station. Interns must cover their own travel and living expenses and provide proof of valid health insurance for the duration of the internship.
To apply, candidates must submit a single PDF document containing a cover letter outlining their motivation and a current CV. Selected candidates will later be required to provide additional documentation, including proof of enrollment or graduation, academic transcripts, and a medical certificate.
Applications close on 15 January 2026, making this an excellent opportunity for motivated law students and graduates seeking international exposure, professional growth, and a chance to contribute to global development through law.
