UNDP Sri Lanka Internship in Colombo . Our platform is sharing an exciting internship opportunity with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka. This six-month, full-time internship is ideal for recent graduates or postgraduate students in fields like Development Studies, Economics, Political Science, or International Relations. Based in Colombo, interns will gain hands-on experience in inclusive governance, sustainable growth, and project management within a leading UN agency. If you have strong research, analytical, and communication skills and a passion for sustainable development, this UNDP internship offers invaluable professional experience. Please note that this is an external advertisement, and all applications must be submitted through the official UNDP portal before the deadline.
Background & Job Description
We are pleased to advertise an Internship opportunity with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. UNDP is the UN’s global development network, championing sustainable development, poverty reduction, and crisis resilience in over 170 countries. In Sri Lanka, UNDP has been a key partner for decades, supporting national efforts across democratic governance, climate action, and inclusive economic growth.
This internship is hosted within UNDP Sri Lanka’s dynamic teams working on Inclusive Growth. Interns will be assigned to one of two primary teams:
- The Inclusive Governance Team (IGT): This team operates under the SDG 16 Portfolio, focusing on critical issues like governance reforms, access to justice, social cohesion, and ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in policymaking and decision-making processes.
- The Sustainable Growth Team (SGT): This team concentrates on economic recovery, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. It engages in vital research, proposal development, and donor engagement to address Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges in the wake of COVID-19 and the recent economic crisis.
This role is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience in international development. Interns will work under the close guidance of experienced supervisors, such as Project Managers or Technical Specialists, gaining practical, real-world exposure to project cycles, stakeholder engagement, and the internal operations of a major UN agency. The internship is based in Colombo with potential opportunities for field travel, dependent on project needs.
UNDP PAID Internship 2025: Gain Experience in Inclusive Growth & Governance
Tasks and Responsibilities
The following tasks outline the potential responsibilities for the selected intern, as per the official UNDP vacancy announcement.
- Research and Data Analysis: Support teams by gathering, analyzing, and maintaining data for ongoing and upcoming projects. Assist in preparing research documents, reports, and background briefs to inform project development and implementation.
- Project Development Support: Contribute to the creation of new projects by assisting in the development of pipeline initiatives, concept notes, and full project proposals. Help update and maintain project work plans, timelines, and other essential documentation.
- Administrative and Logistical Assistance: Provide crucial day-to-day administrative support, including organizing meetings, maintaining project records, and managing documentation. Assist in the coordination of workshops, meetings, and events, handling logistics and communicating with participants.
- Knowledge Management and Communications: Develop knowledge products such as presentations, reports, and briefing materials. Support the communications team by helping to prepare content for newsletters, social media platforms, and other outreach materials to highlight UNDP’s impact in Sri Lanka.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Monitoring: Engage with team members and external partners, including government agencies, to ensure effective collaboration. Assist in monitoring project progress, collecting feedback, and providing updates to the team for evaluation and reporting purposes.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum eligibility requirements as specified by UNDP for its internship programme. Our website is relaying this information to assist potential candidates.
Education and Certification
- Applicants must, at the time of application, meet one of the following conditions:
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (e.g., a master’s program or higher).
- Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (e.g., bachelor’s degree or equivalent).
- Have recently graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation.
- Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program and undertake the internship as part of this program.
- Fields of study such as Development Studies, Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Law, Social Sciences, or related areas are highly relevant.
Work Experience
- No prior professional work experience is required for this internship position.
- However, demonstrated experience through academic work, volunteer roles, or previous internships in areas like research, data analysis, event coordination, or report writing will be considered a strong asset.
- Experience working in a multicultural environment is desirable.
Languages and Competencies
- Fluency in English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills, is required.
- Knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is a desired asset.
- Key competencies for this role include: Strong attention to detail, Adaptability, Problem-solving skills, Effective Communication, Organizational skills, an Analytical mindset, and Cultural awareness.
Additional Information
This section contains critical details for applicants. We strongly advise all interested candidates to read this carefully and verify all information on the official UNDP jobs portal.
- Contract Duration: This is a 6-month full-time internship.
- Duty Station: The role is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.
- Apply Before: The final deadline for applications is 04 November 2025, 08:29 PM (local Sri Lanka time). The vacancy timeline is only one week, so prompt application is essential.
- Financial Considerations: This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses. They are also responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of the internship.
- Family Relationship Policy: Children or siblings of UNDP staff members are not eligible to apply. Other relatives may be engaged under specific conditions, ensuring no direct reporting lines.
- Application Process: Applications must be submitted through the official UNDP careers portal. Our website is an independent platform and does not manage any part of the application process.
- Equal Opportunity: UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and sexual exploitation. As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP strongly encourages applications from individuals belonging to marginalized or underrepresented communities.
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