The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting applications for its Free Legal Internship – Administrative Law Team 2026. This unpaid but prestigious internship offers a unique chance to deepen your understanding of administrative law, international governance, and institutional accountability within the UN system.
Are you a law student dreaming of gaining international legal experience with one of the world’s most renowned global organizations? Here’s your opportunity to build a meaningful legal career foundation.
If you aspire to work in international law, development, or global justice systems, this UNDP Legal Internship 2026 is tailor-made for you. Applications close on 15 January 2026.
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About UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network, working across 170+ countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient institutions.
UNDP focuses on sustainable development, democratic governance, and inclusive economic growth. Beyond policy-level interventions, UNDP also plays a crucial role in strengthening transparency, accountability, and justice within international governance—values that are at the heart of its Legal and Administrative Law Team’s mission.
Headquartered in New York, UNDP plays a vital role in supporting legal processes that define the internal governance framework of the UN. Its Administrative Law Team ensures adherence to justice principles within UNDP’s employment and administrative mechanisms.
About the Internship
The UNDP Legal Internship – Administrative Law Team 2026 is a professional training opportunity designed for students with a strong background in law and an interest in public international administrative law.
You’ll work directly with the legal advisors and administrative law officers at UNDP’s Office of Legal Services (OLS). The internship provides real exposure to how internal justice mechanisms work in a large international organization, such as the UN.
Key Details at a Glance:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Internship Title | Legal Internship – Administrative Law Team |
| Duration | 3–6 months |
| Location | New York, USA (Hybrid/Remote options available) |
| Internship Type | Unpaid (Free Internship Program) |
| Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 |
| Eligible Candidates | Law students or recent graduates |
| Fields Covered | Administrative Law, Employment Law, International Law, Governance |
This opportunity provides the foundation for those interested in a career in international legal advisory, governance policy, and institutional ethics.
Responsibilities
As an intern in the Administrative Law Team, you’ll be involved in key legal activities that support internal justice administration within UNDP and its associated entities.
Your responsibilities include:
- Conducting legal research on cases involving administrative and employment law.
- Drafting legal briefs, case summaries, and reports related to internal disciplinary procedures and appeals.
- Assisting in the review of UN administrative policies, ensuring alignment with internal legal frameworks.
- Supporting the preparation of documents for the UNDP Office of Legal Services (OLS) and UN Dispute Tribunal hearings.
- Participating in policy meetings, workshops, and internal compliance sessions.
- Maintaining case databases and helping with process documentation updates.
The tasks assigned provide meaningful legal experience and offer a real look into how international organizations maintain justice and procedural fairness internally.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure you meet the essential eligibility criteria outlined by UNDP:
Educational Background:
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or postgraduate law program (LLB, LLM, JD, or equivalent).
- Recent graduates from an accredited law program can also apply, provided the internship starts within one year of graduation.
Skills Required:
- Strong academic background in administrative law, international law, or employment law.
- Excellent legal research and drafting skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online legal databases (LexisNexis, Westlaw, etc.).
- Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic) is an asset.
- High attention to detail, analytical thinking, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Preferred:
- Prior internship or academic work related to public administration or international organizations.
- Demonstrated interest in the UN system and human rights governance.
Duration and Work Environment
The internship typically lasts between three to six months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and office needs.
- Mode: The position is primarily in-person at UNDP Headquarters in New York, but hybrid or fully remote arrangements are sometimes available.
- Work Hours: Approximately 35–40 hours per week (Monday to Friday).
- Supervision: Interns report directly to a Legal Officer or Senior Legal Advisor.
Stipend and Benefits
As a UNDP Legal Internship, this position is unpaid — meaning there is no monetary stipend. However, the professional benefits and global exposure far outweigh the lack of financial compensation.
Here are the major advantages:
- Global Exposure: Work directly with UN legal advisors on international administrative justice.
- Professional Growth: Acquire real-world legal experience in international administrative law.
- Network Opportunities: Collaborate with professionals from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds.
- Prestige: Gain a globally recognized certification from the United Nations Development Programme.
- Recommendation and Reference Letters: Exceptional performance is often rewarded with professional recommendations from UN advisors.
Interns who complete their term successfully receive an official UNDP internship certificate — a valued addition to any legal professional’s CV.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Applicants should carefully follow these steps to ensure they complete the submission process correctly:
- Visit the UNDP Jobs Portal: https://jobs.undp.org
- Select the “Legal Internship – Administrative Law Team 2026” post.
- Click on “Apply Now” and complete your profile registration.
- Prepare and upload all required documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter explaining your motivation, academic background, and interest in UNDP administrative law
- Proof of enrollment from your university or degree certificate
- Writing sample (preferably legal or academic work)
- Review all materials and submit your application before 15 January 2026.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews or additional documentation.
How To Apply?
If you are an Interested Candidate, you can apply for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is Offering Free Legal Internship – Administrative Law Team. Apply by 15 Jan 2026. Click Here.
Conclusion
The UNDP Legal Internship – Administrative Law Team 2026 offers far more than academic credit; it’s a globally recognized learning opportunity that transforms law students into future international professionals.
By immersing yourself in real UN administrative law functions, you’ll build deep legal knowledge, gain international insight, and establish connections that can define your career trajectory.
If you’re a law student with ambition, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to global justice, this internship could be your gateway to the world of international law.