Voluntary Internship Programme

Duration: 3-4 months, June 2026-October 2026

Type: Voluntary Internship

Mode: Hybrid (All New Zealand) and In-Person (Wellington-based) Roles,

About UNA NZ

The United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNA NZ) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the values and work of the United Nations, including peace, human rights, sustainable development, and international cooperation. As the people’s movement for the United Nations in New Zealand, UNA NZ empowers individuals to contribute to global citizenship and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through advocacy, education and community engagement.

About the Internship Programme

UNA NZ is offering five voluntary internship positions for motivated and globally-minded individuals seeking practical experience in international affairs, advocacy, and non-profit operations. Interns will contribute to national initiatives and some branch-level activities, gaining exposure to programme delivery, communications, and stakeholder engagement.  

The internship is voluntary and is not paid. The internship includes a completion certificate from UNA NZ at the end of the programme.  The internship can be utilised for course credit with your university or tertiary institution in New Zealand where pre-arranged with the National Office and your educational institution; please note enrolment in a tertiary institution is not a requirement of the internship.  

Available Internship Positions

National Office (All of New Zealand - Hybrid)

• Events & Partnerships Intern
• Communications & Media Intern
• Administration & Data Intern

Wellington Branch (Wellington only - In-Person)

• Communications & Media Intern
• Administration & Coordination Intern

Please read the Internship Description for a breakdown of the specific roles and activities.

Key Benefits

• Hands-on experience in a nationally and globally recognised organisation
• Opportunity to work on topics related to international affairs, diplomacy and sustainable development
• Networking opportunities across the UNA NZ and wider civil society community, including the public sector in New Zealand and parts of the UN system in the Pacific
• Certificate of completion upon successful participation

General Requirements (All Roles)

See the Internship Description for a breakdown of role-specific skills. General requirements include:

• Interest in the United Nations and global issues
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach
• Are a New Zealand citizen or have existing authorisation to be in New Zealand for the duration of the internship

To be eligible for the role an applicant must:

• Be 18 years or older at the time of application
• Be able to commit 3-7 hours per week for 3-4 months of the internship, with some degree for flexibility
• Is a New Zealand citizen or have existing authorisation to be in New Zealand for the duration of the internship (no individuals pending visa authorisation to be in New Zealand at the time of application will be accepted)

Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting logistical preparations and responsibilities for special high-level events
• Assisting with interactive presentations with members of the public and/or interested parties
• Developing information documents and materials
• Utilising graphic design or creative media tools
• Compiling statistics and managing databases
• Reporting progress to the internship supervisor per week

The goals and activities of your specific internship will be detailed in a separate document, agreed to at the commencement of the programme.

Values

At the core of the United Nations there are three key values:    

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity 

As a UNA NZ intern you will be expected to incorporate these values into your work ethic at all times. In accepting an internship with the United Nations Association, you acknowledge that you are its representative and understand that your actions therefore reflect this responsibility. 

Application Process

Applicants should submit a 1-page motivation letter indicating preferred role, availability and interest in this internship, in addition to a 2-page curriculum vitae by 11.59pm NZT 20th of May 2026. Your submission and any questions regarding the internship programme should be provided to office@unanz.org.nz