UNMAS Humanitarian Affairs Internship in Switzerland 2026

Introduction

Are you a graduate student or recent graduate passionate about international humanitarian law and disarmament? Do you want to build your expertise in humanitarian affairs within the world’s leading global hub for diplomacy? The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is now accepting applications for its Humanitarian Affairs Internship based in Geneva, Switzerland.

This six-month, full-time internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the United Nations Office at Geneva. As an intern, you will directly support UNMAS advocacy priorities, assist in organizing the 30th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors (NDM-UN30), and monitor crucial Human Rights Council deliberations. Established in 1997, UNMAS plays a critical role in coordinating UN mine action and mitigating the impact of explosive ordnance globally.

If you are ready to make a tangible contribution to global humanitarian efforts and gain invaluable experience within the UN system, read on to discover the eligibility criteria, internship duties, and how to apply before the September 19 deadline.

Quick Overview

Provider	United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)
Country / Location	Geneva, Switzerland
Program Type	Internship
Funding	Unpaid (Costs covered by intern/sponsor)
Open To	All Nationalities
Deadline	September 19, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this internship paid?

No, the internship is unpaid. All costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses must be covered by the intern or a sponsoring institution.

Do I need professional work experience to apply?

No, applicants to the UN Internship Programme are not required to have professional work experience.

Can I apply if I have already graduated?

Yes, you can apply if you have recently completed a graduate school programme or a first university degree (minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a closely related field.

Is remote work possible for this internship?

No, this internship is in person and full-time (35 hours per week) on the United Nations premises in Geneva, Switzerland.

When preparing your online application, ensure you include

A complete online Personal History Profile (including all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references).

A Motivational Statement detailing

The title of the degree you are currently pursuing.

Your graduation date.

Why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.

Your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme.

Your preferred start date (start and end dates are flexible).

Proof of meeting the academic enrollment/completion criteria (official certificate will be required at a later stage).

To be eligible for the UNMAS Humanitarian Affairs Internship, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

You must meet one of the following academic criteria

Be enrolled in, or have completed, a graduate school programme (Master’s, Ph.D., or equivalent).

Be enrolled in, or have completed, the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).

Your field of study must be closely related to humanitarian affairs, international relations, or a related discipline.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required.

Knowledge of French is required.

Skills & Competencies

Computer literate in standard software applications, especially MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Teams.

Demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter.

Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

Desirable: Ability to draft news articles and/or social media posts.

Additional Conditions

Professional work experience is not required.

Applicants who have previously served six months in total as an intern in the UN Common System cannot be engaged.

Children, siblings, and sons or daughters-in-law of an active staff member in a UN Common System cannot be engaged.

Please note the following financial arrangements for this UN Internship

The internship is UNPAID.

Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring institution.

There is NO FEE charged by the United Nations at any stage of the recruitment process.

If you are interested in applying for the UNMAS Humanitarian Affairs Internship, follow these steps:

Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria outlined above.

Prepare your Personal History Profile and Motivational Statement.

Submit your complete application online through the UN Careers portal before the deadline.

Apply Now →

For more information about the organization, please visit the

UNMAS official website.