With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.
Come join our 31,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children's life stories!
United Nations Policy Advocacy and External Engagement Intern
In-person at World Vision's New York Office.
World Vision Internships offer a three-month opportunity for talented students and recent graduates eager to dive into the international relief and development field. We're dedicated to giving you a meaningful learning experience, where you'll grow, gain valuable skills, and connect with other passionate professionals who share our mission.
Internship Opportunity
World Vision's United Nations Policy and Advocacy Team is crucial in supporting our human rights and humanitarian efforts. Our team influences policies and advocates for vulnerable children, especially around child well-being, nutrition and hunger, and financing for development, using its New York office to engage directly with UN bodies like the General Assembly. We promote policies that ensure effective, efficient, timely, well-funded, and coordinated responses to crises, specifically to support children. We achieve this through collaboration, advocacy, and building alliances to create a broader impact.
Join us in making a difference in policy and advocacy at the United Nations, where your efforts will directly impact the lives of those most in need.
What You'll Do
- Monitor UN Schedules: Track United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and General Assembly (UNGA) schedules to anticipate meetings or votes that may affect human rights and humanitarian efforts.
- Portfolio Awareness: Stay informed about developments within the assigned portfolio and provide timely updates.
- Document Preparation: Assist in drafting briefings, position papers, and other materials for internal use and external engagement, including World Vision and child-focused agency working groups.
- UNGA 2026 Support: Contribute to internal planning discussions and meetings. Provide logistical and administrative support for events and meetings leading up to the UNGA in September 2026.
- External Engagement: Support participation in external meetings and maintain communications with peer NGOs and UN agencies.
Why Join Us
- Skill Development: Build your communication and analytical skills, and gain an understanding of multilateral affairs and complex global challenges.
- Expand Your Horizons: Explore the international relief sector, unleash your leadership skills, and strengthen your Christian faith with Weekly Professional Development Sessions.
- Transform Lives: Take on challenging and meaningful work assignments while developing your technical skills and gaining valuable hands-on experience.
- Join an Inspiring Community: Form connections with a diverse nationwide intern cohort and colleagues who, guided by their Christian faith, support children of all backgrounds even in the most dangerous places.
What You'll bring
- Proactive Initiative: You demonstrate a proactive approach to tasks and problem-solving, independently identifying and pursuing opportunities for impact.
- Strong Research Skills: You can effectively monitor UN schedules, track developments, and synthesize information into actionable insights.
- Attention to Detail: You ensure accuracy and clarity when drafting briefings, position papers, and other documents for internal and external audiences.
- Organizational Skills: You manage multiple priorities, including preparation for major events like UNGA, while meeting deadlines.
- Effective Communication: You engage confidently in internal discussions and external meetings, fostering collaboration with NGOs and UN agencies.
- Adaptability: You thrive in dynamic environments, adjusting quickly to evolving priorities and global developments.
- Commitment to our Mission: You have a demonstrated commitment to and alignment with the goals, mission, and vision of World Vision, embodying its values in all aspects of your work.
What You Need to Know
Internship Location: In-person at World Vision's New York Office.
Appropriate Fields of Study/Majors: Social Science, International Affairs, Journalism, Communications, or related fields.
Internship Cohort Dates: 25 January – 23 April, 2027.
Stipend: This internship is unpaid, but all US-based interns receive a monthly stipend of $800.
Hours: Full-time and part-time opportunities are available (20-40 hours/week)
Eligibility
All candidates must meet the following requirements:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (e.g., U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or F-1 student visa holder with valid work authorization) and possess a valid U.S. Social Security Number.
- Able to commit to at least 20 hours per week for the entire internship period: 25 January – 23 April, 2027.
- Recent college graduate (within the past two years) or current student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program.
- Adhere to World Vision International's Christian Statement of Faith.
- Willingness to use own electronic devices for internship purposes and a disposition to let WVI install endpoint security software on those devices.
Applicant Types Accepted
Local Applicants Only
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation with a mission centred on following Jesus Christ in service to the world´s most vulnerable children. Therefore, in all locations to the fullest extent legally permissible, the successful applicant will affirm our core documents, observe conduct compatible with Christian principles, serve at a high level of professional ethics and strive to act in accordance with cultural sensitivities. Furthermore, regular attendance with team and office devotions, chapel and prayer gatherings are expected in line with policies in the World Vision host location and its departments.
