SDG Internship Programme

Rethinking student internships for International Geneva

The SDG Internship Programme (SDGIP) sources bespoke intracurricular internships firmly rooted in two-way exchanges: partners can tailor internships to their needs while offering valuable learning experiences to students, who in turn contribute their fresh outlooks and innovative approaches to high-impact activities and projects.

Ideally, opportunities are carefully curated by the programme manager with the potential host entities, ensuring high quality experiences for the student and the best possible match for the host.

From Pilot to Institutional Programme

The SDGIP started as an internship programme developed from 2018 for the Master in Innovation, Human Development and Sustainability (MIHDS), partnering with Geneva international organisations and NGOs.

In 2024, the UNIGE Rectorate approved a special mandate to develop the SDGIP as an institutional programme open to any UNIGE student deeply committed to sustainability and SDG implementation.

400+
Students registered
5
UNIGE schools & centres
3–12
Month internship duration

Flexibility & Versatility

The SDGIP offers flexibility and versatility in terms of modalities. Internships can be carried out full-time, part-time, and even at varying working rates throughout their duration (anywhere from 3 months up to 1 year).

Team internships are a unique feature of the programme: up to 4 students working together on an SDG-related issue or project.

Positive pilot experiences with remote settings, further tested during the Covid crisis, emboldened several partners to pursue fully online or hybrid internships, on the basis that this can be a more sustainable and equitable approach — both financially and in terms of CO₂ footprint — without sacrificing the quality of the work experience.

A Gateway to the SDG Solution Space Ecosystem

Another unique feature of the SDGIP is to be a gateway to the incredibly dynamic SDG Solution Space ecosystem. Interested host organisations gain access to an amazing network of members, associates, partner organisations, academic institutions and existing projects. Very often, new collaborations and partnerships emerge — creating, in turn, new exciting internship opportunities for students and closing a virtuous circle of innovative practical education.

Partner Organisations

UN & International Organisations

  • ● International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
  • ● UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
  • ● SDG Lab at UNOG
  • ● UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
  • ● Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
  • ● UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)
  • ● UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)

Other Host Institutions

  • ● Geneva International Center for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD)
  • ● 2050Today and member organisations including the Mission of Mexico, Geneva Call, and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
  • ● And many more…