Discover | International Organisations

Discover | International Organisations is our careers programme for LSE students looking to understand what different international organisations do, how they are structured, and what they might be looking for in applicants.

As well as showcasing useful resources and opportunities throughout the year, Discover | International Organisations features a series of careers events where you can hear from employers who are especially keen to meet with LSE students. These events will include in-person and online sessions like employer information presentations with student Q&As, panel discussions, and careers fair-style stalls to facilitate networking opportunities.

At the heart of this programme is our flagship ‘Discover International Organisations Day’ – a day-long, on-campus event where you can attend employer recruitment presentations, enjoy panel discussions featuring representatives from across the sector and speak to employers during morning and afternoon careers fair sessions.

Read on to find out how our Discover | International Organisations programme can support you in your career planning and development.

What's on: Browse the full timetable of events for LSE students

This year’s Discover | International Organisations events will primarily take place in Autumn Term.

View upcoming Discover | International Organisations events on CareerHub.


Organisations: Check out which organisations are attending this year’s Discover International Organisations Day event (9 November 2024)

You can meet and attend presentations by the following organisations at Discover International Organisations Day 2024:

Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 81 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank’s development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth. In order to sharply focus the objectives of the Ten-Year Strategy (2024 to 2033) and ensure greater developmental impact, five major areas (High 5s), all of which will accelerate our delivery for Africa, have been identified, namely: Energy, Agro-business, Industrialization, Integration and Improving the quality of life for the people of Africa.

Recruitment information: Example vacancies include internships, a Young Professionals Program, and junior consultant roles.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and is composed of 68 members, 48 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under its Strategy 2030.

Recruitment information: ADB seeks talent who embrace our mission to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in Asia and the Pacific. We seek candidates who have: a master’s degree in relevant fields (alternatively, university degree in related fields combined with additional relevant professional experience can be considered); a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience for entry-level positions, 6 years for mid-level positions and 10 years for senior-level positions; excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; international experience working in several countries.

If you ...

- are passionate about the European Union project, 

- believe in EU values such as peace, freedom, democracy, equality, and human rights, 

- want to help make a difference in policies that affect all EU citizens, from climate protection to digitalisation, 

- are enthusiastic about working in a multicultural, multilingual environment, 

- are eager to be part of an inclusive workplace where diversity is an asset and everyone enjoys equal opportunities, 

- are excited about learning and developing new skills while earning a competitive salary, 

- are looking for a healthy work/life balance...

then we offer you the opportunity of a lifetime.

Recruitment information: Example vacancies include Traineeships, Contractual positions, and Permanent positions.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an international financial institution supporting the development of sustainable well-functioning market economies. The EBRD is owned by 73 countries, the European Union and the European Investment Bank. Our headcounter is based in London, UK, and we have 35 residence offices across central and eastern Europe, Central Asia and North Africa.

Recruitment information: There are opportunities at EBRD for experienced professionals, earlier career professionals, graduates and interns.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the lending arm of the European Union and the world's largest multilateral financial institution and climate finance provider. Established in 1958, the EIB has invested over a trillion euros, focusing on climate and environment, cohesion, innovation, digital and human capital, small and medium-sized businesses, sustainable cities and regions, and sustainable energy and natural resources. The EIB collaborates with other EU institutions to foster European integration and support EU policies in over 160 countries. EIB Global, set up in 2022, aims to increase the impact of development finance and address global challenges.

The EIB seeks talented professionals for its headquarters in Luxembourg. They offer traineeships, graduate programs, and career opportunities with a good work-life balance, training, career advancement, and social activities. The EIB provides bespoke and job-specific training programs for personal and professional development.

Recruitment information: Next intake of traineeship: March/April 2025 (more than 40 positions to be published), the roles will be open to applications on our website as of 7 November 2024 with a deadline of 27 November 2024. Please note you can only apply to up to three traineeship roles so please read the publications carefully to choose which roles you will apply to.

We are the ILO, the UN agency for the world of work. Advancing social justice, promoting decent work.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace.

The only tripartite UN agency, the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers representatives of 187 member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

Today, the ILO's Decent Work agenda helps advance the economic and working conditions that give all workers, employers and governments a stake in lasting peace, prosperity and progress.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) works to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all of its 190 member countries. It does so by supporting economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation, which are essential to increase productivity, job creation, and economic wellbeing. The IMF is governed by and accountable to its member countries.

The IMF has three critical missions: furthering international monetary cooperation, encouraging the expansion of trade and economic growth, and discouraging policies that would harm prosperity. To fulfill these missions, IMF member countries work collaboratively with each other and with other international bodies.

Recruitment information: Example vacancies include Economist positions, Research Analyst positions, and Intern positions.

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization.

IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives.

We draw on more than 60 years of experience and insights to shape policies that foster prosperity and opportunity, underpinned by equality and wellbeing. We work closely with policy makers, stakeholders and citizens to establish evidence-based international standards and to find solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.

From improving economic performance and strengthening policies to fight climate change to bolstering education and fighting international tax evasion, the OECD is a unique forum and knowledge hub for data, analysis and best practices in public policy.

Recruitment information: Example vacancies include Internships (for enrolled students); Regular official positions (for those with a master's degree and at least two years of experience); and Young Associates Programme (for recent bachelor's degree graduates).

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Powered by the passion, dedication and professionalism of 23,000 staff worldwide, the World Food Programme (WFP) has a presence in over 120 countries and territories to carry out its mission. We bring life-saving food to people displaced by conflict and made destitute by disasters, and help individuals and communities find life-changing solutions to the multiple challenges they face in building better futures.

UNAIDS is leading the global effort to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Since the first cases of HIV were reported more than 35 years ago, 78 million people have become infected with HIV and 35 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Since it started operations in 1996, UNAIDS has led and inspired global, regional, national and local leadership, innovation and partnership to ultimately consign HIV to history.

UNFPA, the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency, is on the ground in over 150 countries, supporting the most vulnerable with life-saving services including life-saving antenatal care, safe delivery services and newborn care; critical emergency supplies; access to safe and voluntary family planning; training and equipment for midwives, essential services and psycho-social support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and much more. The London Office focuses on the areas of advocacy, outreach and partnerships, showcasing UNFPA's vital work in the UK, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and Spain.

UNHCR helps to save lives and build better futures for the millions of people forced to flee their homes.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution or war at home.

UNHCR employs around 20,000 people in 140 countries. Our dedicated and passionate team work around the clock in a variety of roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health, finance, supply and more.

The fine synergies across all UNHCR functions result in the best possible solutions for the various challenges emerging every day in the lives of displaced people. To maintain the quality of our deliveries, we are always on the lookout for new, talented people.

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children and women around the world. Established in 1946, UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to provide emergency relief, healthcare, education, and protection to the most vulnerable children. It focuses on improving child survival, nutrition, and education, combating child exploitation, and advocating for policies that support children's rights.

Through partnerships with governments, non-profits, and communities, UNICEF strives to ensure that every child has a fair chance to grow up healthy, educated, and safe.

Recruitment information: UNICEF, like other UN organizations, offers a variety of employment options and contract types to accommodate different needs and professional backgrounds. The main types of contracts include: Fixed-Term Contracts (are for a specific duration, typically ranging from one to three years); Temporary Appointments (are for short-term assignments, usually for a few months); Consultancies (are for specific tasks or projects that require specialized expertise); Internships (are opportunities for students or recent graduates to gain experience and contribute to various projects); Staff Contracts (for ongoing roles, UNICEF may offer contracts with longer-term employment, including those for senior or specialized positions that contribute to the organization's ongoing operations.) These contract types are designed to meet different organizational needs and to offer flexible work arrangements based on the specific demands of UNICEF’s programs and operations.

UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote, dynamize and accelerate industrial development.

Our mandate is reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”, but UNIDO’s activities contribute to all the SDGs.

UNIDO’s vision is a world without poverty and hunger, where industry drives low-emission economies, improves living standards, and preserves the livable environment for present and future generations, leaving no one behind.

Recruitment information: Example vacancies include internships, consultancies, young professional roles, junior professional programs, and more senior roles for those with more experience.

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life.

Situated in Vienna, Austria, UNODC is a specialized department of the United Nations Secretariat. Its mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights, and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption, and terrorism.

UNODC has launched a strategy for 2021 to 2025 which aims to provide the necessary means to deliver its mission effectively and efficiently, and by working alongside Member States to promote justice, uphold the rule of law, and build inclusive and resilient societies that leave no one behind.

Recruitment information: Example vacancies include entry level opportunities such as internships, JPOs, United Nations Volunteers, YPP etc, as well as more senior level opportunities requiring 2 to 10 years of work experience in a particular field (eg, law, political science, management, criminal justice, statistics, communications, international relations etc.)

With 189 member countries, staff from more than 170 countries, and offices in over 130 locations, the World Bank Group is a unique global partnership: five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and build shared prosperity in developing countries.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business.

Recruitment information: Example vacancies include Internships; Entry level professional positions (requiring economics, law, statistics or data science background and minimum two years of relevant professional experience).

Prepare: Browse our top tips for making the most of the events

Joining our Discover | International Organisations events? Make the most of your time by following the tips below...

  1. Do your research
  2. Know what's on offer
  3. Ask questions
  4. Plan your environment (if an online event) and dress appropriately
  5. Take notes - they might be useful in future applications
  6. Update your CV
  7. Follow up after the events - follow speakers on Linkedin



Online tools, resources, and job opportunities

Check out other LSE Careers resources relevant to working in international organisations

Found our Discover | International Organisations sessions insightful and wondering what's next? Or waiting for next year's events?

Here are some related LSE Careers resources you might like to check out:

Talk to one of our careers consultants

Get confidential one-to-one guidance from one of our professional and dedicated team of careers consultants.

Our consultants can help with:

  • careers advice and planning;
  • CV, cover letter and application form feedback;
  • practice interviews;
  • specialist careers support for disabled students and PhD students.

Read about different types of careers appointments online

Book a careers appointment on CareerHub

Gain new skills at our career skills workshops

Throughout the year we provide a range of events to equip you with the skills to succeed including:

  • CV, cover letter and application workshops;
  • mock assessment centres;
  • sector insights;
  • seminars on case studies and psychometric tests.

Browse all of our events on CareerHub

Browse jobs and opportunities in international organisations