Deadline:
April 12, 2026
Location(s)
Austria
Vienna
Overview
In line with the vision statement, which is “to aspire to a world where Sustainable Development, centered on human capacity-building, is a reality for all”, OFID provides the opportunity of an Internship Program for students from diverse academic backgrounds to build their capacity by enriching their educational experience through practical day-to-day work in an International Organization.
Details
The OPEC Fund offers an Internship Program enabling students from diverse academic backgrounds to experience work with an international organization. The Internship Program runs for between three and six months and is designed to:
- Provide a framework to support students assigned to any OPEC Fund department so that the focus remains on enriching the student’s experience;
- Provide an immersive experience so that students gain practical experience of working for an international organization; and
- Provide the opportunity for students to understand the OPEC Fund’s vision, mission and related values.
Interns are assigned to different departments/units depending on their interests and qualifications, and according to departmental needs. The Internship Program offers opportunities to focus on one or more of the following: public sector operations; private sector and trade finance operations; financial operations; risk management; strategic planning and economic services; internal audit; human resources; administration; communication; legal services; and information technology.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conducting research;
- Writing documents;
- Organizing information; and
- Assisting employees with their day-to-day work.
OFID at a Glance
The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) is the development finance institution established by the Member States of OPEC in 1976 as a channel of aid to the developing countries. OFID works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international donor community to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty in all disadvantaged regions of the world. It does this by providing financing to build essential infrastructure, strengthen social services delivery and promote productivity, competitiveness and trade. OFID’s work is people-centered, focusing on projects that meet basic needs - such as food, energy, clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education – with the aim of encouraging self-reliance and inspiring hope for the future.
OFID was conceived at the Conference of the Sovereigns and Heads of State of member countries, held in Algiers, Algeria, in March 1975. A Solemn Declaration “reaffirmed the natural solidarity which unites OPEC countries with other developing countries in their struggle to overcome underdevelopment,” and called for measures to strengthen cooperation between these countries.
In this spirit, OFID was established in January 1976 by the then 13 member countries of OPEC. Initially, it was called The OPEC Special Fund. The idea was that OFID’s resources are additional to those already made available by OPEC states through a number of bilateral and multilateral channels.
- By extending concessionary financial assistance in the form of loans for development projects and programs, balance of payments support and trade financing.
- By participating in the financing of private sector activities in developing countries.
- By providing grants in support of technical assistance, food aid, research and similar activities, and humanitarian emergency relief.
- By contributing to the resources of other development institutions whose work benefits developing countries.
- By serving as an agent of OPEC Member Countries in the international financial arena whenever collective action is deemed appropriate.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Qualifications and Experience
- Applicants must be between 19 to 25 years of age and enrolled in an undergraduate program (having completed at least two years) or graduate program.
- Alternatively, applicants may be recent graduates, having graduated a maximum of one year before the application deadline.
- Fluent in English. Good working knowledge of Arabic, French, German or Spanish is an added advantage.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Keenly interested in the work of the OPEC Fund.
- Ability to work in an international multi-cultural environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Ability to demonstrate the OPEC Fund’s core values (Integrity, Empowerment, Excellence, Innovation, Community).
Competencies
- Collaboration and Teamwork - The ability to effectively work with colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve shared goals.
- Communication - The ability to relay ideas, information and messages effectively and succinctly to a variety of audiences.
- Cross-Cultural Sensitivity - The ability to take into account the variety of the human experience and how it contributes to the workplace and to demonstrate respect for diverse cultures and viewpoints.
Dates
Deadline: April 12, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
As the program is intended to be a learning experience, the interns will not receive any remuneration whatsoever, including reimbursement of costs of visas, travel, accommodation and living expenses, as well as any transportation costs incurred in connection with their commuting to OFID’s Headquarters during the program.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
