Are you a university student or recent graduate looking for an opportunity to gain professional experience with an international organisation? The UNICEF Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to work with the United Nations Children's Fund and contribute to programmes supporting children and communities around the world.
UNICEF offers internship opportunities in different professional fields, including education, communications, child protection, public health, research, administration, information technology and programme management.
One of the programme's most attractive features is that internship vacancies are advertised throughout the year. This means applicants do not have to wait for one annual application period. Instead, they can regularly check the official UNICEF recruitment portal for newly advertised opportunities.
UNICEF Careers+1What Does the UNICEF Internship Programme Cover?
The programme provides practical work experience and professional development opportunities within UNICEF offices and teams.
Selected interns may receive opportunities to:
Support education, health and child protection programmes.
Conduct research and assist with data collection and analysis.
Support communications, social media and advocacy activities.
Assist with project coordination and programme management.
Participate in administrative and operational activities.
Work with professionals in an international humanitarian environment.
Financial benefits include:
Monthly stipend: UNICEF provides interns with a monthly stipend to contribute towards living expenses. The amount depends on the applicable arrangements.
Travel and visa assistance: A one-time lump-sum contribution towards travel and visa costs may be provided when funding is available.
Visa documentation: UNICEF can provide supporting documents for visa applications where necessary.
Internships normally last between 6 and 26 weeks and may be full-time or part-time. Some placements may also be conducted remotely, depending on the specific position and office arrangements.
UNICEF Careers+1Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the UNICEF Internship Programme, applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
Age: Be at least 18 years old.
Education: Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD programme, or have graduated within the previous two years.
Language: Be proficient in at least one of UNICEF's working languages: English, French or Spanish.
Academic performance: Demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation.
Family relationships: Applicants must not have an immediate relative, such as a parent, brother or sister, working with UNICEF, or another relative in their reporting line of authority.
Professional experience: Relevant work or volunteer experience may provide an additional advantage.
Some vacancies may have additional academic, technical, language or professional requirements. Always check the individual vacancy announcement before applying.
UNICEF Careers+1How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official UNICEF recruitment platform.
Follow these steps:
Visit the official UNICEF Internship Programme page.
Read the programme's eligibility requirements.
Open the UNICEF vacancies portal.
Filter the vacancies by selecting Internship under contract type.
Browse available opportunities and select a position that matches your qualifications and interests.
Read the job description, location, requirements and application deadline carefully.
Prepare your CV, motivation letter and other requested documents.
Complete the online application and submit it before the vacancy closes.
Applicants should regularly revisit the vacancies portal because new internship opportunities are advertised throughout the year.
UNICEF Careers+1Important Information
There is no single annual deadline for the UNICEF Internship Programme.
Individual internship vacancies have different application deadlines.
Internships normally last between six and 26 weeks.
The programme provides a monthly stipend.
Travel and visa contributions may be available when funding permits.
Some internships may be remote or part-time, depending on the position.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
UNICEF does not guarantee employment after an internship.
UNICEF does not charge application, recruitment or interview fees.
Scam warning: Apply only through UNICEF's official recruitment platform. Never pay someone who promises to secure a UNICEF internship for you.
UNICEF Careers+1Official Application and Information Links
Internship programme information: UNICEF Internship Programme
Find available internships: UNICEF Internship Vacancies
Frequently asked questions: UNICEF Internship FAQs
General careers information: UNICEF Careers
Source attribution: This article is based on information published by UNICEF through its official Careers, Internship Programme and Frequently Asked Questions pages.