About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Based at UNESCO Headquarters, the internship provides participants with hands-on exposure to communication strategies, digital media, public engagement, web management, publishing, journalism, and multimedia content production. The programme is designed to help aspiring communication professionals strengthen their skills while contributing to UNESCO’s global mission of promoting education, science, culture, and sustainable development.
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Applications are open until 30 June 2026, and selected candidates may undertake internships ranging from one to six months.
About the UNESCO Communications and Public Engagement Division
The Division for Communications and Public Engagement reports directly to UNESCO’s Office of the Director-General. The division is responsible for implementing the organization’s communication strategy and ensuring effective coordination of both internal and external communications.
Its work covers a wide range of communication functions, including:
Website content creation and management
Social media engagement
Press relations and media outreach
campaigns
Public events and partnerships
Publications and branding initiatives
Digital content development
Interns joining the division will contribute to projects that enhance the visibility of UNESCO’s activities across digital and traditional communication platforms worldwide.
Communications & Media Studies
Internship Areas and Responsibilities
The internship offers exposure to multiple communication disciplines, allowing candidates to develop diverse professional skills.
Social Media and Digital Communications
Interns may support:
Social media campaign development
Content creation and editing
Translation of digital communication materials
Graphic design for online platforms
Newsletter production
Social media scheduling and analytics
Video production and post-production editing
On-site interview filming
This experience provides valuable insight into managing digital engagement strategies for a global audience.
Website Management and Digital Content
Participants may also assist with:
Website creation and maintenance
Content editing and translation
Technical documentation preparation
Content management system administration
SEO reporting and audience analysis
Graphic design and web editing
Website performance improvement
Candidates with knowledge of web programming and systems operations may have opportunities to contribute to advanced web development projects.
Press and Media Relations
Interns working with UNESCO’s press team may assist in:
Translating press releases
Preparing media advisories
Developing press materials
Supporting daily press briefings
Maintaining media contact databases
Assisting with media coverage of events
These responsibilities provide practical experience in international media relations and public affairs.
Photography and Multimedia Production
Photography-focused interns may contribute to:
Photo shoots and visual storytelling
Image editing and post-production
Digital asset management
Cataloguing and organizing multimedia resources
This role helps strengthen technical and creative skills in visual communications.
Publishing and Brand Management
Publishing-related tasks may include:
Supporting publication development projects
Conducting photo research
Assisting with branding initiatives
Supporting intellectual property rights processes
Managing licensing and permissions requests
Supporting publication quality control procedures
Interns will gain valuable experience in editorial production and publishing workflows.
UNESCO Campuses and Educational Outreach
The internship also offers opportunities to support UNESCO’s educational engagement initiatives.
Responsibilities may include:
Assisting with online and in-person conferences
Coordinating with schools and participants globally
Supporting database development
Preparing communication materials
Contributing to social media and website content
This work helps strengthen UNESCO’s connection with young people and educational institutions worldwide.
UNESCO Courier Magazine
Interns may contribute to the UNESCO Courier, the organization’s flagship publication.
Activities include:
Selecting and editing articles
Supporting content publication
Managing multimedia materials
Assisting with translation and layout
Building readership networks
Supporting marketing and promotion efforts
This experience provides direct exposure to international publishing and journalism.
Learning and Professional Development Opportunities
The internship is designed to provide meaningful learning experiences and career development opportunities.
Participants will develop skills in:
Project management
Strategic communications
Digital media production
Web architecture
Content management systems
Graphic design
Press relations
Professional writing and editing
Cross-cultural collaboration
Interns will also gain valuable experience working within a multicultural and international environment.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific academic and professional criteria.
Age Requirement
Candidates must be at least:
20 years old at the time of application
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
Currently enrolled in the third or final year of a Bachelor’s degree programme
Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree programme
Currently enrolled in a PhD programme
Graduated within the last 12 months from a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programme
Students enrolled in technical or vocational institutions may also apply if they are in their final year of study or have graduated within the previous 12 months.
Language Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
Excellent written and spoken English or French
Additional knowledge of the second working language is considered an advantage.
Desired Qualifications
UNESCO particularly encourages applications from candidates with backgrounds in:
Communication
Journalism
Digital Media
Translation
Intellectual Property Law
Environmental Studies
Additional advantages include:
Communications & Media Studies
Knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or another UN language
Strong writing and editing skills
Creativity and attention to detail
Adobe Photoshop proficiency
Experience with Drupal content management systems
Benefits and Important Information
Although the internship is unpaid, participants receive valuable professional experience and international exposure.
Benefits include:
Workplace insurance coverage during the internship period
Leave entitlement of 2.5 days per month
Additional leave of one working day for each completed month of internship
Application Process
Candidates applying for the internship should note that they are applying to UNESCO’s internship talent pool rather than a specific internship placement.
Important application information:
Applications remain active for six months.
Successful candidates may be contacted directly by hiring managers.
Applications must be completed in English or French.
Candidates have one hour to complete the online application process.
Official contact information must remain valid for at least six months after application.
Due to the highly competitive nature of the programme, meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee placement.
Why Apply for the UNESCO Internship?
The UNESCOand Public Engagement Internship provides an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking international experience in communications, media, publishing, digital engagement, and public affairs. Participants gain exposure to global communication strategies while working alongside experts dedicated to advancing education, science, culture, and sustainable development worldwide.
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For aspiring communication professionals, the programme offers a valuable stepping stone toward careers in international organizations, media, public relations, digital communications, and development sectors.
How to apply