About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
UNICEF Internship Programme: Paid Internships for Students and Recent Graduates
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) offers aspiring professionals an opportunity to gain practical international work experience through its globally recognized Internship Programme.
The programme is designed for undergraduate, master’s and PhD students, as well as recent graduates, providing hands-on experience while allowing participants to contribute to UNICEF’s mission of protecting children’s rights and improving the lives of children and communities around the world.
UNICEF internships are advertised throughout the year across different offices and professional areas. Interns work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects and develop skills that can support future careers in international development, humanitarian assistance, public policy, communications, education, health, finance, technology and other fields.
What Does the UNICEF Internship Programme Offer?
The UNICEF Internship Programme provides participants with practical learning opportunities that complement their academic studies and professional goals.
Depending on the specific internship and duty station, successful interns may benefit from:
Monthly financial stipend
Potential contribution toward travel expenses
Possible visa support, where applicable
Full-time or part-time internship opportunities
Experience working with international teams
Professional mentoring and career development
Exposure to global humanitarian and development programmes
Internship assignments generally last between six and 26 weeks, depending on the requirements of the hiring office and the specific position.
Who Can Apply for a UNICEF Internship?
UNICEF welcomes applications from talented students and recent graduates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be enrolled in an undergraduate, master’s or PhD programme, or have graduated within the last two years.
Demonstrate proficiency in at least one UNICEF working language, including English, French or Spanish.
Meet any additional language requirements specified in the individual vacancy announcement.
Demonstrate strong academic performance.
Have relevant skills, qualifications or experience related to the internship position, where applicable.
Applicants should also review the specific requirements of each internship because eligibility criteria may vary between assignments.
To avoid potential conflicts of interest, applicants should not have immediate family members working for UNICEF or within their direct reporting line, where this restriction applies.
Areas of UNICEF Internship Opportunities
UNICEF recruits interns across a wide range of professional disciplines according to its operational needs.
Internship opportunities may be available in areas such as:
Public Health
Education
Child Protection
Nutrition
Communications
Information Technology
Data and Research
Human Resources
Finance
Supply Chain Management
Programme Management
Emergency Response
Social Policy
Monitoring and Evaluation
Innovation
Partnerships
Legal Affairs
Opportunities may be available through UNICEF country offices, regional offices and headquarters.
UNICEF Internship Financial Support
One of the key benefits of the UNICEF Internship Programme is the financial assistance that may be provided to eligible interns.
Depending on available funding, the internship may include:
A monthly living stipend
A one-time contribution toward travel costs
Assistance with visa documentation for international placements, where applicable
The exact financial arrangements can vary depending on the duty station, internship assignment and available funding. Applicants should therefore carefully review the benefits stated in each individual vacancy.
How to Apply for a UNICEF Internship
UNICEF internships are advertised throughout the year, meaning there is generally no single annual application deadline for the entire programme.
Interested candidates should:
Search current UNICEF internship vacancies.
Identify positions that match their academic background, skills and career interests.
Carefully review the eligibility requirements and assignment details.
Prepare a tailored CV and application materials.
Highlight relevant academic achievements, skills and professional or volunteer experience.
Submit the application before the vacancy's stated closing date.
Because UNICEF receives applications from candidates around the world, only shortlisted candidates are normally contacted for subsequent stages of the recruitment process.
Why Consider a UNICEF Internship?
A UNICEF internship can provide much more than conventional workplace experience. It gives participants the opportunity to contribute to programmes focused on children, communities and global development while gaining exposure to the operations of a major international organization.
Through the programme, interns can gain:
International work experience
Exposure to United Nations operations
Professional networking opportunities
Cross-cultural collaboration experience
Practical skills applicable across different sectors
Experience working in humanitarian and development environments
Stronger professional profiles for future opportunities
The experience can be particularly valuable for students and recent graduates interested in careers with UN agencies, international organizations, governments, NGOs, development institutions and humanitarian organizations.
How to apply