About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting applications for its External Relations Internship in Kuwait, offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian communications, donor relations, partnerships, and refugee advocacy.
The six-month internship is designed for ambitious young professionals seeking to build careers in international development, communications, international relations, public policy, and humanitarian affairs.
Gain Experience With the UN Refugee Agency
The internship provides participants with direct exposure to UNHCR’s work supporting refugees and displaced populations around the world.
Based in Kuwait City, the successful intern will work closely with UNHCR’s External Relations and Private Sector Partnerships teams, supporting engagement with government institutions, private sector partners, media organizations, and other stakeholders.
The role offers valuable insight into how one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations mobilizes support and resources for people forced to flee conflict and persecution.
About the Opportunity
The selected intern will contribute to UNHCR Kuwait’s strategic priorities by supporting advocacy, communications, donor engagement, and partnership-building activities.
Working alongside experienced professionals, the intern will help strengthen UNHCR’s visibility and relationships with key stakeholders while developing practical skills in communications and external relations.
Key Responsibilities
The External Relations Intern will support a wide range of activities, including:
Drafting correspondence, reports, briefing notes, and meeting minutes
Supporting donor relations and partnership activities
Monitoring government developments relevant to UNHCR operations
Assisting with high-level meetings, missions, and workshops
Coordinating strategic dialogues and senior-level engagements
Supporting communications and public awareness campaigns
Contributing to newsletters, information kits, and outreach materials
Monitoring local media coverage and public narratives
Collaborating with other UN agencies on joint communication initiatives
Supporting stakeholder engagement and coordination efforts
Who Can Apply?
UNHCR is seeking motivated students and recent graduates with a strong interest in humanitarian work, refugee issues, and international development.
Eligible candidates must:
Be a current university student or recent graduate
Have completed their studies within the last two years, if applying as a graduate
Have completed at least two years of university studies
Be enrolled in or have graduated from an accredited higher education institution
Preferred Academic Backgrounds
Applicants from the following fields are encouraged to apply:
Media and Communications
International Relations
Political Science
Development Studies
Law
Business Administration
Public Policy
Related social science disciplines
Language Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
Fluency in English
Fluency in Arabic
Strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages are essential for the role.
Skills and Qualifications
UNHCR is looking for candidates who possess:
Strong communication and writing skills
Excellent interpersonal abilities
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Applicants should also have strong computer skills, including:
Microsoft Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Graphic design skills are considered an advantage.
Internship Benefits
The internship offers participants a unique opportunity to develop professional skills while contributing to meaningful humanitarian work.
Benefits include:
Practical experience within the United Nations system
Exposure to donor relations and fundraising activities
Experience in communications and public advocacy
Networking opportunities with UN agencies and partners
Monthly internship allowance in accordance with UNHCR policies
Professional development in a multicultural environment
Location and Travel Information
The internship is based in Kuwait City and is not a remote position.
Selected candidates will be required to work from UNHCR’s office in Kuwait. Interns are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel to and from the duty station before the start of the internship.
Important Eligibility Restriction
UNHCR notes that individuals with immediate family members currently employed by UNHCR are not eligible for the internship programme.
This restriction applies to candidates whose parent, sibling, or child is employed by UNHCR, including affiliate workforce members and temporary appointment holders.
Application Deadline
Position: External Relations Intern
Organization: UNHCR
Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait
Contract Type: Internship
Duration: 6 Months
Start Date: 1 July 2026
Application Deadline: 21 June 2026
Students and recent graduates interested in refugee protection, humanitarian communications, donor engagement, and international development are encouraged to apply for this opportunity with the UN Refugee Agency.
How to apply