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The UNICEF Internship Programme is a paid internship with the United Nations Children’s Fund. Interns receive a monthly stipend, and UNICEF may also give a one-time lump sum towards travel and visa costs when funding is available.
It is open to current undergraduate, graduate and PhD students, and to people who graduated within the last two years, from any country. Internships last six to twenty-six weeks and are offered all year round in UNICEF offices around the world.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) |
| Location | UNICEF offices worldwide |
| Duration | 6 to 26 weeks, full-time or part-time |
| Funding | Paid: monthly stipend, plus a travel and visa lump sum when funding is available |
| Who can apply | Students and graduates of the last two years, aged 18+, any nationality |
| Application fee | None |
| Deadline | Rolling, each internship has its own deadline |
What is the UNICEF Internship Programme?
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. Its internship programme gives students and recent graduates direct, practical work experience in the humanitarian and development sector.
Internships can be full-time or part-time, in country offices, regional offices or headquarters, in areas such as programmes, communication, human resources, data, supply and emergencies. Each internship is advertised separately, with its own tasks, location and deadline.
What you get
- A monthly stipend for the length of your internship
- A one-time lump sum towards travel and visa costs, when funding is available
- Supporting documents for your visa, if you need one
- Six to twenty-six weeks of hands-on work with a UN agency
Who can apply
- At least 18 years old
- Enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD programme, or graduated within the past two years
- Proficient in English, French or Spanish (some offices also need their local working language)
- No immediate relatives working at UNICEF
- Strong academic performance and motivation
Is there an age limit?
There is a minimum age of 18. No upper age limit is listed.
Do I need work experience?
No. Experience is not required. Relevant professional experience is given extra consideration for some roles.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No test certificate is named. You need to be proficient in at least one of UNICEF’s working languages: English, French or Spanish.
Is there an application fee?
No. UNICEF does not charge any fee to apply.
Required documents
Each vacancy lists its own requirements. Have these ready:
- A complete online profile on UNICEF’s careers site
- Your CV and education details
- Proof of enrolment, or your degree if you graduated in the last two years
- Answers or a short cover letter for the specific internship
How to write your application
UNICEF receives many applications, and only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
- Apply only to internships that match your studies, and read each one carefully.
- Tailor your profile to the role. Use the same words the vacancy uses for the skills it needs.
- Give concrete examples: a research project, a volunteer role, a campaign you helped run.
- Show why you care about children’s rights, with one real reason.
How to apply, step by step
- Open the UNICEF internships page using the button at the end of this post.
- Go to the vacancies page and search for internships.
- Pick an internship that matches your studies and location.
- Click Apply Now and build your profile.
- Submit before that internship’s own deadline.
Selection process
Each office reviews applications for its own internship. Due to the high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
Deadline
Rolling: each internship has its own deadline.
New UNICEF internships are posted throughout the year. Check the vacancies page often and apply as soon as one fits you.
Have a question?
Drop your question in the comments and we will do our best to help. If you have interned with a UN agency, tell us how you got in, it helps the next reader.
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