Employer: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Industry: International Development, Humanitarian Aid, Child Advocacy, Social & Economic Policy
Locations: Global (Multiple Field Offices, Regional Hubs & Country Offices Worldwide)
Position Type: Internship Programme (Full-Time or Part-Time Options Available)
Duration: 6 Weeks to 26 Weeks (Up to 6 Months)
Target Candidates: Enrolled Tertiary Students (Undergrad, Postgrad, PhD) & Recent Graduates (Within Last 2 Years)
Compensation / Benefits: Monthly Living Stipend + Travel/Visa Lump Sum Contribution (When Available)
Posted Date: 20 October 2026
Closing Date: Ongoing / Continuous Intake (Multiple Vacancies Listed Year-Round)
About UNICEF & The Global Internship Programme
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) is a global agency operating in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child, deliver emergency humanitarian relief, and drive long-term socio-economic development.
The UNICEF Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to gain direct, practical work experience within the international development sector. Designed as a transformational career pathway, interns participate in experiential learning across humanitarian relief, health, education, communications, policy analysis, and child protection, building skills that enhance their professional, academic, and personal growth.
What UNICEF Offers Interns
- Monthly Living Stipend: UNICEF provides a regular monthly stipend to assist interns with living expenses during the internship contract.
- Travel & Visa Support: A one-time lump sum contribution toward international travel and visa costs may be granted when departmental funding is available.
- Official Visa Documentation: UNICEF provides formal supporting documents to assist selected interns with visa application processes.
- Flexible Working Duration: Internships range between 6 and 26 weeks, offered on either a full-time or part-time basis depending on academic commitments and office requirements.
Candidate Profile & Minimum Requirements
To qualify for consideration under UNICEF’s global internship framework, applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria:
- Age Limit:
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Academic Enrollment or Graduate Status:
- Currently enrolled in an Undergraduate, Graduate (Master’s/Honours), or PhD programme at a recognized university, OR
- Have graduated within the past two (2) years from a recognized tertiary institution.
- Language Proficiency:
- Proficient in at least one of UNICEF’s core working languages: English, French, or Spanish.
- Note: Fluency in the specific working language of the local country office applied to (e.g., local official languages) may also be required.
- Academic Performance & Experience:
- Demonstrated strong academic performance and high personal motivation.
- Advantageous: Relevant prior work experience or volunteering in functional areas related to the internship post.
- Nepotism & Reporting Line Rule:
- Must have no immediate relatives (e.g., mother, father, sister, brother) working with UNICEF, nor any other relatives in your direct reporting line of authority.
Application Guidelines & Candidate Advice
- Search Active Vacancies: Visit the official UNICEF Vacancies Portal to browse current global internship openings across different technical streams and locations.
- Tailor Your Profile: Carefully review specific requirements for each posting and customize your online candidate profile and CV to highlight alignment with the role.
- Submit Application: Click “Apply Now” on the chosen vacancy and follow the step-by-step submission instructions.
- Selection Notice: Due to extremely high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments or interviews.
Sample Selection & Interview Questions
Humanitarian Values & Project Execution
- Question (UN Core Values): “How do you demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability in a multicultural team environment?”
- Question (Problem Solving under Pressure): “Describe a scenario where you had to manage competing deadlines for a community or research project while adapting to changing circumstances.”
How to Apply
Browse open opportunities and apply online directly via the official UNICEF Careers Portal:
- Employer: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- Location: Global / Various Country & Regional Offices
- Position: Global Internship Programme (6 to 26 Weeks)
- Benefits: Monthly Stipend + Travel Support (Subject to Funding)
- Closing Date: Ongoing Opportunities Year-Round