UNICEF Internship Programme

The UNICEF Internship Programme allows students and recent graduates to gain direct practical experience with UNICEF offices and teams. Interns work on assignments connected to the real needs of the office advertising the vacancy rather than following one standard training curriculum.

Key features of the programme:

• Paid internships — All interns receive a monthly stipend

• Travel support possible — One-time lump sum contribution toward travel and visa costs when funding is available

• Flexible duration — Normally 6 to 26 weeks, full-time or part-time

• Flexible work arrangements — Onsite, remote, or hybrid depending on the vacancy

• Year-round openings — New vacancies posted continuously; no single annual deadline

• No application fee — UNICEF does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment

• Diverse fields — Education, health, nutrition, child protection, communications, data, AI, partnerships, operations, and emergencies

Related: Learn more about UNICEF's work worldwide and UN careers.

All UNICEF interns receive the following support:

• Monthly stipend — Paid by UNICEF or a partner institution as a contribution toward living expenses

• Travel and visa contribution — A one-time lump sum may be granted when funding is available

• Real-world experience — Direct contribution to programmes affecting children in over 190 countries

• Professional development — Exposure to UN systems, international development, and humanitarian operations

• Global network — Collaboration with multicultural teams across headquarters, regional, and country offices

• Certificate — Proof of internship completion for your CV and LinkedIn

Note: The exact stipend amount varies by duty station, office, and funding conditions. Check the individual vacancy for specific financial details.

For most UNICEF internship applications, you will need:

• Online recruitment profile — Completed through the UNICEF careers portal with personal details, education, experience, languages, and skills

• CV / Resume — Concise summary of relevant expertise, experience, education, qualifications, technical skills, languages, and volunteer work

• Cover letter — Targeted explanation of why you suit the role and what you can contribute to the specific assignment

Important: The vacancy announcement and online application form are the final sources for required documents. Upload transcripts, enrolment proof, or other documents only when specifically requested.

Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Age: At least 18 years old at the time of application

• Academic status: Currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programme, or have graduated within the past two years

• Language proficiency: Proficient in at least one of UNICEF's working languages — English, French, or Spanish. Fluency in the working language of the office you are applying to may also be required

• Academic performance: Strong academic record and clear motivation

• Relatives rule: No immediate relatives (mother, father, sister, brother) working with UNICEF, and no other relatives in your intended reporting line of authority

• Relevant experience: Additional consideration given to professional, volunteer, or academic experience relevant to the function

Note: Each vacancy has its own specific requirements regarding degree field, technical skills, language, nationality, and location. Meeting the general criteria does not guarantee eligibility for every role.

Follow these steps to apply for a UNICEF internship:

1. Visit the UNICEF Careers portal — Go to unicef.org/careers

2. Filter for internships — Select "Internship" under the Contract-type filter

3. Search for relevant vacancies — Use keyword, functional-area, or location filters to find roles matching your profile

4. Read the full vacancy announcement — Check eligibility, responsibilities, location, work arrangement, duration, nationality restrictions, language requirements, and deadline

5. Click "Apply Now" — Create a UNICEF recruitment account or sign in to an existing profile

6. Complete your online profile — Fill in all required fields accurately, including education dates and language levels

7. Upload your CV and cover letter — Tailor both to the specific vacancy

8. Review and submit — Ensure all information is consistent and submit before the deadline

9. Save the confirmation email — You will receive an email confirming your submission

Tips:

• You can save a draft and return later, but you must formally submit before the deadline

• Check the time zone of the closing time — a vacancy may close earlier in your local time

• Only shortlisted candidates are contacted; if you do not hear back, your application was not selected

• You can apply to multiple vacancies, but tailor each application to the specific role